Chemical engineer : Entry requirements

The usual entry route is via a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), which is usually a three-year course, or Master of Engineering (MEng), usually a four-year course. Before choosing a course, check that it is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)  as this will affect your pathway to chartership. See the whynotchemeng  website for a list of accredited courses.

Applicants who have completed an MEng accredited degree will only need appropriate work experience to satisfy the entry requirements for chartership, while applicants with a BEng accredited degree will need to undertake a period of additional study as well as appropriate work experience. Visit the IChemE Get Chartered  website for details on how to achieve chartership.

Although a degree in chemical/biochemical/process engineering is the most straightforward entry requirement to this area of work, the following subjects may also be considered:

• chemistry;
• applied chemistry;
• polymer science/technology; 
• environmental engineering;
• biomedical engineering;
• nuclear engineering.

Advanced taught Masters courses, focusing on other relevant aspects of chemical engineering, are also available. Chemistry graduates should, for example, consider an MSc in Process Engineering.

Although, typically, a Bachelors or Masters degree is favoured by employers, an HND or foundation degree in the physical or applied sciences may also be accepted. Diplomates may need to consider entry to the profession at technician level.

Employers are increasingly seeking candidates with appropriate work experience and may favour recruiting candidates from their own placement schemes. These are generally vacation placements, typically lasting 6 to 12 weeks, or extended placements, which vary in length from 6 months to a year and can offer the opportunity to work on a more extensive project in industry. Many university departments will offer you assistance in securing an industrial placement.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• an understanding of engineering principles and mathematics;
• an aptitude for and interest in chemistry;
• project management skills;
• resource management skills;
• oral and written communication skills;
• analytical and problem-solving ability;
• the ability to work as part of a team;
• the ability to motivate and lead a team;
• strong IT skills;
• a careful and methodical approach with good attention to detail;
• commercial and business awareness;
• creativity and innovation.

A number of employers and professional organisations offer financial sponsorship for students studying chemical engineering at university. Companies typically advertise their sponsorship schemes and information can usually be found on company websites. Details of major chemical engineering employers can be found at whynotchemeng .

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.