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Chemical Engineering
MEng (Hon) · 5 Years · Full-time · 14/09/2026 · UndergraduateEdinburgh Campus
Course summary
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.
Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.
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.
How to apply
Apply by
14 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:
- H801
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
including Chemistry and Maths for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: BBB including Chemistry and Maths
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
in relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) for entry to Year 1.
Scottish Higher - AAAB
including Mathematics and Chemistry.
Scottish Advanced Higher - AB
in Mathematics and Chemistry plus Highers AAAB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
with Mathematics and Chemistry at Higher Level 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points with Mathematics and Chemistry at Higher Level 6.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
For entry to Year 1: HND in a relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units.
For Year 2 entry: HND in a relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with AB/BA in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
We are always welcome to transfer students, including considering advanced entry to Year 3 for students with strong academic performance. Applicants interested in this route should be in touch directly with our Admissions team.
This programme also has an Associate route with our college partnerships. Please see our website for further information.
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
-
A level - BCC
including Maths and Chemistry with one at B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
must be in relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
Scottish Higher - BBBC
with Maths and Chemistry at BB
GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
-
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
HND in a relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories:
Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets.
Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
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 realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers 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 Heriot-Watt University - 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 |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25808 | Year 1 |
| International | £25808 | Year 1 |
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
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