There are very many good universities universities in the UK where a degree in Chemical Engineering could be earn. These institution accept a wide range of qualifications to process admission into their undergraduate programmes. The specific grades required vary between institutions and this is driven by the level of competitiveness of the course at the time of application.
This page shows the various qualifications and the minimum grades you (including international students) might need to have to secure a place on a Bachelor's degree at any of the numerous UK universities offering Chemical Engineering.
What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical Engineering is a discipline that combine applied chemistry and process engineering together to develops and designs industrial processes that transform raw materials into usable products. It encompasses the principles, methods, and modern tools for creating chemical production systems, from reaction engineering and separation processes to plant design, process control, and sustainable energy systems.
Requirements for Chemical Engineering in UK
GCSEs (or their equivalents) are not typically accepted for direct entry into a chemical engineering bachelor's degree programme, instead, they usually form part of a foundation pathway or other specified preparatory programmes.
Acceptable Qualifications and Requirements
A-Levels: A-Levels are the most common qualification accepted for processing entry to bachelor degree chemical engineering. Grades that would earn a student a place can range from BBC to AAA, depending on the institution. Top universities often require AAA or A*AA and most of them require A-Level Mathematics, alongside Chemistry and often a second science subject like Physics or Biology.
International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB Diploma is another qualification students from anywhere in the world could use to process admission to study chemical engineering in UK. Typical offers range from 30 to 36 points, often requiring Higher Level Mathematics and Chemistry, plus another science subject at Higher Level. For example, the University of Birmingham asks for 32 points with 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Mathematics and Chemistry.
BTEC: most universities in UK accept Level 3 Extended Diplomas (often in engineering or applied science disciplines, with grades like DMM to DDD*. Many universities require specific mathematics and chemistry units or an additional A-Level in Mathematics.
Other Qualifications:
Universities also accept the Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers, T-Levels, and various international qualifications (e.g., Irish Leaving Certificate) on a case-by-case basis. These typically need to be supplemented with good grades in relevant subjects.
GCSE Requirements
Regardless of the primary qualification, applicants generally need GCSE English Language at grade C/4 and Mathematics at grade B/5 or higher. Some institutions may accept alternative qualifications.
English Language Requirements for International Students
International students whose first language are not English must prove proficiency through tests like:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component (varies by university).
- TOEFL: Scores around 80 overall are commonly accepted.
- Cambridge English: Often 169-170 overall with no less than 162 in each skill.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 59 overall, with no less than 59 in each skill.
Top UK Universities for Chemical Engineering
Several UK universities are renowned for their chemical engineering programme both at home and at international level. These institutions combine rigorous classroom theory with high level research and development programme.
Check the list of universities in UK that offer chemical engineering as a taught programme at undergraduate degree level.
Note: The grades stated are general averages and may not match what is on this page. Always check the specific requirements for your chosen university from a reliable channel.
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