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Course summary
Chemical engineering involves developing more sustainable ways of manufacturing the products we use every day while addressing the global challenges of climate change, energy, sustainability, and human health.
Chemical engineers design processes to transform raw materials into products such as chemicals, fuels, foods and pharmaceuticals at an industrial scale safely, sustainably and cost-effectively. Chemical engineers also contribute enormously to wider society, for example, by manufacturing new drugs at affordable costs and by tackling environmental problems such as pollution and global warming.
You will develop a wide understanding of chemical and process engineering and learn how chemical engineers play a critical role in making key decisions including:
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selecting the best reaction pathway to the desired product in order to minimize formation of unwanted by-products
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determining how to purify the product
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designing the best control system to ensure the process is safe
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developing the most cost-effective process
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how to deal with unreacted raw materials
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optimising the process to maximise yield and recycle energy to maximise efficiency.
Our interdisciplinary approach means that you study the fundamentals of each engineering discipline before specialising in your third year. You can therefore keep your options open while gaining a wide range of perspectives and skills - something that makes Aberdeen graduates better equipped to collaborate, innovate and lead in the workplace.
Our location in Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, and our strong industry links means that you will have the opportunity to engage with both the local upstream oil and gas industry and with the latest developments in the energy transition through the School of Engineering’s work in energy from biomass, energy conversion and storage, biorefinery and the production of chemicals from biomass.
If you are interested in chemical reactions and understanding how the physical properties of matter can be harnessed to create world-changing technologies, then you should consider Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen.
Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
Modules
The first two years cover general engineering, with elements of chemical, mechanical, petroleum and electrical/electronics, as well as civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year. This is also the point at which a final decision between MEng and BEng must be made. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng.
Assessment method
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Chemical Engineers, Institution of
- Engineering and Technology, Institution of
- Energy Institute, The
- Engineering Council
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How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- H813
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Chemical Process Technology (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent), Physics Principles Mechanics (H93H 34).
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Engineering Systems (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Petroleum Engineering (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent), Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction (DX2933), and Fundamental Concepts of Organic Chemistry (DP2P33).
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Chemical Process Technology (240 SCQF credit points) - BA in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (or equivalent).
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Engineering Systems (240 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
International applicants
In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that students budget £1,023 per month to cover their living costs. International students who require a Student visa to study in the UK also have to pay the NHS health surcharge of £470 per year of study, plus £235 (any additional period of 6 months or less is charged at the rate of half the annual amount) when applying for a visa.
International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note that this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
Three A Levels at BBC with a B in Mathematics and B in Physics; or a B in Design & Technology; or a B in Engineering. A Level Chemistry is also required for entry.
GCSE English at a Grade C also required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
DDM in Mathematics and Physics required. GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics or Dual Award Science.
Scottish Higher - BBBB
BBBB required to include Mathematics and Physics/Engineering Science (previously known as Technological Studies) and Chemistry.
Also required: English at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3 or National 5 at grades A, B or C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
32 Points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (5 or above) and English at Standard Level. For Chemical or Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry at HL (5 or above) also required.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
5 subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3
H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
For Chemical or Petroleum Engineering, H3 or above in Chemistry also required.
Scottish HNC
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Chemical Process Technology (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent), Physics Principles Mechanics (H93H 34).
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Engineering Systems (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Petroleum Engineering (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent), Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction (DX2933), and Fundamental Concepts of Organic Chemistry (DP2P33).
Scottish HND
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Chemical Process Technology (240 SCQF credit points) - BA in Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (or equivalent).
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Engineering Systems (240 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Please note: For Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to Year 1, in addition to the general engineering requirements.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We are keen to encourage students from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in University studies, and we appreciate that not all students have the same opportunity to meet our advertised entry requirements.
For this reason we take contextualised information into account when making decisions on the applications we have received. Decisions are made in line with the University's Contexualised Admissions Policy.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £24800* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24800* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
EU/International Fees have not been set for Academic Year 2025-26. The fee detailed above was for Academic Year 2024-25.
EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Sponsorship information
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
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Course contact details
Directorate of External Relations
Email:study@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1224 272090
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