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Engineering

Chemical Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Chemical engineers in the UK use their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design, develop, and improve processes for producing chemicals, fuels, food, and materials. They work in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, and environmental protection. Day-to-day tasks may include designing equipment, monitoring production, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, and developing new ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Chemical engineers often work in laboratories, offices, and manufacturing plants, and may collaborate with other engineers and scientists on large projects. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of scientific and technical principles.

Chemical Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a chemical engineer in the UK is around £32,000 to £55,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning over £70,000.

Number of Positions

There are approximately 15,000 chemical engineering jobs in the UK, with demand highest in the energy, pharmaceuticals, and food sectors.

Graduate Employment Rate

Over 80 percent of chemical engineering graduates in the UK find employment or further study within six months of graduating.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Process Development Engineer

Works on designing and improving processes for manufacturing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or food products, focusing on efficiency and safety.

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Environmental Chemical Engineer

Specialises in developing solutions to reduce pollution, manage waste, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations in industrial settings.

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Biochemical Engineer

Applies chemical engineering principles to biological materials and processes, such as developing new medicines or sustainable biofuels.

Develop Strong Science Foundations

Choose Science-Based GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on subjects such as Chemistry, Maths and Physics at GCSE and A-Level, as these are essential for further study in chemical engineering.

Most university courses in chemical engineering require A-Levels in Chemistry and Maths, and often Physics. Achieving high marks in these subjects will help you meet university entry requirements and build the skills needed for your future studies.

Participate in Science Clubs and Competitions

Join school science clubs or take part in competitions to boost your passion and experience in science outside of the classroom.

Activities such as the UK Chemistry Olympiad, CREST Awards or STEM clubs can help you develop practical skills, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts relevant to chemical engineering.

Pursue Higher Education

Apply for a Chemical Engineering Degree

Research and apply to universities offering accredited chemical engineering degrees (BEng or MEng).

Look for courses accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), as these are recognised by employers and may lead to Chartered Engineer status later. Entry requirements usually include high A-Level grades in Chemistry and Maths.

Gain Practical Experience through Placements

Seek out industrial placements or internships during your studies to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.

Many universities offer a ‘sandwich year’ or summer placements with companies in sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or food production. Practical experience will make you more employable and give you valuable insights into the industry.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Jobs

Look for graduate chemical engineering roles in industries such as energy, manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals.

Employers may include companies like BP, GlaxoSmithKline, or Unilever. Graduate schemes often provide structured training and the opportunity to gain experience in various departments before specialising.

Work Towards Chartered Engineer Status

Begin working towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the Institution of Chemical Engineers by gaining relevant experience and undertaking professional development.

Chartered status demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession. It can open up more senior roles and increase earning potential. You will need to keep a record of your work experience and continuing professional development (CPD) activities.

🎯 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' most closely matches itself, as it involves the application of chemical principles to develop processes and solutions within the chemical industry. Both roles typically require a solid foundation in chemistry and engineering, along with problem-solving skills related to chemical processes.

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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