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Chemical Engineering

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 3 to 4 years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Edinburgh Campus
More about Heriot-Watt University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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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.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Edinburgh Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 to 4 Years

Start dates

  • 13 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
H800
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

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 level
BBC

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 Tariff
Not accepted

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
AABB

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 Higher
AB

in Mathematics and Chemistry plus Highers AABB for entry to Year 2.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 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 previously been educated in English 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, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

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.

Learn more on the Heriot-Watt University website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.

Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.

As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country

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

LocationFeeYear
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

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