Chemical Engineering

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

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

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranked Heriot-Watt University as 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for Chemical Engineering.
95% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating and 90% of those were in highly skilled work, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey sited on Discover Uni 2021.

Degree structure
MEng Chemical Engineering is a five-year degree which shares its first four years with the BEng programme. You 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.

Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.

Our MEng programme gives you a sound understanding of both the chemical and process engineering fundamentals that you need to become a professional chartered engineer. In addition to science, maths and engineering knowledge, you will acquire practical abilities that are highly sought after by industry.

The final year of the MEng Chemical Engineering includes advanced courses to broaden and deepen your understanding of chemical and process engineering. You will study optional courses from a range of specialist engineering subjects along with an extensive research project.

Final year MEng students also undertake a commercial tender-based exercise taking on the role of an engineering design house pitching for business to our industrial advisory board.

Facilities and labs
We have invested in our lab facilities to provide students with equipment of industrial standard. 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 allow 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.

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
MEng Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registrations 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