Programme Overview

The BE (Hons)/ME in Process and Chemical Engineering degree (CK600) is fully accredited by both the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and by Engineers Ireland. It is an award winning degree, recognised as world class in the area of chemical engineering sustainability by virtue of the conferring of the ‘Sustainability Teaching Award’ by the UK Institution of Chemical Engineers in 2017.

The programme combines the essential elements of fundamental maths, physics and chemistry with relevant applied chemical engineering modules on various aspects of process engineering and industrial processing, to develop computational and design proficiency, problem-solving and presentation skills, as well as safety, ethics and sustainability. There are specialization modules in either Pharma & Biopharma or Energy & Environmental. 

The first year of the programme is common with the other engineering programmes, and student choose their discipline from after year 1. After year three, students choose whether they wish to complete a 4 year BE(Hons) degree or 5 year integrated Masters (ME). The latter incorporates an 8 month industry based work placement in 4th year from January to August, while the BE(Hons) programme has an elective option of a three month industry placement between years 3 and 4. The programme is accredited by both Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Chemical Engineers of the UK enabling graduates to become Chartered Engineers after complying with the requirements of additional academic degrees and/or professional practice according to the regulations of Engineers Ireland (or of the Engineering Council UK in the case of IChemE).

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What is Process & Chemical Engineering?

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) defines Chemical Engineering like this:

"Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role."

Overall, Process & Chemical Engineering provides a pathway towards helping meet society’s needs. These include energy generation, food production, water supply, waste management, consumer goods and healthcare products. Moreover, societal needs are driven by economic considerations and framed by ecological limits. In this context, the challenges facing society through the twenty first Century are substantial. A number of radical innovations – both technical and non-technical, are required in order to overcome the many challenges ahead. Potential solutions will need to be rooted in the economic, social, environmental and political context. Process & Chemical Engineers, with their understanding of material and energy flows and of thermodynamics, are well placed to be key, indeed lead players in this universal and trans-disciplinary effort.

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) have identified six key themes that will concern the profession (and indeed society) through the coming decades, as part of their Roadmap for 21st Century Chemical Engineering. These are:

• Sustainability and Sustainable Chemical Technology
• Health, Safety, Environment and Public Perception of Risk
• Energy
• Food and drink
• Water
• Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering

So, are you up to the challenge? If so, why not consider a career as a Process & Chemical Engineer? The journey starts here. Make CK600 your first choice for an exciting, challenging and rewarding future.