What Can You do With a Chemical Engineering Degree?

If you’re considering enrolling in a degree in chemical engineering, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about pursuing this versatile field. From understanding what a chemical engineering degree entails to exploring the best universities, career opportunities available, and industries you could work in, we'll cover it all to help you make informed decisions about your future.

In this blog, we’ll explore the following:

• What is a chemical engineering degree?
• What are the best universities for chemical engineering?
• What jobs can you get with a chemical engineering degree?

What is a chemical engineering degree?

A chemical engineering degree is an undergraduate qualification focused on preparing the next generation of talent for chemical jobs across various industries. These programmes typically allow students to develop their skills through practical and theoretical education, including laboratory classes with up-to-date industrial equipment. Pupils will often learn about various aspects of chemicals, from extraction to refinement and productive uses.

Broad vs Specialist Chemical Engineering Degrees

Broader chemical engineering degrees provide excellent opportunities for students looking to explore the various aspects of the industry. They’re ideal for people who need help deciding what chemical engineering jobs to apply for and career paths to pursue. Ultimately, these courses give students a broader insight into the different niches of the chemicals industry.

Specialist chemical engineering degrees allow students to focus on a specific aspect of the chemical space. These courses could specialise in the following:

• Biochemical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering
• Food Engineering
• Material Science and Nanotechnology Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Engineering
• Polymer Engineering

Individuals can embark on these specialist courses from the outset or complete them as a master's degree once they’ve achieved a broader chemical engineering degree. Speaking of a Master of Engineering (MEng), completing this level of qualification can open the doors to achieving the Chartered Chemical Engineer status or equivalent, which demonstrates a person's professional competence in the field of chemical engineering.

Entry requirements for a chemical engineering degree

A solid background in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics is advantageous for those seeking a degree in chemical engineering. However, individuals can also take these courses with engineering, computer science, and computer-aided design (CAD) knowledge.

Entry requirements for chemical engineering degrees will vary depending on the university you apply for. Many institutions allow people to complete a foundation year to build the necessary skills and knowledge before starting the official degree.

What else to expect from a degree in chemical engineering

Depending on the university and specific course you enrol in, a degree in chemical engineering often lasts between three and five years. A Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) usually takes three to four years to complete, while a MEng typically extends to four or five years.

Some universities and institutions offering chemical engineering degrees allow learners to take a placement year during their studies. This enables students to gain hands-on industry experience, which could lead to future permanent chemical engineering jobs. These placements also allow people to study or attain work experience abroad.

Depending on the university, some chemical engineering degrees will be completed on-site, while others may offer a solely remote course. Most modern institutions will allow for and cater to a hybrid approach if required. Additionally, universities come with experienced lecturers and will host sessions with guest speakers, allowing students to gain knowledge from industry experts and understand the prospect of pursuing a career in chemical engineering.

A chemical engineering degree involves attending in-person and online lectures, seminars, lab work, and computer and tech sessions. These courses typically require students to complete a mix of independent and group projects, many of which include research and development. Pupils are often evaluated through coursework, presentations, interviews, lab reports, multiple-choice tests, and written examinations.

Overall, a degree in chemical engineering can equip you with the foundations and versatile skill sets required for opportunities within the chemical space. Completing these high-level courses will help open the door to various opportunities across industries. A chemical engineering degree can ultimately be your key to accessing the latest and best chemical jobs.

What are the best universities for chemical engineering?

Similar to how you can register for chemical engineering jobs, you'll have to apply for the specific degree you want to enrol in. When selecting a university, understanding which institutions specialise and excel in chemical engineering is essential. To support you with this, we've listed both the world and UK rankings of the best universities for chemical engineering degrees. You could also refer to these universities if you’re considering a master’s degree.

Global Chemical Engineering University Ranking

If you're looking to enrol in a degree and are open to studying anywhere in the world, these are the best universities for chemical engineering worldwide:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (United States)
2. Stanford University (United States)
3. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)(United States)
4. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
5. National University of Singapore (NUS) (Singapore)
6. ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
7. University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
8. Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
9. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) (Singapore)
10.  EPFL - École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland)

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Chemical Engineering

UK Chemical Engineering University Ranking

If you're considering enrolling on a degree and would like to study in the UK, these are the top chemical engineering universities you can apply to:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. University of Bath
5. University of Birmingham
6. University of Nottingham
7. The University of Edinburgh
8. UCL (University College London)
9. University of Leeds
10. University of Manchester

Source: Complete University Guide

Selecting a university to study a degree in chemical engineering is a choice that requires significant thought, research, and planning. Choosing the right institution for you can majorly affect your education and future career potential. The universities listed above are renowned for having the most comprehensive courses, top facilities, and extensive network of industry connections to help you pursue a successful career in chemical engineering. 

Conduct thorough research before applying to the university where you want to study. This research can revolve around the institution itself, the entry requirements, what you'll study on the course, and what career opportunities can come from completing it. You can utilise platforms such as the university's official website or LinkedIn, to look into the university's alumni and what students went on to achieve in their careers. 

You should also research aspects of university life, such as the location and student accommodation. It's important to find a balance of feeling happy with the course you're studying and the place you're based. Consider the additional benefits you can gain from being a student at a particular university and weigh up your options. 

When applying for the best universities in chemical engineering, create a list of the institutions you'd like to apply to and put them in priority order. For example, in the UK, UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) allows applicants to apply to five universities. Additionally, if you're considering studying in the US, there is no limit on the number of colleges you can apply to via the Common Application.

What jobs can you get with a chemical engineering degree?

With a chemical engineering degree, you will gain the core knowledge and skills needed to kickstart your career within the sector. You'll have the freedom to pursue a plethora of opportunities across a variety of roles and industries. Later in this section, we'll provide a list of different chemical jobs you could apply for. But first, what do the statistics say regarding career options for graduates with a chemical engineering degree?

According to a 2022 blog from Prospects, using data from the Graduate Outcomes survey by HESA, 37% of chemical engineering graduates worked in engineering roles 15 months after graduating. They also noted that 73.8% of chemical engineering graduates were employed, 8.6% completed further studies, and 7.6% worked and studied. 

Regarding the various chemical engineering jobs you can apply for with a degree, the role of a chemical engineer stands out. Watch the video below to learn more about the role of a chemical engineer and how to get into the industry.

Here are some other potential chemical engineering jobs you can pursue once you’ve attained the necessary entry requirements:

• Analytical Chemist
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Environmental Consultant
• Geochemist
• Nuclear Engineer
• Biotechnologist
• Petroleum Engineer
• Hazardous Chemical Management Chemist
• Materials Engineer
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Sales and Marketing
• Research and Development
• Mining Engineer
• Production Manager
• Quality Manager
• Waste Management Officer
• Water Engineer
• Safety Engineer
• Design Engineer

Click the link to read our full article on the 6 Chemical Jobs You Could Pursue to Advance Your Career. Here, we explore the responsibilities, skills,  and requirements of the following roles:

• Analytical Chemist
• Chemical Engineer or Chemical Process Engineer
• Environmental Consultant
• Geochemist
• Hazardous Chemical Management Chemist
• Materials Engineer

Who hires talent with a degree in chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering jobs can be found in various industries, especially those operating in large-scale projects that convert raw materials into scalable products. Here are some of the main industries and specialist areas that offer jobs for chemical engineering graduates:

• Aerospace
• Agrochemicals
• Automotives
• Biochemicals
• Biotechnology
• Cosmetic Product Development
• Environmental Protection
• Fibres and Polymers
• Food and Beverage
• Health and Safety
• Manufacturing 
• Mining and Minerals
• Nanotechnology
• Nuclear Power 
• Oil and Gas
• Petrochemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Renewable Energy
• Schools and Universities
• Waste Management, Recovery and Recycling Firms

The above list represents just some of the many industries and specialist areas you can pursue after completing a chemical engineering degree. These diverse career paths offer exciting opportunities with plenty of progression as you gain experience.

Regarding industries, the previously noted report by HESA stated that 44.1% of graduates worked in engineering, 16.8% in business, HR, and finance, 11.3% in IT, and the remaining 27.8% in other professions. 

Overall, talent equipped with a chemical engineering degree can be exposed to various opportunities across a broad range of industries. Across these industries, graduates will work on many scientific and technological advancements that can help shape the future of the global population.

While obtaining a chemical engineering degree can put you in good stead for opportunities in the industry, you should also consider developing the core skills needed for a successful career in chemicals. These additional traits can help you progress in your career and can be highlighted in your CV and interview for future chemical job applications. 

Final thoughts on what to do with a chemical engineering degree

A chemical engineering degree opens the doors to various career opportunities. Whether you have ambitions to work in traditional fields like petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals or emerging sectors like renewable energy and nanotechnology, the foundational skills and specialist knowledge you'll gain from this degree are invaluable.

By carefully selecting your educational path and continuously developing key competencies, you can successfully navigate and thrive in chemical engineering.

Looking to progress with the latest chemical jobs?

We have over two decades of experience helping graduates and talent with a degree in chemical engineering find the perfect opportunity to kickstart or progress their careers. Our specialist chemical recruitment team is well-versed in connecting passionate people to the best contract and permanent positions across the global market. 

Whether you’re searching for a chemical engineering degree or have previously studied and worked in a similar field, register for the latest chemical jobs today or contact our team to discuss your future career goals.