Course starts: September 2027 Location: London, Bloomsbury

Chemical Engineering MEng

This four-year Chemical Engineering MEng course builds on the knowledge and experience offered by the Chemical Engineering BEng course, incorporating a final-year research project and advanced modules. The programme offers a direct route to IChemE membership and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This course offers the option of an additional year abroad or in industry.

Key information

Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years full time
Fees (2026/27)
UK: £9,790 per year
International: £42,700 per year
Application deadlines
13 January 2027. Applications close at 6pm UK time.
Applications may stay open after this UCAS Equal Consideration deadline, please check UCAS for details.

Entry requirements

Please note that the study options available after enrolment to this course may have additional requirements. Choose a study option for full details.

AAA
Mathematics and Chemistry required. Biology, Economics, Geography, Physics and Psychology preferred.

Contextual offer

ABB
Mathematics at grade A required, plus B in Chemistry. Biology, Economics, Geography, Physics and Psychology preferred.

At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.

About this course

Chemical engineers address global challenges, from advancing sustainable energy to designing processes that improve health and quality of life. At UCL, you will study in a multidisciplinary, research-driven environment, building strong foundations in sustainable process design, thermodynamics and reaction engineering, while developing skills to solve complex, real-world problems.  

The BEng and MEng courses share a common curriculum during Years 1 to 3, allowing you to explore the fundamentals before choosing your final route. Suitably qualified BEng students may transfer to the MEng course at the end of Year 3. Students on the MEng course have the option to spend their final year following the standard MEng route or the Chemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Engineering Mathematics or Study Abroad routes.

This course forms part of the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), engaging students in interdisciplinary and team-based activities. These immersive, solution-oriented experiences will teach you how to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges in energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, fostering technical expertise, teamwork, and decision-making. Through the IEP Minor options, you will also explore complementary fields, with available modules covering areas such as programming, business, sustainability, or molecular engineering. In Year 3, you will also work in small teams to design a complete chemical process plant. This includes unit design, environmental impact, safety and sustainability assessment, process control, and costing – offering an experience that reflects industry challenges.  

Your final MEng year will include a research project, an advanced design project, and other advanced module options.

At UCL, you will study in advanced facilities guided by world-leading experts in their field, graduating ready to drive change and lead in fields such as research, development, consulting, and management.  

Course structure

Year 1 You are introduced to chemical engineering fundamentals, including thermodynamics, computational modelling, and process principles. Through the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), you engage in project-based modules and participate in problem-based scenarios, applying your knowledge to practical challenges.  

Year 2 You build on Year 1 with advanced modules, begin your IEP Minor option stream, and take an experimentation module. Further scenarios develop your technical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.  

Year 3 You complete final-BEng year modules and a group design project, where you collaborate to design a complete process plant.

Year 4 You choose the standard MEng route, complete a research project, advanced design project, and select advanced module options.

Modules

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Please note that the list of compulsory modules given here is indicative. Up to 10 optional modules per year are displayed for this course: this may not be the full range of optional modules available for selection. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available. For more detail regarding module availability, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fee comparison by study mode and student status.
Study mode UK fee (2026/27) Overseas fee (2026/27)
Full time £9,790 £42,700

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

This course does not have any additional costs outside of purchasing personal study equipment, books or stationery, or printing. Indicative prices for printing can be found here.

Please note, this degree is based at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, with some sessions occasionally taking place at UCL East in Stratford (30 minutes by public transport from the main Bloomsbury campus). Students will be expected to pay all their travel costs between the two sites.

For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Why study this course at UCL?

In the Department of Chemical Engineering, you gain industry-relevant skills and hands-on experience through a multidisciplinary curriculum taught by world-leading experts. The department’s strong research portfolio and links with global industries and academic institutions provide unique opportunities for collaboration and professional development.  

You work in state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge laboratories and with access to advanced industrial software, preparing you to tackle challenges in sustainability, advanced materials, and chemical or pharmaceutical processes. The course emphasises practical learning, with opportunities to engage in team-based scenarios and design projects that mirror real-world engineering challenges. The Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) gives you the opportunity to team up with students across engineering disciplines to solve practical problems and explore complementary topics. Studying at UCL, a global hub for innovation in the heart of London, gives you access to industry events, networking opportunities, and potential placements with leading companies.

This course helps equip you with the skills, technical knowledge, and global perspective to lead in a range of roles, from research and development to management and consultancy.

Discover Uni

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

What this course will give you

Professional accreditation

This course is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and meets the requirements for education background, in full, for registration with the Engineering Council as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Open days

Find out more about our in-person Open Days, online events and courses and subjects that interest you.

Register now

Register your interest

Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.

Register now

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

The department does not interview or test candidates. UK-based offer holders are typically invited to visit the department, providing an opportunity to explore the facilities and meet staff. 
International students are warmly welcomed, reflecting UCL’s global ethos and enriching the department’s diversity.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Apply for this course

You are applying for the Chemical Engineering MEng course. Please note that the study options presented as post-enrolment specialisms will be available for you to choose once your enrolment is confirmed. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.

Course starts: September 2027

UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.

Got questions? Get in touch

We are here to help. Get in touch with us for more information about our courses.

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.