chemical engineering, process engineering, biochemical engineering, maths, chemistry, physics,

biology, oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water, food, cosmetics, technology, energy,
pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical engineering, process engineering, biochemical
engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology, oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water,
food, cosmetics, technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical
engineering, process engineering, biochemical engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology,
oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water, food, cosmetics, technology, energy,
pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical engineering, process engineering, biochemical
engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology, oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water,
food, cosmetics, technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical
engineering, process engineering, biochemical engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology,
oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water, food, cosmetics, technology, energy,
pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical engineering, process engineering, biochemical
engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology, oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water,
Whatenergy,
food, cosmetics, technology, is chemical engineering?
pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical
engineering, process engineering, biochemical engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology,
oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water, food, cosmetics, technology, energy,
pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical engineering, process engineering, biochemical
engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology, oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water,
food, cosmetics, technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical
engineering, process engineering, biochemical engineering, maths, chemistry, physics, biology,
oil, gas, petrochemicals, environment, water, food, cosmetics, technology, energy,
pharmaceuticals, nuclear, healthcare, chemical engineering, process engineering, biochemical

whynotchemeng.com
What do all these things have in common?

They all rely on chemical engineering…

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And so do these…

whynotchemeng.com
What is chemical engineering?

Chemical or process engineering is all about changing raw materials into

useful products you everyday in a safe and cost-effective way. For example
petrol, plastics and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, all come
from oil.

Chemical engineers understand how to alter the physical state of a

substance to create everything from face creams to fuels.

Biochemical engineering is a rapidly developing sector which takes exciting

science discoveries and changes them into cost-effective and
environmentally-friendly processes. Biochemical engineers tackle many of
today’s challenges such as biofuels from algae for sustainable energy
sources.

whynotchemeng.com
What do chemical engineers do?

Chemical engineers are involved in the design, modification and

operation of processes to produce desirable products, and work
across a huge variety of sectors including:

Energy Environment Pharmaceuticals

Oil and Gas Consulting

Chemicals
Food and drink
Nuclear Education
Healthcare

Biotechnology Materials
Water
Mining and Minerals
Process Plant and Equipment

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Real life chemical engineers

Alan Ingham works for Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies

as a Process engineer. He studied chemical engineering at
university to maintain lots of careers choices upon
graduation.

Gemma Bowers works a Process engineer for Foster

Wheeler. She’s already spent two years working in
Australia and has set her sights on a management role.

Steven Chandler works as a Refinery economist for Shell.

He says chemical engineering is an interesting
combination of Willy Wonka-style creativity with a good
bit of common sense!

whynotchemeng.com
Real life chemical engineers

Marie Taylor works as Process engineer for Sellafield Ltd,

and urges students to consider a year out in industry as part
of their training.

Matt Wootton works as a Project process engineer for

BP. He believes that industry placements can often lead
to a job offer.

Alan Rodger works as a Process engineer for Tate and

Lyle. Alan was inspired to study chemical engineering
after seeing a whisky distillery in action.

whynotchemeng.com
What makes a good chemical engineer?

Chemical engineers need to be problem solvers, who enjoy science and

maths. They must be looking for a challenge and be excited by a degree
choice that will help them develop a wide range of skills including:

 Specialist scientific knowledge  Communication skills

 Project management  Leadership skills
 Resource management  IT
 Health & Safety  Business & legal knowledge
 Team Work

All skills which are highly valued by employers, even outside the traditional
engineering industries.

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Routes into chemical engineering:

Further study:
MSc, PhD, MPhil
etc

BEng/MEng
GCSEs/Standard A-Levels/Highers/ chemical, process
Grade or Irish Leaving Cert or biochemical
equivalent or equivalent engineering
degree

Employment

It is possible, but less common, to enter chemical engineering

with a HND/HNC instead of A-levels or their equivalent.

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Entry requirements:

The general entry standard is:

• 280 – 380 UCAS points (A*AA – CCC depending on the course and
university), including good A-level passes in maths and chemistry, preferably
with another science or,
• Scottish Advanced Highers in maths and chemistry plus at least two other
Highers or,
• Typically 400 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate including at least a grade
C3 in higher level maths or,
• An International or European Baccalaureate

Many universities offer foundation degree courses for those without the typical
entry requirements.

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What are the benefits?

Benefits include……

• Excellent job prospects

• High earning potential
• Variety and challenge
• Opportunities to travel and see the world
• Make a real contribution to a sustainable future

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Is it a well recognised degree?

A chemical engineering degree will equip you with skills that are easily transferable
and graduates invariably take on considerable responsibility within a few years of
graduation.

For this reason job prospects are excellent and often involve the chance to reach
senior managerial positions at a young age.

Chemical engineering degrees accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers are

well respected in industry and commerce.

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What do chemical engineers earn?

Chemical engineers are the best paid group of engineers and

the second highest paid profession overall behind dentistry*.

Graduate starting salary of: £29,500⁺

Average salaries of: £56,000⁺

Rising to £70,000⁺ for Chartered

Chemical Engineers.

*Source: The Times Graduate Salary Survey 2013

⁺Source: IChemE Salary Survey 2014

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 For more information including case studies, links to
universities and employers, and study information visit:

www.whynotchemeng.com

Whynotchemeng campaign supporters:

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