Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is about transforming raw materials into useful products at scale. Where chemistry describes what reactions are possible, chemical engineering works out how to make those reactions happen reliably, safely, and economically in industrial settings. The discipline applies principles from chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to design the processes and equipment behind pharmaceuticals, food, fuels, polymers, fine chemicals, and a growing range of sustainable technologies.

Aston University's three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, giving you both industrial work experience and the opportunity to study at a partner university in another country. The sandwich placement is central to professional development, allowing you to work in a real engineering environment, build technical and interpersonal skills, and begin developing the professional network that supports a graduate career. The year abroad broadens your perspective and reflects the genuinely international nature of the chemical engineering sector.

During the degree you will study thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, process design, safety, and sustainability. You will use computational tools for modelling and simulation, work in laboratories, and engage with the economic and environmental dimensions of process engineering, learning to balance performance with responsibility.

Chemical engineering graduates are sought after across the process industries, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, food and drink, materials, and renewable energy. Roles in process design, plant operations, research and development, quality assurance, and project management are all well within reach. Many graduates pursue chartered engineer status, and the degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in areas such as materials science, biochemical engineering, or environmental management.