What is Chemical Engineering? 

Chemical Engineering combines chemistry, physics and applied mathematics with engineering principles to turn raw materials into valuable products.

Chemical engineers design and optimise chemical processes, invent new materials, and create safe and efficient systems for chemical production and application.

So why should you study Chemical Engineering?  

Chemical Engineers are involved in countless industries. From pharmaceuticals to agriculture, food to toiletries and beauty, green energy to product design, academia and research.

You could find yourself involved in the discovery of new drugs, creating new consumer products or helping to ensure companies are working sustainably.

With a Chemical Engineering degree you'll have skills which are transferable to other industries, such as problem solving and a solid grasp of complex mathematics, making you an appealing candidate for roles in finance.

Graduates of our Chemical Engineering courses have gone on to work at companies including:

From labs to chemical plants, classrooms to offices, ships to mines, and of course working from home, Chemical Engineers can be found in a variety of working environments.

You might be testing a new chemical, analysing data, modelling systems, or presenting your findings to a team.

Chemical Engineering graduates can expect a starting salary of around £30,000. Data from the Institute of Chemical Engineers found that salaries for 25-29 year old Chemical Engineers ranged from £42,000 - 55,000, reaching up to £100,000 for Chartered Chemical Engineers aged 50-59.

4. Contribute to major breakthroughs 

Chemical Engineers are leading the charge on solving global issues and are indispensable in the fight against climate change. Our Chemical Engineering programmes emphasise sustainable practices and green energy, preparing students to drive innovation in these critical areas.

At Queen Mary, Dr. Paul Balcombe is a leading expert in measuring and reducing emissions from chemical plants, particularly methane emissions. Prof Joe Briscoe's company AeroSolar produces materials for solar power, and Prof Ana Sobrido discovers new materials for sustainable and long duration batteries.

Chemical Engineers have also been instrumental in groundbreaking discoveries, from the development of antibiotics to the creation of fertilizers for agriculture. Today, they continue to advance clean water solutions, vaccine development, and other essential innovations for our world.