Course overview

This professionally accredited* degree prepares you for a dynamic career in a sector tackling global challenges such as clean energy, clean water and climate action. You’ll study core chemical engineering alongside chemistry, physical chemistry, mathematics and shared engineering modules, gaining the knowledge and practical skills needed for safe and efficient chemical and materials production.

At the end of your first year, you’ll choose one of two specialist pathways to tailor your learning:

Chemical Engineering Pathway – advanced reaction engineering, separation processes and a major design project.
Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology Pathway – advanced bioprocessing and a biotechnology‑focused major design project.

You’ll also develop highly transferable skills in problem‑solving, engineering IT and design throughout the course.

A different path to your degree

Our Chemical Engineering Foundation Programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees progression onto this undergraduate course.

"Aston University allowed me to push myself academically while pursing an industry-accredited* degree and also encouraged me to gain practical experience in the process through a placement year. Both of these attributes have allowed me to start my career with a strong footing. I am currently a graduate engineer at Rolls-Royce, an opportunity given to me after completing a placement year in the company."

Michelle Watiki

BEng Chemical Engineering with Placement Year

Graduate Engineer, Rolls-Royce

Why Chemical Engineering at Aston University?

Well equipped

94% of students felt positive about the learning resources available on their course (Chemical Engineering; National Student Survey, 2025)

Professionally accredited*

Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Ranked 3rd in the UK overall

Chemical Engineering, Guardian University Guide, 2025

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £36,100 three years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)

Ranked 2nd in the UK for value added

Chemical Engineering, Guardian University Guide, 2025

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

An Introduction to Chemical Engineering at Aston University

Lecturer Dr Stephen Worrall, gives an insight into Chemical Engineering

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering

The BEng Chemical Engineering degree at Aston University provides a strong blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, excellent facilities and industry engagement to prepare you for a successful career. At the end of your first year, you will choose either the Chemical Engineering pathway, offering advanced study in core chemical engineering and design, or the Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology pathway, which focuses on bioprocessing and the rapidly growing bio‑based industries. Whichever route you take, you will develop the technical, analytical and professional skills needed for a wide range of roles across chemical, process and biotechnology sectors.

What we will provide
First-class teaching, in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by academics and researchers, who will bring the subject to life. Use of world-class facilities for practical labs and computer sessions, with access to simulation packages relevant in chemical engineering. You will also be given a devoted and qualified pastoral support, both for academic and personal matters.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

What you will provide
In order to thrive in our chemical engineering degree, we are looking for students who are self-motivated, have a willingness to learn and the curiosity to problem solve. It is important to have a critical, reflective nature and show resilience, as in chemical engineering, every experiment, calculation, failure, and success is an experience and lesson for the future. During studies and in your career, you will be constantly analysing and improving your approach. It's all about learning from your experiences and using that insight to boost your professional development.

What skills we teach
Our BEng Chemical Engineering programme prides itself on offering a cutting-edge curriculum that reflects the latest advancements in chemical engineering. You will develop fundamental knowledge in engineering, hands-on practical lab skills, and IT and software skills which will be used for process simulation and design. Our friendly approach to learning enables students to also develop more holistic skills including professional etiquette, teamwork, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Placement year
A placement year is a fantastic opportunity and highly encouraged with Aston University’s Chemical Engineering course. Our award-winning careers and placement team and strong industry ties will provide you with exciting placement opportunities. Previous students have gained experience with leading companies, such as Rolls Royce, AirBus and institutes such as CERN.

Career prospects
Our chemical engineering graduates have a strong track record in securing graduate roles, reflecting the varied range of skills they acquire during their degree. Recent examples of graduate destinations for chemical engineering students include Procter and Gamble, BP, ExxonMobil, Unilever, the National Grid, Atkins, British Sugar, Smurfit Kappa, BAE Systems, Heineken and HSBC.

Professional accreditation
*This programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). As part of the standard process, it is currently undergoing re-accreditation, with confirmation expected before September 2026.

How you will learn

Your learning will take place in our single-site campus in the heart of Birmingham. Along with traditional lectures and seminars, you will have team and individual project work, plant visits, and laboratory practical work. Your practical training will include working in chemical and process laboratories.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in peer-assisted-learning (PAL) sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies (CEB) Society.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.

From BEng Chemical Engineering to Procter and Gamble

BEng Chemical Engineering student Georgina talks about her placement at Procter and Gamble and her future plans

Read about Georgina's journey

Facilities

As part of our BEng Chemical Engineering degree, you will have access to our high-quality laboratories. There, you will learn the skills to work safely and effectively in a chemical laboratory and in process labs. You will operate different units for reaction, separation, fluid flow and heat exchange.

Alongside these practical skills, you will utilise advanced software packages to create drawings for industrial scale processes and to simulate the operation of chemical and biochemical plants.

Finally, our students have the unique opportunity to explore how pilot-scale equipment looks and operates by visiting our very own on-site pilot-scale facility. This includes our biomass gasification plant, which is the largest of its kind for research and development in the UK. Located in a four-storey building, it features our fully instrumented fluidised bed gasifier, used to convert biomass into gaseous fuel.

coursepage_chemistry_facilities_teaching

coursepage_chemistry_facilities_experiment

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Facilities Tour

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through relevant and planned learning experiences.
Prepares you with a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles underlying the analysis, design and operation of engineering processes and systems.
Provide students with balanced structured curricula, combining teaching in theoretical and knowledge-based principles with practical skills training.
Provides an up-to-date and professionally accredited* education satisfying the institutional requirements of the Institution of Chemical Engineers allowing you a straightforward way to apply to become a Chartered Engineer.
Produces graduate engineers with the qualities and skills that are in demand by employers and who are able to make a valuable contribution to society in general.
Offers you the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich placement year.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital, and Physical Sciences	15
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences	15
Introduction to Transfer Processes	15
Introduction to Chemical and Biochemical Engineering	15
Chemistry for Engineers	15
Applied Physical Chemistry with Thermodynamics	15
Power Skills	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of basic mathematics, science and technology underpinning principles of engineering and sustainability, as well as basic design and construction techniques
Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science, programming, and engineering principles to solve engineering problems
Demonstrate knowledge in chemistry, physical chemistry and thermodynamics to support basic chemical engineering calculations and product/process design
Demonstrate knowledge in the general principles of chemical and biochemical engineering
Demonstrate basic practical techniques relevant to experimental work and the knowledge to analyse the results obtained in and engineering context
Create a solution as part of (interdisciplinary) teams to a design problem subject to identified constraints, evaluate the design and make improvements, using appropriate design tools and techniques
Use information from a variety of sources in the solution of an engineering problem
Evaluate and interpret data using industry-standard methods and communicate information effectively to ensure data-driven approaches to decision-making in solving complex problems
Use sustainable development strategies that reflect a deep understanding of the Circular Economy, Net-Zero strategies, Design and Systems Thinking, and Global Social Responsibility and lead to solutions that are ethically sound and globally relevant
Employ integrated problem-solving skills to analyse challenging an multifaceted problems considering professional, social, and ethical contexts.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Mathematical Modelling	15
Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer	15
Mass Transfer	15
Separation Processes	15
Reaction Engineering	15
Process Simulation and Control	15
Total	90

You will choose one of the following pathways:

Chemical Engineering Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Process Design	30

Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Biotechnology and Bioprocess Design	30

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of well-established theories, concept and principles of Chemical Engineering, and higher-level design and construction techniques applicable to Chemical Engineering
Apply knowledge in chemical engineering principles for the calculation, design, simulation and optimisation of industrial processes and unit operations
Apply principles of chemical engineering, basic business and management principles, and analytical skills for design, control and evaluation of chemical and biochemical processes
Use numerical methods for modelling and analysing demanding engineering problems
Apply specific IT skills and chemical engineering digital tools for analysing and resolving chemical engineering problems
Demonstrate advanced laboratory techniques relevant to experimental work and to analyse and disseminate the results of chemical engineering experiments using a different range of communication techniques for a variety of audiences.

Placement year modules

If you opt for an integrated placement year, you will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role
within it
Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context
Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme
Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and
industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Final year modules

In your third year (if you opt for no placement year) or fourth year (if you opt for a placement year), you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Advanced Process Control and Safety	15
Process Economics and Sustainability	15
Total	45

You will choose one of the following optional modules*

Module Title	Credits
Advances in Biomaterials Sciences	15
Renewable Technologies	15
Surfaces, Nanomaterials and Catalysis	15

You will choose one of the following pathways:

Chemical Engineering Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Reaction Engineering	15
Advanced Separation Processes	15
Chemical Engineering Major Design Project	30
Total	60

Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Bioprocessing	30
Biochemical Engineering Major Design Project	30
Total	60

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Analyse systematically the knowledge base and its interrelationships within the specialist area, advanced design and construction techniques in a team and individually
Apply knowledge of professional engineering practices and ethics for design, delivery, evaluation and innovation of safe and sustainable processes
Analyse process control strategies and advanced digital methods and their application in process industry
Demonstrate knowledge of advanced design principles in chemical and biochemical processing to chemical and physical unit operations
Deploy key techniques of identifying process hazards and manage risk reduction/mitigation during all stages of a process
Apply knowledge in specialised sectors related to chemical and biochemical processing
Inspect a planned engineering activity and identify risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk
Analyse their knowledge, skills and competencies to formulate a personal development plan in line with their chosen engineering career
Plan, conduct, evaluate and establish a major individual programme of work initiated from a technical brief

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subjects
BCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subjects (with an EPQ at grade B)
CCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subjects (contextual offer)

List of STEM (a) subjects: Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Design Technology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Biology and Electronics.

Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

If BTEC is in Engineering:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Engineering): DDM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (Engineering): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (Engineering): DM, plus 1 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (Engineering): DM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics, plus 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Engineering): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B. This must include the following units at Distinction if one A level is not in Mathematics: (QCF) Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction, with the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, or Further Engineering Mathematics.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction, plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C. This must include the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, or Further Engineering Mathematics.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

If BTEC is in any other subject:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM, and A Level Maths at grade B.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B in Mathematics and another STEM (a) subject listed above.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (any subject): DM, plus A-level Mathematics at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (any subject): DM, plus A-level Mathematics at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B including Mathematics.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

29 points overall with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level, including Mathematics and another STEM (a) listed subject.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of at least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits at level 3; including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics units and at least 15 credits at Level 3 in STEM (a) subject units.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Building Services Engineering for Construction
Onsite Construction
Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements:

GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Non-standard qualifications

Degree

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent Level 3) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference from your current institution.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second-year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space in that year of the programme.
Typically, applicants for second-year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content.

The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference from your current institution.

Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

We look for potential, not just grades

If you are passionate about chemical engineering but don't meet the standard entry requirements listed above, you still have a path forward. Our Foundation Programme is designed to bridge the gap, providing the academic grounding you need to transition confidently into Year 1.

Explore the Foundation Programme

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

First year tuition fee:	£10,050*
During placement year:	£1,250*

International students
(2026/27)

First year tuition fee:	£22,575**
During placement year:	£2,500**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Your learning process will be monitored continuously by a variety of assessments, which include a combination of written examinations or class tests, online class tests, coursework, design and research project reports, technical reports and oral presentations.

We will always provide you with timely feedback to help you achieve the best that you can, while you are with us.

Career prospects

Chemical engineering opens the door to an exciting range of career opportunities. In addition to the traditional oil and chemical-based companies, you will be well equipped to work in a wide range of other industrial sectors - pharmaceutical, water treatment and waste management, food & beverage, energy industries and IT, but also in other vital society areas such as government, consultancy, transport or environment.

Our chemical engineering graduates have a strong track record in securing graduate roles, reflecting the varied range of skills they acquire during their degree. Recent graduates have moved on to roles including Material and Process Graduate, Technical Support Engineer, Business Development Representative, Graduate Engineer, Research Assistant, Business Strategy Graduate, Build Assurance Engineer and Data Analyst. They are working for high-profile companies and organisations such as Virgin, Amazon, Procter and Gamble, BP, ExxonMobil, Unilever, the National Grid, Atkins, Weetabix, Smurfit Kappa, BAE Systems, Heineken and HSBC.

Therefore, choosing to study Chemical engineering at Aston, will put you at the heart of a creative and career-focused culture, with a vibrant teaching team, ready to start your life-changing career.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Does accreditation matter?

Yes. Accredited engineering degrees offer students, their parents and advisors, and employers a mark of assurance that the degree programme meets the standards expected by the engineering profession. Accredited degrees also give confidence that the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for registration with a professional engineering institution have been met.

Our BEng is accredited* by our professional engineering body, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Accreditation means that the course meets the criteria set out by IChemE, which puts you a step forward on the path to acquiring Chartered Chemical Engineer status.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Our excellent links with the chemical industry allow you to test and expand your knowledge, skills and understanding through a paid placement. Placements provide integrated industrial and professional training, often in a position of responsibility, in areas such as the design, development, commissioning or operation of a chemical plant.

We will help you arrange your placement and provide opportunities for you to visit companies, undertake commercial project work and compete for sponsorships and prizes.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What if I don't meet the entry requirements?

If you are passionate about this course but do not meet the standard grades, or if you are missing essential subjects like Mathematics or Physics, you may be eligible for our Foundation Programme. Managed by the Aston Foundation Centre, this one-year course is designed to bridge the gap between your current qualifications and undergraduate study. You will be fully integrated into university life from day one, and successful completion guarantees your progression onto Year 1 of this degree.