Chemical Engineering is concerned with the design and operation of processes which convert materials and energy into the higher value products we use every day. It understands the processes which occur at the small scale and relates these to the larger scale production of, for example: pharmaceuticals, food stuffs, energy, polymers, lubricants, fuels, semiconductors, batteries, paints and coatings. The main tools of the Chemical Engineer are the applied sciences, engineering, technology, finance and management in that as a Chemical Engineer you become proficient in not only identifying how to convert materials into functional products but also in how to construct, operate and manage facilities so that they are economical, ethical and sustainable. It borders and overlaps with other engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering as well as business studies and entrepreneurship.
Four-year MEng and five-year MEng (with a Year in Industry) degrees are available for high-calibre students with the ability and aspiration to study Chemical Engineering at the highest levels. BEng students with excellent performance may transfer to the MEng up to the end of Stage 3.

A highly ranked Chemical Engineering programme in a dynamic and internationally recognised School which combines world-leading research in applied sciences and engineering with innovative teaching to address global challenges.

Course highlights

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers

Industry Links

We regularly consult with, and develop links with, a large number of global employers from a variety of sectors spanning the pharmaceutical industry (including Eli Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Alexion, Abbvie and GSK), energy (including Shell, Petronas and BP) and Chemicals/Speciality products (Invista, Seagate, and Johnson Matthey). Furthermore, we work with a range of local and start-up/spin-out companies including Northern Ireland Water, Almac, GLT, ESB, SSE, NIE, Lagan MEICA, Catagen, B9 and Nuada.

Career Development

QUB Chemical Engineering degrees facilitate careers in a wide range of global and national industries including renewable energy, safety, chemicals, the environment and waste management. Employers value the transferable skill sets our degrees contain and this is reflected in both salary levels and the demand for our chemical engineers who can excel in critical problem solving and work in multidisciplinary teams. Our students learn the skills which enable them to work in diverse high level careers.

World Class Facilities

Significant investment has resulted in the installation and use of some of the most modern instrumentation available as well as a state of the art digital learning platform.

Student Experience

Ranked No. 1 in the Russell Group for overall student positivity (National Student Survey 2025) and 11th in the UK for Chemical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2026), the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering pairs inspiring teaching with exceptional student support. Combine these academic credentials with Belfast’s affordable living costs and its vibrant cultural and social scene, and students will find the ideal environment in which to excel, both academically and personally.

Further Study Opportunities

As a member of the Russell Group, Queen’s is one of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities. We are ranked 13th in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2026).
In the School there are excellent opportunities to study for PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering or to undertake Masters programmes in our innovative Net Zero Engineering or Biopharmaceutical Engineering courses.

The first year provides students with a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of chemical engineering, including thermodynamics, fluid and heat transfer, mass transfer, and process analysis.
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of core areas while developing key skills in process control, safety, sustainability, and design methodology.
The final year focuses on integrating and applying these skills through a major design project, alongside advanced technical modules that further develop professional competence and readiness for engineering practice.

Introduction

All degrees are modular, with the equivalent of six modules in each year (note these may be split into sub modules). Within these modules, students will develop their skills in core chemical engineering subject matter and have the opportunity to enhance these skills through laboratory practicals, computer workshops and engineering design.
More advanced modules in areas such as energy and materials are delivered in the later years. To obtain professional accreditation, students must follow a defined pathway.

Stage 1

Stage 1 provides you with introductory Chemical Engineering and supporting content. This introduces the principles and processes which explain how matter heats, moves and changes through different physical states or via reactions.

Stage 1 courses are outlined below:
• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Introduction to Chemical Products and Processes
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• two Maths modules
• Physical Theory
• Principles of Heat, Mass and Momentum Transfer

Stage 2

Stage 2 extends your knowledge of Chemical Engineering subject matter, building depth in the areas of thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer and providing training in the use of computational tools to design, model and control systems.
Stage 2 courses are outlined below:
• Chemical Process Thermodynamics
• Chemical Plant Design and Operation
• Fluid Mechanics
• Heat and Mass Transfer
• Process Control
• Safety and Mechanical Design

Stage 3

Stage 3 continues to add depth to core chemical engineering material and introduces new areas such as biochemical engineering. You will get to practice your skills through the design of a Chemical plant - this includes the calculation of material and energy flows, safety and environmental aspects as well as economics to demonstrate overall feasibility.

Stage 3 courses are outlined below:
• Biochemical Engineering
• Chemical Reactor Design and Process Integration
• Design Project
• Mass and Heat Transfer
• Transport Phenomena

• People Teaching You
  Dr Chirangano Mangwandi

  Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering

  Chemistry & Chemical Eng,
  Dr Mangwandi is interested in developing and making new materials that can be used for water purification and clean energy and in developing useful materials from food and agricultural waste.

  Dr Marijana Blesic

  Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering

  Chemistry & Chemical Eng.
  Dr Blesic is conducting an interdisciplinary research program focused on design, simulation, and synthesis of novel molecular structures for targeted applications in separation technology, energy and the healthcare sectors.

• Contact Teaching Hours

  Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

  2 (hours maximum)
  2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week

  Large Group Teaching

  8 (hours maximum)
  8 hours of lectures or seminars

  Personal Study

  24 (hours maximum)
  22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

  Medium Group Teaching

  6 (hours maximum)
  6 hours of practical classes or workshops each week; Design and research hours will increase as more project work is undertaken at Levels 3-4 (as applicable)

• Learning and Teaching

  At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
  
  On the BEng in Chemical Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. We make use of innovative technologies and a world class library to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.
  
  Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  Design Classes

  Design classes are embedded at all stages of the programme. IChemE accredited design module CHE3104 is taken at Stage 3. Significant aspects include: problem solving; sustainability, environmental awareness and safe working practices and transferable skills (such as report writing, oral presentations, IT, teamwork, critical thought, entrepreneurship).

  Directed self-study

  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, preparation for seminars / tutorials, writing of laboratory reports can be completed. You are encouraged to undertake private reflection on feedback, and at the later stages undertake independent research using the primary literature to support project work and critically review taught course material.

  E-Learning technologies

  Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. Opportunities to use IT programmes associated with data manipulation and presentation are embedded in the practicals and the project-based work.

  Lectures

  Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  Personal Tutor

  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic and professional development through the discussion of selected topics.

  Practicals

  Laboratory practicals occur at stage 1 and stage 2 of the engineering programme. Here you will work with equipment which give you a greater understanding of the fundamental science that you will undertake within the classroom. Experiments cover areas such as heat and mass transfer, adsorption and reaction as well as many others. Our laboratory practicals are constantly updated and use modern equipment. Furthermore we train you in a number of computer software tools which will enhance your understanding and provide you with useful skills which are needed in industry.

  Seminars/tutorials

  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 6-10 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups as well as using them as a route to provide individual feedback.

• Assessment

  Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students through the VLE.
• Facilities

  The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has seen substantial strategic investment in building new state-of-the-art research laboratories for synthetic and analytical chemistry, as well as catalysis research, with accommodation for over 50 researchers.
  A £4 million investment in research and teaching laboratory space has significantly modernised and further extended our facilities, with recently added open-access equipment including an environmental SEM facility, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction equipment, a high-end confocal Raman microscope, 400 & 600 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, and a 500 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer.
  Further open-access School facilities include two additional NMR spectrometers, three mass spectrometers, and additional powder XRD, ICP-OES, BET and Hg porosimetry equipment, a CD spectrometer and a HPLC/GC instrumentation, as well as standard spectrometer and computational facilities.
  
  An in-house team provides analytical services to internal and external stakeholders using their dedicated instrument suite. 15 technicians provide support for microanalysis, glass-blowing, mechanical engineering, electronics, computer management and laboratory safety.
  https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/OurSchool/Facilities/

  In addition to an instrument pool containing a range of infrared and ultra violet / visible spectrometers, a circular dichroism spectrometer and polarimeter, major items of equipment possessed by the School include NMR spectrometers, powder X-ray diffractometer, , Time of Flight Mass Spectrometers, GC / mass spectrometers, Elemental analyser, Thermal analysers F.T. infrared spectrometers, BET, Scanning electron microscope and a range of the most modern facilities for laser-based spectroscopy, including nanosecond pulsed system.
  http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/

A level requirements

BBB including Mathematics and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Biology, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Geography, ICT (not Applied ICT), Physics, Software Systems Development, Technology and Design or Double Award Life & Health Sciences.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements)

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with 80% in each module.

Must be a relevant Access Course including two modules in Mathematics (Level 3) and two modules in Physics/Chemistry (Level 3).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Mathematics and a relevant Science subject (Chemistry preferred) - see list under A-level requirements.

If Chemistry or Physics is not offered at Higher Level then GCSE Chemistry and Physics grade C/4 or Double Award Science grades CC/44 would be required.

Standard Level grade 4 would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades DDD. Distinctions will be required in Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.

RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades DDD. Distinctions will be required in Engineering Principles and Further Engineering Mathematics.

Extended/National Extended Diploma must be relevant.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants not offering Chemistry or Physics at A-level should have a minimum of either a grade C/4 in GCSE Chemistry and Physics, or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4.

Option to transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

• How we choose our students

  In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
  
  Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
  
  Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
  
  For last year’s intake, applicants for BEng degrees in Chemical Engineering offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better, to include English Language and Mathematics. However, this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. Applicants not offering Chemistry or Physics at A-level require either grade C/4 in GCSE Chemistry and Physics, or grades CC/4,4 in GCSE Double Award Science. Selectors will also check that any specific entry requirements in terms of A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
  
  Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS are also considered. Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview. The offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
  
  Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
  
  For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year's entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit, including Mathematics. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
  
  Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC Extended/National Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas, will also be considered.
  
  The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates taking a BTEC Extended/National Extended Diploma, and must include GCSE Mathematics at minimum grade C/4, along with either grade C/4 in GCSE Chemistry and Physics, or grades CC/4,4 in GCSE Double Award Science.
  
  Applicants offering a Higher National Certificate (HNC) will require an appropriate GCSE profile, which must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. A relevant HNC in Engineering is required, including Engineering Mathematics. For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of this HNC with Merits in all units, including Merits in specified units.
  
  For those offering a Higher National Diploma (HND), some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile, but this must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. To be eligible for an offer, at least one unit completed in the first year of the HND must be at Merit level. A relevant HND in Engineering is required for admission to this degree and offers for Stage 1 entry are currently conditional on successful completion of this HND with Merits in all units assessed in final year, including in Engineering Mathematics and other specified units. There is no Higher National Diploma in Chemical Engineering which would permit consideration for entry to Stage 2.
  
  The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
  
  A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
  
  If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Open Day, which is usually held during the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
  
  If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

• International Students

  Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

  Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region

  International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

  For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

  If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

  • Foundation
    The progression course suited to this programme is
    https://qubisc.com/en/courses/international-foundation-for-science-and-engineering.
  • International Year One
    The progression course suited to this programme is
    https://qubisc.com/en/courses/international-year-one-in-engineering.