Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year

Chemical engineering transforms scientific principles into the processes that produce the materials, fuels, medicines, and food that the world depends on. It applies chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to the design and operation of industrial processes, asking how chemical and physical transformations can be conducted safely, efficiently, and at the scale required for industrial production. Chemical engineers are central to the pharmaceutical, energy, food, water treatment, and advanced materials industries, and the discipline's combination of rigorous science and practical engineering is one of the most valued in the graduate job market.

At Loughborough, this four-year degree includes a foundation year designed for students who have not studied the prerequisite subjects needed for direct first-year entry, or who have not met their expected entry requirements due to adverse circumstances, sport performance commitments, or other factors such as returning to education as a mature student or joining as a care leaver. The foundation year provides the scientific and mathematical grounding needed to succeed in the main degree programme, after which you will progress through the full chemical engineering curriculum, covering fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process control, and design. Loughborough's strong research culture and close industry links give the programme a practical and professionally relevant character throughout.

Graduates of chemical engineering degrees are in high demand across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, food and drink, polymer manufacture, semiconductor production, and environmental engineering. Many graduates work towards chartered engineer status with the Institution of Chemical Engineers. Others move into process consultancy, project management, technical sales, or environmental regulation.

The quantitative and problem-solving skills developed in a chemical engineering degree also open routes into finance and data analysis. Postgraduate study in specialist process engineering, biotechnology, or sustainable chemical engineering is available for those seeking research or advanced professional careers.