Chemical Engineering

Heriot-Watt University has been a leader in chemical engineering for over 50 years.

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for chemical engineering.

The 2021 National Student Survey results ranked Heriot-Watt as 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Chemical Engineering, based on overall student satisfaction with our degrees.

BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering is accredited by IChemE and will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical application expected by industry. We have strong links with professional communities, allowing us to enhance the career prospects of our graduates.

Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees

Programme structure
BEng (Hons) provides a sound understanding of the chemical and process engineering fundamentals that you need to become a professional engineer. In addition to science, maths and engineering, our students acquire practical abilities that are highly sought after by industry.

The BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering is a four-year degree which can include an additional 5th year of study, to make the programme a more advanced MEng degree. You will choose which route to follow at the end of your 4th year, giving you the flexibility to decide which degree best suits your career ambitions.

Final year BEng (Hons) students undertake a group-based design project that consolidates the subjects taught across the programme.

Facilities and labs
We have invested in our lab facilities to provide students with equipment of an industrial standard as found in industry. Our labs have a full range of services including modern cooling, steam and compressed air systems. Electronics and programming have been integrated into our teaching, with Arduino and Labview being used as graphical programming platforms. Students gain a basic understanding of electronics in the first two years to enable them to use these platforms.

Industrial placements
Students wishing to obtain a Diploma in Industrial Training (DIT) linked to their degree will be assisted to find suitable placements, which may be abroad. The 10-month placement takes place in the penultimate year of the programme and is supported by Chemical & Process Engineering staff. On successful completion of a DIT placement, students will be eligible to apply for professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech TIChemE) with the IChemE and Engineering Council.

Strong links with industry
An Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) comprised of both alumni and company representatives provides input into the development of our degree programme. The IAB ensures our programmes stay relevant to the needs of industry and that our graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future.
""The degree programmes in chemical and process engineering produce graduates who are ready to ‘hit the ground running’. Students are exposed to external industry and the appreciation of where and how the theories fit in practice."" Andrew Scott, Business Development Director with LGE Energy & Marine.

Accreditation
BEng Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Heriot-Watt is 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). As Scotland’s top producer of CEOs (Novuna, 2025), their programmes focus on giving you real-world experience and strong industry links to help you kick-start your career success story. You'll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service with guidance on CV tailoring, careers fairs and job applications.

They guarantee accommodation for students on their safe, green parkland campus, with all energy and Wi-Fi bills included. For students coming from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Heriot-Watt provides a free semester of accommodation to help you with the costs of starting university.

You’ll also be living and studying in a top 2 UK student-friendly city (QS Best Cities, 2026) – Edinburgh. With a vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green spaces, it's a great city to be a student.

At Heriot-Watt University, you can choose to study flexibly with a 3-year honours degree, allowing you to complete the typical four-year Scottish Bachelor Honours degree in just three years while still enjoying the full student experience, including Welcome Week, Freshers’ events, and support from your Personal Tutor. This can save you both time and tuition fees while allowing you to graduate at the same time as students across the rest of the UK.

Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team