Chemical engineers are trained to apply fundamental engineering principles to design, develop and manage processes while maximising economic returns and reducing environmental impact. Chemical engineers need to work as part of a team and develop good communication skills. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are also a bonus.

Sectors chemical engineers work in include:

• biotechnology
• business and finance
• consumer products
• contracting and consultancy
• education
• energy, renewables, nuclear, fossil fuels
• engineering biology
• fibres for the fashion industry
• food and drink
• materials
• mining and minerals
• pharmaceuticals
• process and equipment
• water.

A chemical engineering degree equips you with easily transferable skills. Graduates usually take on considerable responsibility within a few years of graduation. For this reason, job prospects are excellent and often involve the chance to reach senior managerial positions at a young age.

The choice of work available is exceptionally wide. Chemical engineers work in large international companies, as well as smaller companies; in sectors as wide ranging as chemicals, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, biotechnology and water. They are also highly sought after in business and finance.

Chemical engineers are the best paid group of engineers. According to an annual salary survey of IChemE members, those aged 25 to 29 earn £42,000/y on average. More details about the salaries for chemical engineers can be found on our salary survey page.

Yes! Chemical engineering is a well-respected discipline that opens many career paths across industry, business and finance. Chemical engineering graduates are highly sought after as employers recognise that their analytical and problem-solving skills are highly transferable.

Yes, chemical engineering is a truly international profession providing many opportunities for worldwide travel.

Chemistry investigates the background of the science encompassing aspects of; organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and bio-chemistry. Chemical engineering is more multidisciplinary and practical, applying engineering science to problems relating to heat transfer, fluid dynamics, equipment design etc. Whilst chemists will focus on developing novel materials and processes, chemical engineers focus on turning these new ideas and discoveries into useful products that are attainable.

A lot of work falls into the design, construction and operation of plants and machinery, focussing on making products for profit and on a scale that is accessible to the many. An increasing focus for chemical engineers is supporting the development of new technologies to, for example, support the energy transition and make best use of available resources.

Penicillin is a good example; a chemist had found the molecule in a lab, but it is only thanks to chemical engineers that the process whereby penicillin could be manufactured at scale was developed. A more recent example of this is the large scale roll out of COVID vaccines.

Chemical engineering is concerned with changing raw materials into useful products by designing processes which change their chemical or physical composition, structure or energy content.

Biochemical engineering is a branch of chemical engineering which is concerned with biological changes and is particularly important in the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and the treatment of waste.

Process engineering is essentially the application of chemical engineering principles to optimise the design, operation and control of chemical processes. Since this requires equipment design and selection, mechanical engineers may also be employed as process engineers.

You can get into chemical engineering through a degree course at university or a degree apprenticeship. These routes would lead to a qualification as a chemical engineer. You can also work as a technician in chemical engineering by completing an apprenticeship.

How long does it take to complete a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships take between three and six years to complete, depending on the course and whether you study full-time or part-time. You'll spend some time working and some time studying at university. For example, you might go to university one or two days per week, or in short blocks, such as a week at a time.

Is there a level 3 apprenticeship in chemical engineering or just a more general engineering offer?

Level 3 apprenticeships in the UK for those aged 16 to 18 years are also known as advanced apprenticeships. They are generally considered to be equivalent to two A level passes. Currently, there are more general engineering level 3 apprenticeships being offered compared with specific chemical engineering apprenticeships. An advanced apprenticeship may take one to two years to complete.

How many UK universities currently offer degree apprenticeship routes in chemical engineering?

There are currently a small number of degree apprenticeships being offered by universities or they may be advertised directly by employers. This is an area of development, and more opportunities are likely to be available in the future. Current information is available from the websites listed at the end of this section.

What GCSEs do I need to start the apprenticeship route?

For an advanced apprenticeship, you will usually need five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths. For a higher or degree apprenticeship, you will need four or five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. You’ll also need A levels, usually including maths and chemistry, or equivalent such as T-levels or BTEC.

What A levels do I need to start a degree apprenticeship?

Two or three A Levels, usually including maths and chemistry, or equivalent such as T-levels or BTEC.

For further information on apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships available in the UK go to Find apprenticeship training or for England About Apprenticeships for Scotland Apprenticeships Scot for Wales Become an apprentice and for Northern Ireland Apprenticeships

Additional resources about chemical engineering at UCAS - Chemical Engineering and Youth Employment UK Chemical Engineer

There are a number of universities that offer foundation courses that cover the necessary background. However, these are usually designed for those without the correct subjects needed for entry, rather than for those who have the correct subjects but have not met the level/grades required.

You could also consider an apprenticeship.

Browse the list of universities with an IChemE accredited course, or use the UCAS Course Search.

All accredited courses have a good reputation. Our strict accreditation procedures ensure universities maintain the highest standards. Find out which universities offer IChemE-accredited courses.

For an independent guide to the universities offering chemical engineering degrees, visit one or more of the following websites:

• The Complete University Guide
• The Guardian's University Guide
• The Times' Good University Guide (subscription may be required)

Chemical engineering degrees may be accredited at bachelors level or above depending on the course of study. Broadly, an accredited degree is one that has been approved by a professional body. In chemical engineering, this means you can be assured of the following:

• high standard of teaching
• appropriate practical content and contact hours
• designed to meet the needs of employers
• solid professional grounding and internationally recognised process safety and sustainability content.

An accredited degree enables you to become an Associate Member of IChemE when you graduate. After graduation, because you have an appropriate educational base from your degree, you will be able to work towards a professional qualification and become a chartered chemical engineer. This additional professional qualification is widely recognised and demonstrates professional competence and commitment to employers, policy makes and society.

You can see the full list of IChemE accredited university courses on the find a degree programme page.

The MEng course lasts a year longer than the BEng course and provides a greater depth and breadth of study.

Apart from the compulsory ‘core’ subjects which are usually studied in the earlier years, there is a broad range of optional subjects. In addition to ‘straight’ chemical engineering or biochemical engineering there are some courses that combine both, and others which include elements of energy engineering, chemistry, nuclear engineering or biopharmaceutical engineering.

Other options such as study abroad or an industrial placement may also be available.

Most universities offer courses giving the opportunity to spend time in industry getting relevant work experience, or studying at a university abroad.

Many companies offer work experience placements - some as short as one week, others lasting six months or even a year. To find out more visit the website of the company you are interested in or write to them directly. Alternatively, you can contact the Year in Industry who find paid, degree-relevant work experience for students in their year out before, or during, university.

A number of companies and organisations offer schemes to financially assist chemical engineering students, though demand is high so competition for places is fierce. Contact your university of choice to find out more as many companies have particular sponsorship opportunities linked to specific university departments. Alternatively, visit The Scholarship Hub.

IChemE offers a range of products and services to help its members maintain an awareness of developments in their field and support their professional development.

Membership introduces students to the world of chemical engineering and provides networking opportunities in addition to other resources.

Students can join IChemE as soon as they start university (or have a firm acceptance to study chemical engineering). For more information about IChemE and the benefits of Student Membership visit our Student Member page.