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Engineering

Chemical Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and physics to design, develop, and improve processes for producing chemicals, fuels, food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. In the UK, they often work in industries such as energy, oil and gas, water treatment, and manufacturing. Their role involves designing equipment, running experiments, ensuring health and safety standards are met, and finding ways to make processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. Chemical engineers may also be involved in developing new materials or products, scaling up production from lab to factory, and troubleshooting issues in production plants.

Chemical Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average starting salary for a chemical engineer in the UK is around £28,000 to £32,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 25,000 chemical engineers currently employed in the UK.

Industry Demand

The demand for chemical engineers is expected to grow by 6 percent over the next five years, particularly in areas like pharmaceuticals, energy, and environmental technology.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Process Development Engineer

Focuses on designing, testing, and improving the chemical processes used to manufacture products in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and energy.

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Environmental Chemical Engineer

Works on developing technologies to reduce pollution, manage waste, and ensure environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.

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Biochemical Engineer

Applies principles of chemical engineering to develop products and processes involving biological materials, such as creating biofuels or developing new medicines.

Develop a Strong Foundation in Science and Maths

Choose Relevant GCSEs

Select subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and, if available, Additional Science at GCSE level.

Achieving strong grades in these subjects will give you a solid basis for A-levels and further studies. Consider speaking with your teachers or a careers advisor at school about your interest in chemical engineering.

Excel in A-levels

Take A-levels in Chemistry, Mathematics, and preferably Physics or Further Mathematics.

Most universities require Chemistry and Mathematics as essential subjects for chemical engineering degrees. Physics is highly recommended as it supports your understanding of engineering principles.

Complete a Relevant Degree

Apply for a Chemical Engineering Degree

Research and apply for accredited chemical engineering degree courses at UK universities.

Look for courses accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), which is important for chartered status later on. Some universities offer integrated Master’s degrees (MEng), which can be beneficial in the long term.

Participate in Placements or Year in Industry

Get practical experience by undertaking industrial placements or a 'year in industry' as part of your degree.

Work experience helps you develop practical skills, understand the industry, and make valuable contacts. Many universities have links with employers and can support you in finding placements.

Gain Professional Experience and Accreditation

Secure a Graduate Role

Apply for graduate chemical engineering roles in sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, food, or manufacturing.

Graduate schemes often include structured training and support. Your first roles may involve process design, project management, safety assessment, or research and development.

Work Towards Chartered Status

Work towards becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer by gaining experience and professional development.

Becoming chartered with the IChemE demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession. This usually involves completing a period of Initial Professional Development (IPD), passing a professional review, and demonstrating key competencies.

🎯 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 title 'Chemical engineer' closely matches itself as they both involve designing, developing, and implementing processes related to chemical production and transformation. Both roles typically require qualifications in chemical engineering and focus on solving complex chemical and process engineering problems.

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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