Chemical Engineering

Heriot-Watt University has been a leader in chemical engineering for over 50 years.

The 2021 National Student Survey ranked Heriot-Watt University as 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering, based on students’ overall satisfaction with our degrees.

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranked Heriot-Watt University as 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for Chemical Engineering. 95% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating and 90% of those were in highly skilled work, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey sited on Discover Uni 2021.

Degree structure MEng Chemical Engineering is a five-year degree which shares its first four years with the BEng programme. You choose which route to follow at the end of your 4th year, giving you the flexibility to decide which degree best suits your career ambitions.

Our MEng programme gives you a sound understanding of both the chemical and process engineering fundamentals that you need to become a professional chartered engineer. In addition to science, maths and engineering knowledge, you will acquire practical abilities that are highly sought after by industry.

The final year of the MEng Chemical Engineering includes advanced courses to broaden and deepen your understanding of chemical and process engineering. You will study optional courses from a range of specialist engineering subjects along with an extensive research project.

Final year MEng students also undertake a commercial tender-based exercise taking on the role of an engineering design house pitching for business to our industrial advisory board.

Facilities and labs We have invested in our lab facilities to provide students with equipment of industrial standard. Our labs have a full range of services including modern cooling, steam and compressed air systems. Electronics and programming have been integrated into our teaching, with Arduino and Labview being used as graphical programming platforms. Students gain a basic understanding of electronics in the first two years to allow them to use these platforms.

Industrial placements Students wishing to obtain a Diploma in Industrial Training (DIT) linked to their degree will be assisted to find suitable placements, which may be abroad. The 10-month placement takes place in the penultimate year of the programme and is supported by Chemical & Process Engineering staff. On successful completion of a DIT placement, students will be eligible to apply for professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech TIChemE) with the IChemE and Engineering Council.

Links with industry An Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) comprised of both alumni and company representatives provides input into the development of our degree programme. The IAB ensures our programmes stay relevant to the needs of industry and that our graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future.

"The degree programmes in chemical and process engineering produce graduates who are ready to ‘hit the ground running’. Students are exposed to external industry and the appreciation of where and how the theories fit in practice." Andrew Scott, Business Development Director with LGE Energy & Marine.

Accreditation MEng Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registrations as a Chartered Engineer.