Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Open Day (September)
26 Sept 2026, 09:00
Edinburgh
Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
Heriot-Watt University has been a leader in chemical engineering for over 50 years.
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for chemical engineering.
The 2021 National Student Survey results ranked Heriot-Watt as 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Chemical Engineering, based on overall student satisfaction with our degrees.
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering is accredited by IChemE and will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical application expected by industry. We have strong links with professional communities, allowing us to enhance the career prospects of our graduates.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees
Programme structure
BEng (Hons) provides a sound understanding of the chemical and process engineering fundamentals that you need to become a professional engineer. In addition to science, maths and engineering, our students acquire practical abilities that are highly sought after by industry.
The BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering is a four-year degree which can include an additional 5th year of study, to make the programme a more advanced MEng degree. You will 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.
Final year BEng (Hons) students undertake a group-based design project that consolidates the subjects taught across the programme.
Facilities and labs
We have invested in our lab facilities to provide students with equipment of an industrial standard as found in industry. 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 enable 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.
Strong 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
BEng Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
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:
- H800
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
including Chemistry and Maths at BB for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: BBB including Chemistry and Maths
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.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
HNC in a relevant subject (with sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HNDPass
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.
Scottish HigherAABB
including Mathematics and Chemistry, with one at A.
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 Advanced HigherAB
in Mathematics and Chemistry plus Highers AABB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 29
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
in relevant science including Mathematics and Chemistry for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)P
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
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
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
including Chemistry and Maths at BB for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: BBB including Chemistry and Maths
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.
Scottish Higher BBBC
including Mathematics and Chemistry, with one at A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DMM
in relevant science including Mathematics and Chemistry for entry to Year 1.
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.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
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £25808 |
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
Subject to confirmation
Sponsorship information
Milton Access Bursary
Overview
The Milton Access Bursary awards students from widening participation backgrounds coming to study a Chemical Engineering degree £1000 per year. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with their living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies.
Eligibility
The Milton Access Bursary provides students from widening participation backgrounds coming to study a Chemical Engineering degree who are joining us in September 2027, with extra financial support to help towards living costs. Please check if you meet our Widening access criteria by visiting our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/widening-access
How to apply
Applications will open in February 2027 and more info can be found on our website.
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries/milton-access-bursary
Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
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