Industry visits are a fantastic way for students to gain insights into how their studies can be applied in a professional setting. Providing context to practical sessions and lectures can help students understand what direction they would like their careers to take.
Industrial visits to Nestlé (York)
Students on the MEng Chemical Engineering degree visited Nestlé’s Research and Development Centre (R&D) in York. The site plays a crucial role in the development of new and existing products to market worldwide.
The visit included a presentation on the history of Nestlé and how it influences the company’s current business practices. A guided tour of the R&D facilities allowed students to see the product development process from paper to product. The students learned that a large factor in the company's success lies in their testing and refinement process along with creativity and innovation. They also gained an appreciation of the regulations and complexity behind working in the food industry.
Industrial visits to AstraZeneca (Macclesfield)
Final year MEng Chemical Engineering students and students from the MSc Pharmaceutical Engineering programme visited AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield site.
The visit began with presentations from former University of Sheffield students, who shared their career journeys and current roles at AstraZeneca. The alumni offered helpful advice on the transition from university to industry and shared how their experiences at Sheffield University helped them to prepare for life working in industry.
The visit featured three guided tours, each offering a unique perspective on AstraZeneca’s operations. Students toured the Chemical Development Labs, which featured active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis and analytical equipment used in early-stage research. The Pilot Plant tour showcased both traditional batch API manufacturing and a state-of-the-art continuous flow facility, highlighting AstraZeneca’s focus on innovation and sustainability. Finally, the Large-Scale Labs provided an insight into how processes are scaled up safely and efficiently for commercial production.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to observe real-world applications of chemical and pharmaceutical engineering principles and to hear directly from professionals in the field.
