The University of Sheffield
Chemical and Biological Engineering

Image: chemical engineering at Sheffield

Chemical engineering for undergraduates

Chemical engineers design and manage the processes behind all the products we depend on – food, pharmaceuticals, materials, fuel and energy.

A career in chemical engineering is incredibly varied, and gives you the power to change lives for the better. You could be saving the environment with better processes and technologies, putting your leadership skills to use as a plant manager, or finding breakthroughs in medicine and disease as a researcher.

And with a degree from Sheffield, you'll be in the perfect position to start your future. Employers worldwide value our graduates for their expertise and sense of professionalism.

Undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering

Tips from our students

Have a look through the Engineering Central web pages, written by students for students, helping you to prepare for an engineering degree and University life.

Engineering Central

Image: student with equipmentCareer power

As a qualified chemical engineer you can choose from a wide variety of careers. Plant management, environmental protection, consultancy, research commissioning – these are just some of them.

And you can aim high. Chemical engineers are the best paid group of engineers and have the potential to earn more than doctors, lawyers and accountants.

Our graduates are working all over the world for major employers like Shell, BNFL and Kvaerner. They're making a difference in all kinds of ways. Graduate Sid Mofya (below) is using his passion for improving lives to support communities in Africa.

Your career and what our graduates are doing

Industrial experience

Many of our students make use of our network of industry contacts to go on summer placements. Or you might decide to spend a year in industry.

If you decide a year in industry is right for you, we'll help you plan for it and support you throughout. You don't need to do anything before you arrive.

 

A confident professional

Undergraduates at Sheffield become more than skilled engineers. They graduate as rounded professionals.

Teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving, IT proficiency – you'll develop these skills (and more) throughout your degree.

Projects like the global engineering challenge in your first year and the design project in your third year strengthen your professional skills and challenge you to work on problems just as you would in industry.

You'll go on plant visits and use the latest industry-standard software. Guest speakers from industry regularly come in to share their knowledge.

Image: graduate Sid MofyaCase study

Sid Mofya moved from Zambia to Sheffield to study chemical engineering. After graduating, he worked for Shell and went on to study for an MBA. He's now working for HJF Medical Research International in Tanzania.

"I really enjoyed my time at Sheffield! It was my first real experience of life outside Zambia so I had lots to learn about living in a different culture and climate. My world expanded, both in terms of my own perception of it, and my networks. I still have strong connections with the people I met in Sheffield.

"Although I was really enjoying my time in Sheffield, my heart always wanted to return to Africa to use the skills that I learned for good in one way or another.

"In Tanzania, HJFMRI's activities are directed towards dealing with HIV/AIDS, malaria, and pandemic flu virus. In my role as Corporate Liaison I provide a link between our headquarters in Washington DC, and our work on the ground."

What next?

Come and see us on a University Open Day

Studying in Sheffield and fees and funding

Order the University's prospectus

Download our undergraduate brochure (PDF, 1MB)

Get in touch

Our services: questions about the University answered.

Interactive video tour

Video blogger LaurbubbleJoin one of our students on an interactive tour of the University. You'll get to explore the campus, city, accommodation, Students' Union and the engineering faculty.

Take the tour