Chemical Engineering is concerned with the design and operation of processes which convert materials and energy into the higher value products we use every day. It understands the processes which occur at the small scale and relates these to the larger scale production of, for example: pharmaceuticals, food stuffs, energy, polymers, lubricants, fuels, semiconductors, batteries, paints and coatings. The main tools of the Chemical Engineer are the applied sciences, engineering, technology, finance and management in that as a Chemical Engineer you become proficient in not only identifying how to convert materials into functional products but also in how to construct, operate and manage facilities so that they are economical, ethical and sustainable. It borders and overlaps with other engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering as well as business studies and entrepreneurship.

Four-year MEng degrees are available for high-calibre students with the ability and aspiration to study Chemical Engineering at the highest levels. BEng students with excellent performance may transfer to the MEng up to the end of Stage 2.

Studying for a Chemical Engineering degree at Queen’s will provide you with the skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates holding a degree from Queen’s are highly regarded by many local, national and international employers and many of our students are successful in securing employment in globally recognised industries well before graduation.
Chemical Engineering is a practical and useful degree which enables you to seek employment in a range of sectors including the pharmaceutical, energy, manufacturing and food industries. The opportunities widen further to sectors such as finance, business and research and many of our graduates embark on further study in specialised areas which align with their career aspirations.
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers and have an industrial advisory board to advise the school on developments within the sector so that we can continually revise and update our courses to match industry demand.
Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 24 research intensive universities which are targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast full Employability Statement for further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers