Chemical Engineering MEng Honours

Clearing - How to apply

What is Clearing?

Each year, universities may have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June.

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline.

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers.

How do I get in touch?

Our Clearing entry requirements may differ from those advertised; contacting our friendly advisers is the best way to find out if you’re eligible for a place.

You can get in touch through live chat or our hotlines. Call us on 0800 073 5050, or if you’re an international student calling from outside the UK, call: +44 191 222 5000.

Not available in Clearing

This course is not available in Clearing 2024.

This means there are no spaces available for Clearing 2024. If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, try exploring other subjects in a related field.

Search our courses in Clearing

Course overview

Chemical Engineering MEng Honours is a four-year degree. It focuses on developing your knowledge and skills across many chemical engineering topics. Its aim is to provide a direct route to becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng). This is one of the industry's most recognisable international qualifications.

You'll deepen your knowledge in more advanced topics during your fourth year. You'll specialise in a field that interests you. This enables you to graduate in your chosen specialism tailored to your career of choice. Specialisms include:

• bioprocess engineering
• process control
• sustainable engineering

More information about these specialisms can be found in the additional information section below.

The fourth-year also allows you to apply knowledge to an advanced design project.

We work with industry so your studies reflect the real-world challenges engineers face. You'll have hands-on practical learning and optional industry placements. These give you the opportunity to put your theory into practice. You'll and gain invaluable experience in the sector.

We ensure your practical, professional and academic skills develop through:

• guest lectures
• placement opportunities
• interactions with industry through projects and visits

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Additional information

Flexible degree structure

All of our Chemical Engineering degrees (except our Industry degree), cover the same study programme for the first three years. This means that transfer between our degrees (except the Industry degree) is possible up to the end of Stage 3 should you find your interests change, providing you achieve the appropriate academic standard. 

Transfer to or from our Industry degree is also possible up to the end of Stage 2, providing you achieve the appropriate academic standard.

Specialising in an area of interest

Choosing a specialism in year four allows you to enhance skills in a particular area. These industry-specific areas may include:

Bioprocess Engineering

Reinforce your understanding using our state-of-the-art facilities. These include:

• labs
• pilot plant laboratory
• computing suites

Explore the use of bioreactors and their effective design, modelling, monitoring and control. Focus on specialist topics such as:

• biotechnology
• cell and molecular biology
• gene technology

Process Control

Develop a comprehensive understanding of:

• transfer processes
• separation processes
• plant design
• the principles of chemical engineering

This enables you to become a highly-skilled process engineer. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to help companies gain a competitive edge.

Sustainable Engineering

Learn how chemical engineers can make a difference with solutions that:

• reduce emissions
• energy consumption
• waste

Explore key topics such as:

• sustainable processing
• energy and materials technology
• enhanced design

 

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions

In your first year, you'll cover the core principles of engineering, maths, and science, including chemistry, thermodynamics, the principles of chemical engineering, and engineering mathematics. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Thermodynamics	10
Transfer Processes	25
Computing and Numerical Methods	10
Data Analysis in Process Industries	5
Chemical Engineering Laboratory	10
Chemistry	20
Principles of Chemical Engineering	20
Engineering Mathematics I	20

Your Stage 2 modules will expand on Stage 1, developing existing skills and knowledge while introducing further areas such as reactor engineering, separation processes, and process measurement, dynamics and control. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Separation Processes 1	20
Transfer Processes 2	20
Reactor Engineering	10
Process Development Science and Analysis	10
Thermodynamics 2	10
Process Measurement, Dynamics & Control	10
Chemical Engineering Laboratory II	10
Safety, Risk and Engineering Practice	20
Engineering Mathematics II	10

In Stage 3, you'll complete modules such as process design and economics, design for process safety, and reactor systems engineering. You'll also work on a team project, which will be presented to a panel of sector experts. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Process Control	10
Process Design & Economics	15
Separation Processes 2	15
Design for Process Safety	10
Reactor Systems Engineering	15
Process and Product Engineering	10
Plant Design	40
Chemical Engineering Laboratory III	5

In Stage 4, you will complete a substantial research project and choose modules in advanced chemical engineering from across our specialisms, including bioprocessing, process control, and sustainable engineering. 

 

MEng in Chemical Engineering with Honours in Chemical Engineering

All candidates shall take the following compulsory modules:

CME8128	MEng Research Project (60 credits)
CME8120	Advanced Design Project (20 credits)
CME8127	Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)

 

Candidates shall take optional modules to the value of 20 credits from the following list:

CME8038	Sustainable Industry (10 credits)
CME8104	Process Control – Design of Digital Control Algorithms (10 credits)
CME8118	Stability and Sustainability of Materials (10 credits)
CME8103	Process Control – Design of Robust Control Algorithms (10 credits)
CME8124	Big Data Analytics in the Process Industries (10 credits)

 Candidates shall take an optional module to the value of 10 credits from the following list:

CME8107	Process Intensification (10 credits)
CME8119	Computational Fluid Dynamics (10 credits)
CME8130	Food processing (10 credits)

 

MEng in Chemical Engineering with Honours in Bioprocess Engineering

Candidates shall take the following compulsory modules:

CME8127	Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)
CME8128	MEng Research Project (60 credits)
CME8120	Advanced Design Project (20 credits)
CME8124	Big Data Analytics in the Process Industries (10 credits)

 

All candidates shall take an optional module to the value of 10 credits from the following list:

CME8104	Process Control – Design of Digital Control Algorithms (10 credits)
CME8038	Sustainable Industry (10 credits)
CME8103	Process Control – Design of Robust Control Algorithms (10 credits)
CME8118	Stability and Sustainability of Materials (10 credits)

 All candidates shall take an optional module to the value of 10 credits from the following list:

CME8107	Process Intensification (10 credits)
CME8119	Computational Fluid Dynamics (10 credits)
CME8130	Food processing (10 credits)

 

MEng in Chemical Engineering with Honours in Process Control

All candidates shall take the following compulsory modules totalling 110 credits:

CME8128	MEng Research Project (60 credits)
CME8120	Advanced Design Project (20 credits)
CME8127	Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)
CME8103	Process Control – Design of Robust  Control Algorithms (10 credits)
CME8104	Process Control – Design of Digital Control Algorithms (10 credits)

All candidates shall take an optional module to the value of 10 credits from the following list:

CME8107	Process Intensification (10 credits)
CME8119	Computational Fluid Dynamics (10 credits)
CME8130	Food processing (10 credits)

 

MEng in Chemical Engineering with Honours in Sustainable Engineering

All candidates shall take the following compulsory modules totalling 110 credits:

CME8127	Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)
CME8128	MEng Research Project (60 credits)
CME8120	Advanced Design Project (20 credits)
CME8038	Sustainable Industry (10 credits)
CME8118	Stability and Sustainability of Materials

All candidates shall take an optional module to the value of 10 credits from the following list:

CME8107	Process Intensification (10 credits)
CME8119	Computational Fluid Dynamics (10 credits)
CME8130	Food processing (10 credits)

 

 

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Newcastle students graduate fully equipped with the skills they will need thanks to our strong links with industry experts and focus on industry skills, including:

• problem-based learning for the first three years based around industrial case studies – excellent preparation for life as a professional engineer
• lectures delivered by practising industry experts covering issues surrounding safety management and environmental protection
• industry representation on our Board of Studies with direct input into our degrees
• industry links with over 100 chemical engineering companies, resulting in sponsorship and placement opportunities and plant visits

We use case study-led teaching, so your learning has real-world relevance. Teaching is through a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• computer practice sessions
• extensive practical laboratory work
• group work on case studies and design projects 

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Interviews

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Research skills

During your final year, you'll undertake an in-depth research project, culminating in a research dissertation and a poster presentation. This is carried out within the School, in UK industry, or at a partner institution. 

Business skills

You'll be able to obtain first-hand experience of working in the sector with an optional placement between stages 3 and 4. You'll also have the opportunity to get involved in Stubrew – a student enterprise commercial brewery.

Practical skills

Your learning will be reinforced through:

• practical sessions carried out in our Pilot Plant and Millennium Lab
• real-world engineering projects informed by industry-leading companies
• use of industry-standard chemical engineering software in our dedicated computer suites
• access to the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art BioLab

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 3 and 4.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year.  Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll have access to a great range of facilities and equipment during your time at Newcastle, including:

• a state-of-the-art BioLab, providing access to a range of small-scale unit operations and the latest equipment
• a recently upgraded pilot plant laboratory
• modern bench-top experimental equipment
• an interactive video teaching system
• high-specification fume cupboards for handling volatile chemicals
• two dedicated computing suites, running specialised industry-standard computer software

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:

• a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
• a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment

You'll be supported by a personal tutor (an academic member of staff) throughout your degree. They can help you with academic and personal issues.

You'll also have access to a peer mentor (a fellow student) in your first year. They can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.

Your future

With a MEng, you'll be highly employable, and posses many of the most desirable transferable skills such as problem solving and innovation. 

Recent graduates have taken up roles including chemical engineer, energy marketing and trading analyst, graduate engineer, process engineer, and technology risk associate, within companies such as Nestle, Nissan, Mott MacDonald, British Steel, Proctor & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser Group, and Amec Foster Wheeler. 

Industry links

We're proud of our strong industry links, which will open up a wealth of opportunities for networking, placements, and development during your studies. Consultants from industry deliver classes on current industrial practice, providing the latest insight into issues such as safety and sustainability.

Engineers from the British Chemical Engineering Contractors Association (BCECA) deliver sessions on chemical plant design that reflects current industrial practice. These engineers are from:

• ABB
• Air Products
• Aker Solutions
• Bechtel
• Costain
• Fluor
• Honeywell UOP
• Johnson Matthey
• KBR
• McDermott
• SABIC
• Wood Group
• Worley Parsons

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed (see ‘Home Fee Students’ information below).

Qualification: MEng Honours
Home students full time 4 years	Tuition fees (per year) Not set
International students full time 4 years	Tuition fees (per year) 29850

Home Fee Students

Home students starting in 2024 entry
£9,250 is the maximum fee that we are currently permitted to charge for home fee-paying students. This is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Home students starting in 2025 entry

In November 2024 the government increased the maximum fee level to £9,535 for 2025/26. It is expected that Parliament will approve the Government’s proposed increase in January and we intend to confirm our Home fees at this higher level following this.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

 

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages