Program Overview
The Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in engineering, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 48 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in engineering.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Engineering.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 48 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
Loading Katie Clamp studied Chemical Enginering here and now works at Unilever. Manchester is the birthplace of Chemical Engineering, and we continue to excel in its teaching and research. That's why our graduates are highly sought after and a Chemical Engineering degree from Manchester can be your ticket into any number of industries. Our graduates have progressed to careers in food and drink, chemicals, oil or gas; some have gone into petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods, energy generation, or waste treatment. Roles for a chemical engineering graduate can vary, including product design, research and development, project management, and manufacturing. You could even use the skills you gain to pursue a career in a non-chemical engineering sector, such as business, finance, marketing, banking, insurance, accountancy, or IT - your job could take you anywhere in the world. Our graduates have gained roles such as: Site Engineer Process Engineer Data Analyst Low Carbon Technologies Engineer Project Manager Safety Consultant Site Manager. Our graduates have secured roles at organisations including: Pfizer Barclays Unilever Siemens Exxon Mobil Air Products Shell Tesco BP. By undertaking a degree with us, you will develop skills that will be invaluable for you in your future career, such as: Teamwork Problem-solving Presentation and communication Use of information technology. What's more, graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in demand among the top graduate employers by attending one of the most targeted universities according to The Graduate Market in 2023 - High Fliers Research. Whatever you decide, you'll be among a cohort of chemical engineering graduates who typically go on to earn more than those progressing from other disciplines. Careers Service We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation. That's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation. Department of Chemical Engineering Blog Explore more about our students' experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog. Our Manchester Graduates (PDF, 546KB) A degree from The University of Manchester can lead to a number of new and exciting opportunities. Read about our graduates and their advice for you.
Accrediting organisations
This degree has been accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council . Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Specialise in energy and the environment - two key subjects for the future of chemical engineering - in yourfinal year. Study at the birthplace of chemical engineering: Manchester. Master the basics and hone your skills at a university ranked 4th in the UK, 6th in Europe, and 16th in the world for Chemical Engineering ( QS World University Rankings 2025 ). We're the most targeted university by the UK's leading graduate employers ( High Fliers Research 2023 ). All our courses are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Get hands-on in one of the largest purpose-built pilot-scale laboratories in Europe. Become among the highest-paid graduates in the engineering field. Learn in our brand-new, purpose-built space forâ¯innovation and creativityâ¯that is transforming the way our students study, research, and shape the world forever. Explore⯠Our Home for Engineering and Materials . Loading Manchester, the birthplace of Chemical Engineering.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities. Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible. Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab. Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Explore how you'll make your mark Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals , so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet. You will explore the following goals in your course: Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production Goal 13: Climate action
Open days
Loading Chemical Engineering student Bronwen Reed tells us why she chose to study at Manchester. The University holds undergraduate open days regularly, giving you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer, and our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is all about. Find out about our upcoming open days . View the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions.
Contact details Department Department of Chemical Engineering Contact name Admissions Team Telephone +44 161 275 8200 Email ug-chemeng@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.ce.manchester.ac.uk School/Faculty overview The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Chemical Engineering
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A-level
AAA including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either: a) sat your examinations early; or b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years. If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
A-level contextual offer
AAB including A in Mathematics and B or above in Chemistry or Physics. Find out more about contextual admissions .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 9,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
At The University of Manchester we're committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
At The University of Manchester we're committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-01-15
- Start Date 2018-09-19
- Language English
- Duration 48 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)
