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Engineering

Chemical Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A chemical engineer applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop and improve processes for making chemicals, fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals and other products. In the UK, chemical engineers work in a variety of sectors including energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, water treatment, and environmental protection. Their role often involves designing equipment, optimising production processes, ensuring safety standards are met, and developing sustainable solutions. Chemical engineers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, solving complex real-world problems and contributing to innovation in manufacturing and product development. The career offers a mixture of lab work, project management, and on-site roles, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Chemical Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Graduate chemical engineers in the UK typically start on salaries between £28,000 and £33,000 per year.

Experienced Salary Range

With experience, chemical engineers can earn between £40,000 and £65,000, with senior roles potentially exceeding £70,000 per year.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 20,000 people employed as chemical engineers in the UK, according to the latest EngineeringUK reports.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Process Development Engineer

Works on designing and improving processes for manufacturing chemicals, focusing on efficiency and safety in industries such as pharmaceuticals or food production.

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Environmental Chemical Engineer

Specialises in developing solutions to reduce pollution and waste from chemical processes, helping companies meet environmental regulations.

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Biochemical Engineer

Combines chemical engineering with biology to develop processes for producing medicines, biofuels, or other products using living organisms.

Build a Strong Foundation in STEM Subjects

Achieve Good GCSEs

Focus on achieving strong results in science and maths at GCSE level.

To start your journey towards becoming a chemical engineer, aim for high grades in subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and ideally at least one other science. These subjects are essential for progressing to relevant A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Good grades will also make your application to further education more competitive.

Choose the Right A-levels or Equivalents

Select A-levels in Chemistry and Mathematics, and consider Physics or Further Mathematics.

Most university chemical engineering courses require A-level Chemistry and Mathematics. Physics or Further Mathematics can also strengthen your application. Alternatively, consider Scottish Highers or an equivalent Level 3 qualification with similar subject choices. Check specific entry requirements for the universities you are interested in.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Apply for a Chemical Engineering Degree

Apply to universities offering accredited chemical engineering or related degrees.

Research universities that offer chemical engineering courses accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Accreditation is important as it is often required for professional registration later. The typical route is a BEng or MEng in Chemical Engineering. Some universities offer foundation years if you do not have the required subjects.

Engage in Work Experience and Placements

Gain practical experience through internships or industrial placements during your degree.

Many university courses offer a sandwich year or placements with industry partners. Gaining hands-on experience will improve your employability, help you understand the industry, and allow you to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings. You can seek summer internships or year-long placements in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, or food manufacturing.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Roles

Look for graduate schemes and entry-level chemical engineering positions.

Many large employers offer structured graduate schemes specifically for chemical engineering graduates. These schemes often include rotations across different departments and training opportunities. Alternatively, you can apply directly for entry-level positions in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, or consumer goods.

Work Towards Chartered Status

Begin working towards becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng).

Professional recognition as a Chartered Chemical Engineer can enhance your career prospects and earning potential. Join the IChemE as a student or graduate member and start recording your professional development. To become chartered, you will need to demonstrate relevant experience and competence, often after a few years in the industry.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Chemical Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

The career that most closely matches 'Chemical Engineer' is 'Chemical engineer'. Both roles involve applying principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design, develop, and optimise chemical processes. They typically require similar qualifications and focus on process design, safety, and efficiency within chemical manufacturing or related industries.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). 

Subjects include:

  • chemical engineering
  • process engineering
  • biochemical engineering

You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you have a degree in a related area like engineering, chemistry or polymer science.

Many courses include work placements which can give you valuable experience of working in the industry.

Some universities offer a foundation year for people without qualifications in maths and science, which allows them to move onto the degree course afterwards.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Science Industry Process Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes around 5 years to complete and combines learning on the job and time spent with a training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could join a company as a chemical engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join IChemE for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find more details about how to become a chemical engineer from IChemE.

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