BEng Chemical Engineering with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Chemical Engineering is concerned with the design and operation of processes that convert materials and energy into higher-value products such as pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, energy products, polymers, fuels, semiconductors, batteries and coatings. Students combine applied sciences, engineering, technology, finance and management to design, build and run economical, ethical and sustainable facilities. The degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers. The four-year BEng includes a placement year in industry, and students with excellent performance may transfer to the MEng.

Department: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Duration: 4 years full-time | Intake: 2027/28 academic year | Study mode: full-time (with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Four-year BEng including a placement in year 3; students may receive payment from the placement provider.

Career pathways

Chemical Engineering degrees lead to careers across renewable energy, safety, chemicals, the environment and waste management. The School works with employers including Eli Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Alexion, AbbVie, GSK, Shell, Petronas, BP, Invista, Seagate and Johnson Matthey. Graduates may continue to PhD study or to the School's MSc programmes in Net Zero Engineering or Biopharmaceutical Engineering.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer BBB at A-level, including Mathematics and at least one of Chemistry (preferred), Biology, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Geography, ICT (not Applied ICT), Physics, Software Systems Development, Technology and Design or Double Award Life and Health Sciences. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts towards the portfolio, with a Distinction equated to a grade B. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4 or H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Mathematics and a Science subject. International Baccalaureate: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and a relevant Science (Chemistry preferred); if neither Chemistry nor Physics is taken at Higher Level, GCSE Chemistry and Physics at C/4 or Double Award Science CC/44 is needed (Standard Level 4 accepted in lieu). BTEC Extended/National Extended Diploma: DDD, with Distinctions in the specified Mathematics and Engineering units (relevant diploma required). Access Course: 80% in each module, including two Level 3 Mathematics modules and two Level 3 Physics/Chemistry modules. Graduates: minimum 2:2 Honours degree with any subject requirements met. All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent; applicants without Chemistry or Physics at A-level need GCSE Chemistry and Physics at C/4 or Double Award Science CC/4,4. Last year's GCSE profile was five passes at C/4 or better including English Language and Mathematics. Offers are normally based on three A-levels; the offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher; interviews are not normally held. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent acceptable qualification. Applications are made through UCAS; the University does not normally interview candidates.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time

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