Chemical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year MEng
2025-26 entryThe year in industry is a one-year extension of the MEng Chemical Engineering degree. With help from our careers and placements team we will help you find and secure your own placement. You'll have a placement in industry for at least 38 weeks.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code H804
- 5 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
We’ve embedded employability throughout our course, and our dedicated chemical engineering employability team runs a careers and employability conference every year. Previous speakers have come from companies including Nestlé, Pepsico, GTC, and Reckitt.
ChemEngSoc is one of many societies in engineering alone, which offer a chance to make friends with similar academic interests and be part of a supportive community. ChemEngSoc offers fun socials like board game nights, as well as academic trips.
In your third year you’ll have a choice of modules, and in your fourth year you’ll be able to choose a specialism, allowing you to become an expert in what really interests you.
Experience our industrial-scale equipment for energy, pharmaceutical engineering and biological engineering. This is all part of the Diamond Pilot Plant, which includes a first ever UK university powder processing line.
Real-world experience and specialist skills will prepare you to be a pioneer in clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, personalised pharmaceuticals and much more.
Chemical engineering is embedded in so many different sectors, and a Chemical Engineering with Industrial Placement Year MEng from Sheffield sets you on the path to become a highly sought-after specialist with industry experience and contacts.
Your learning will revolve around practical experience: lab work, projects and open-ended problem-solving of the kind you will find the real world. In The Diamond’s state-of-the-art pilot plant, you’ll apply what you learn by experimenting with large-scale processes. In fact, hands-on experience of using industry standard equipment is integrated throughout the course, along with digital manufacturing skills, including computer modelling.
Along with a fascinating variety of core and optional modules, you’ll have the chance to choose a specialism, eg energy, pharmaceutical or biological engineering. And in your third year, you'll take part in a process design project, bringing together your learning to create a real-world process in its entirety. In your fourth year, you’ll undertake an independent research project on genuinely cutting edge research in a field of your choice.
All that academic study will then be put into context with a year-long industry placement. While placements are not guaranteed and are your responsibility to source, you’ll receive plenty of advice and support from our dedicated Industrial Placement Year team.
Links with companies such as Siemens, AstraZeneca and Nestlé make Sheffield an excellent choice.
We are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: H804
Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Core modules:
- Mathematics (Chemical)
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This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes.
20 credits - Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
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This unit covers the principles of thermodynamics with applications in chemical engineering. Thermodynamics is a framework which tells us about energy utilisation and efficiency and hence is significant in the design and operation of sustainable processes. The module introduces key concepts such as thermodynamic equilibrium, and the use of thermodynamic tables (e.g. steam tables).Ìý The requirements for chemical and physical equilibria are examined, and their response to changes in composition, temperature and pressure. The first law of thermodynamics is introduced for closed and open systems and used to analyse power and refrigeration cycles. The second law of thermodynamics is introduced. Thermodynamic cycles and property relations are investigated. The teaching of the course is supplemented by several embedded labs which explore the key concepts covered in lectures.
15 credits
By taking this course students will be:Ìý
1. Able to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the key principles of macroscopic thermodynamics with applications in chemical engineering.
2. Challenged to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems associated with energy changes in closed and open systems.ÌýÌý
3. Provided opportunity to develop professional and transferable skills including numerical and practical skills.Ìý - Chemical Principles
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Chemical engineering drives the transition from lab scale discovery to full scale industrial process. Thus, it is vital that chemical engineers are well versed in the fundamental science to aid and drive communication with other scientific disciplines, and therefore to understand and implement the key concepts from physics and chemistry that are fundamental to an understanding of the way the desired chemical processes and systems operate. Key topics include stoichiometry, physical chemistry, equilibria and kinetics, organic chemistry, units and dimensions, statics, kinetics, electricity and energy. Emphasis throughout is placed on application of concepts, to prepare students for core chemical engineering courses. This is further enhanced through the use of embedded labs.
15 credits
By taking this course students will be:Ìý
1. Able to demonstrate a systematic understanding of core aspects of chemistry.Ìý
2. Equipped to solve sophisticated problems, using ideas and techniques from physical chemistry.
3. Able to bring together concepts from across the discipline, and to apply them to real-world problemsÌý
4. Introduced to aspects of molecular and bulk physical chemistry with a mathematical treatment so as to provide a firm scientific base that can be transferred into core chemical engineering unitsÌý
5. Expected to demonstrate a professional approach to professional and transferrable skills and be able to explain chemical topics to a non-scientific audience.Ìý - Fluid and Particle Mechanics
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Fluid mechanics plays a vital role in any chemical plant. Components flowing through pipes must arrive at the correct rate and pressure. Furthermore, the way fluids move influences heat and mass transfer and the progress of chemical reactions, and so a sound basis in fluid mechanics is a key precursor to the study of heat transfer and reaction engineering. Particles and particle processing are found in a wide variety of industries, such as the pharmaceutical sector. The way the particles interact with surrounding fluid, and with each other, governs key process parameters and behaviours. This unit aims to introduce basic fundamentals of fluid and particle mechanics. It includes the properties of fluids, ideal flow and flow measurement, laminar and turbulent flow, boundary layer development and pipe flow, both with and without particles in fluids. Dimensional analysis will be included for characterising flow regimes. Material is illustrated using problems associated with chemical engineering practice, as well as through formative labs.
15 credits
By taking this course students will:
1. Be introduced to fluid and particle mechanics and thus have their relevance in chemical engineering established.
2. Develop the fundamental principles underlying the momentum transport for both systems with and without particles.
3. Demonstrate how these are used for the design of chemical processes and units. - Heat Transfer
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Most processes of interest to chemical engineers do not occur at ambient temperatures. Additionally, many important processes either produce heat, or require heating. To make the most efficient use of resources and to make processes as sustainable as possible, it is vital that chemical engineers have a sound understanding of heat transfer.
15 credits
Heat transfer is a discipline of thermal engineering that concerns the generation, use, conversion, and exchange of thermal energy (or heat) between physical systems. Heat transfer is classified into various mechanisms, such as thermal conduction, thermal convection, thermal radiation, and transfer of energy by phase changes.
The fundamentals of these modes of heat transfer will be introduced to allow students the opportunity to design practical heat transfer equipment with emphasis on chemical processes. Teaching is supported by several embedded labs which will allow students to both deepen their understanding of the fundamental concepts, and to further develop their practical skills.
By taking this course students will be:Ìý
1. Introduced to heat transfer and have its relevance to chemical engineering established.Ìý
2. Familiar withÌý the fundamental principles underlying heat transfer.Ìý
3. Required to design and select heat exchange systems and units and evaluate different types of heat exchangers
4. Introduced to the process safety and sustainability issues around heat transfer.Ìý - Principles of Chemical Engineering 1
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Whilst the list of industries employing chemical engineers continues to grow, the basic principles underpinning them all remain the same. Fundamentally, chemical engineering is the discipline that transforms scientific breakthroughs into large scale industrial processes. This course serves as an introduction to the principles and techniques used in the field of chemical and process engineering by developing knowledge and expertise in the basic principles of chemical engineering design.Ìý
15 credits
Students will also actively engage with the concepts of professional responsibility, safety, sustainability and ethics of chemical engineers, which will come to define the 21st Century chemical engineer.Ìý The module begins by developing and applying the process synthesis method to design a chemical process. This is then extended to the development of material balances, which are a fundamental tool of chemical engineering, and are presented in the context of industrially relevant unit operations such as crystallisation, distillation columns, evaporators, reactors and boilers. This concept is further reinforced through embedded labs, and the introduction of industry standard process modelling software.
By taking this course students will be:Ìý
1. Introduced to the chemical industry.Ìý
2. Engaged by the challenges of professional responsibility, safety, sustainability and ethics for 21st Century chemical engineers.Ìý
3. Introduced to systems of units commonly used in different industries.
4. Given the opportunity to develop and practice problem solving skills.Ìý
5. Able to apply mass conservation to a variety of chemical processes and carry out material balances with and without chemical reactions.
6. Practised in team working and communication skills.Ìý
7. Taught to apply both general and relevant chemical engineeringÌý IT skills. - Principles of Chemical Engineering 2
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Energy usage is a key economic factor in chemical plants, and the sustainable usage of energy is of ever increasing importance. Following on from CMB118, which introduced material balances, this module will introduce the next key balance that is vital in the development and deployment of chemical processes, namely the energy balance.Ìý
15 credits
This course expands the chemical engineering design toolkit to include the development of energy balances. The concept is applied to a wide range of chemical processes such as chemical reactors, heaters/coolers, mixers, distillation columns, evaporators, and cooling towers. Such processes make up the bulk of the unit operations seen in both existing and emerging chemical industries. The module also provides elementary techniques for the evaluation of vapour-liquid and gas-liquid equilibria, and gives an introduction to the unit operation - distillation. A firm understanding of separation processes such as distillation is vital in ensuring the energy requirements for processes are minimised and hence the processes are as sustainable as possible.Ìý
This module is supported by embedded labs, and also hosts the first 'Design Week' of the programme, which gives students the opportunity to work together on an extended problem as a more detailed introduction to the design process.
By taking this course students will be:Ìý
1. Able to identify common ground and differences between this unit and the Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Principles of Chemical Engineering 1 units.2. Comfortable with the definition and calculation of energy balances for batch and continuous processes.Ìý3. Confident in the application of energy balances to various unit operations.Ìý4. Introduced to simultaneous mass and energy balances for analysing and designing processes.Ìý5. Allowed to further develop problem solving, team working, IT and communication skills. - Engineering with Living Systems 1
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As we face some of the emerging challenges of this century, from global pandemics, the environment to energy, water and health, it has become increasingly evident that engineering biological systems represent some of the most sustainable and advanced solutions. To progress these innovative approaches, there is an increasing need to train the next generation of engineers with knowledge of fundamental science applied with chemical engineering principles.ÌýÌý
10 credits
This module will provide students with knowledge of fundamental biological processes, whilst enabling a clear link to how these are exploited within industry for biomanufacturing. More specifically,Ìý this module is an introduction to biological engineering covering the basics of host cell systems (e.g. yeast, E. coli) exploited within the biomanufacturing industry i.e. cell types, structure, function. The working of the cell will be introduced; cell chemistry (biochemistry) and cell structure (macromolecules). These will be described in terms of products (e.g. protein biopharmaceuticals, fatty acid fuels), cell cultivation (basic and industrial microbiology, fermentation) and methods to improve cell productivities e.g. metabolic engineering, synthetic biology. Modelling of fermentation processes will be expanded through enzyme catalysis and Michelis Menten kinetics and linked to applications e.g. departmental relevant research. The concepts described in the module will be reinforced through labs embedded at relevant points of the semester.
By taking this course students will be:Ìý
1. Introduced to biological engineering.
2. Shown that manufacturing can be achieved using living systems.
3. Introduced to microorganisms and microbiology.Ìý
4. Introduced to novel products such as biopharmaceuticals, and new environmental processes such as bioremediation.
5. Introduced to enzymatic catalysis.
6. Introduced to the key process of fermentation.
7. Introduced to synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. - Global Engineering Challenge Week
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The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.
*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations. - Skills for Employability - Level 1
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This module is designed to help students in planning their career development, and to equip them with the essential knowledge, know-how and practical skills needed to succeed in the recruitment process and be competitive in the job market.The information in this form applies to all three levels of the Skills for Employability module.
Core modules:
- Mass Transfer and Separation Processes
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The course introduces the fundamental principles of equilibrium and mass transfer kinetics in multicomponent systems and applies these principles to analysis and design of separation process. Thermodynamics concepts from Year 1 are extended to non-ideal, multicomponent mixtures and applied to phase equilibria. These equilibria are then used to design and rate staged separation processes. The kinetics of mass transfer are introduced with molecular diffusion in gases, liquids and solids. Links are made between the transport of momentum, heat and mass. Convective mass transfer is also covered and the mass transfer coefficient, and methods for its calculation, are introduced. This then leads to the analysis and design of mass transfer over various systems and unit operation.
20 credits - Engineering with Living Systems 2
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This module focuses on the production of a range of important products using living systems. The module will introduce the biotechnology industry and outline typical products in each sector.Ìý The module will cover general microbiology of cell growth including growth kinetics in batch and continuous systems. An overview of a typical fermentor for biomass production will be included. The module will describe how genetic engineering and metabolic engineering of biological systems is used for the production of important products. As examples a number of case studies will be used.
15 credits - Experimental Investigation
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Much of engineering involves designing, undertaking and analysing the results from experimental studies. This module gives students a chance to do so using the Diamond Pilot Plant and other unit operations experiments as the test bed. Core to the design and analysis is a sound grounding in applied statistics which will be covered as part of this module. Student teams will be given open ended laboratory investigations. They will design experiments and visit the lab on several occasions to collect data for analysis. Results will be presented as both written and oral reports.
15 credits - Introduction to Pharmaceutical Engineering
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This module introduces pharmaceutical manufacturing (including biopharmaceuticals) using real world examples. Regulatory affairs and quality management regarding their manufacturing will be introduced.
15 credits - Process Control
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Process control is the study of regulating the conditions of a process in order to obtain a stable process and to generate high quality products efficiently, economically and safely. This module covers modelling and analysing various control system behaviours, including first order and higher order systems, with closed and open loops. The application of control systems to various chemical processes and units will be included.Ìý
15 credits - Process and Product Design
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The unit covers the selection and design of process equipment found on a chemical plant, including aspects of control, scale-up methods and short cut design procedures. Students are introduced to product design including various techniques necessary for the selection of ideas and screening of alternatives, as well as the details of manufacturing and economic considerations. The unit also provides an introduction to process safety and loss prevention from industrial processes and will enable students, with further experience in industry, to carry out activities involved in the safety review of proposed and existing plants.
15 credits - Reaction Engineering 1
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Reaction engineering deals with the holistic design of reactions and appropriate reactors, using the concepts of materials and energy balances, kinetics and chemical thermodynamics. These concepts apply across all sectors of chemical engineering, from petrochemicals to food; from pollution control to biotechnology. This module will cover reactor design including reactor volume, reaction or residence time and operating temperature; and in particular how to optimise both reactor design and reactor type alongside operating conditions for different chemical processes. Application of this knowledge to open ended problems and tools to model any idealised reaction system will be covered.
15 credits
Ìý
Ìý - Mathematics III (Chemical)
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This module is part of a series of second-level modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline. MPS206 includes Partial Differentiation, Fourier Series, Vector Calculus, Partial Differential Equations and Probability Distributions.
10 credits - Engineering - You're Hired
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The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
- Skills for Employability - Level 2
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This module is designed to help students in planning their career development, and to equip them with the essential knowledge, know-how and practical skills needed to succeed in the recruitment process and be competitive in the job market.The information in this form applies to all three levels of the Skills for Employability module.
Core modules:
- Process Design Project
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The module aims to prepare students for professional practice in industrial development of chemical engineering processes. Students will learn to analyse an open problem, research the issues and synthesize a possible technical solution, taking account of the context and broader issues such as economics, environment and safety. Students will need to work effectively as a small team by work organisation and mutual support.
45 credits
Students work as a group under the guidance of a member of staff to develop an overall study of a substantial industrial process, taking account of geographical, social and economic factors and produce a group report and make a presentation outlining a possible scheme to satisfy the requirements. Students then take responsibility for parts of the solution and produce individual reports each including a detailed design of a piece of equipment and a more detailed consideration of a broader aspect of the proposed process. This makes use of most of the degree content and also requires self-directed learning. - Reaction Engineering 2
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This module provides in depth analysis of complex reactions and design of realistic reactors. It builds from the reaction engineering-1 module and covers complex reaction kinetics including bimolecular reactions, reversible reactions and autocatalytic reactions etc., multiple reactions, product distribution, multiple reactors, non-ideal reactors, residence time distribution and dispersion model. It also covers the diagnosis and optimisation of the non-ideal reactors. The module further covers the aspects pertaining to solid-fluid reactions such as catalytic reactions, designs of catalytic reactors, and non-catalytic heterogeneous reactors. In addition, the module also covers the bioreactors and fermentation.
15 credits - Systems for Sustainability
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This module introduces sustainability relevant to the environmental impact of chemical processes and industry. The module covers the concepts of systems analysis by introducing systems-level thinking. Tools to examine process sustainability will be included such as life cycle analysis and circular economy.
15 credits - Transport Phenomena
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Transport Phenomena describe the rates by which heat, momentum and mass are transported between a system and its surroundings. This class builds upon CMB115, CMB116 and CMB217 by extending the use of shell balances to set up and solve the governing differential equations for heat and mass transfer. The appropriate constitutive equations are manipulated for different geometries and to solve problems with resistances in series. Different boundary and initial conditions are explored for steady-state and transient problems, Mathematical tools are re-introduced in the context of solving specific problems. Combined convectionÂ-diffusion problems for heat and mass are solved in terms of dimensionless numbers; another set of dimensionless numbers is introduced for molecular transport problems spanning a solid interface. The class concludes by using dimensionless parameters to estimate solutions for problems with multiple forms of transport.
15 credits - Skills for Employability - Level 3
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This module is designed to help students in planning their career development, and to equip them with the essential knowledge, know-how and practical skills needed to succeed in the recruitment process and be competitive in the job market.The information in this form applies to all three levels of the Skills for Employability module.
Optional modules:
- Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
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The module aims to provide an understanding of the key unit operations used in manufacturing biopharmaceutical products including vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and cell/gene therapies. The course will cover fermentation, extraction technologies and purification operations. The module will describe the design and application of each unit of operations, and introduce key associated topics including process engineering, analytical technologies, automation, quality by design, and regulatory issues. The course will have a particular focus on latest industrial trends, and current and future challenges in biopharmaceutical
15 credits
manufacturing will be studied in-depth. - Environmental Engineering
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The course will have three main focus areas: Air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. The module will prepare students for tackling pollution problems, both in terms of methods for preventing the pollution from occurring in the first place and with methods for remediation of polluted sites in the environment.
15 credits - Introduction to Fuels and Energy
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The module covers the following topics:
15 credits
- Introduction to energy: sources, history, classifications, units
- Primary energy - Introduction to coal
- Primary energy - Introduction to oil and natural gas
- Primary energy conversion - heat to power
- Introduction to electrical systems and energy carriers
- Primary electricity - nuclear
- Energy end use - transport
- Introduction to combustion processes I
- Introduction to combustion processes II
- Energy futures - Science of Formulated Products
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Formulated products are an increasing focus across a wide variety of chemical engineering industries, including the pharmaceutical sector, food manufacture, fast moving consumer goods, fertilisers and catalyst manufacture. These industries are unified by the need to understand particle behaviour and hence this unit will introduce the engineering concepts of various particle processing systems such as powder flow, mixing, granulation, fluidized bed drying and tableting. The theoretical concepts developed in lectures will be reinforced by the opportunity to see Diamond Pilot Plant, which is a world-leading full scale continuous pharmaceutical production line. In addition, the materials will be supplemented by guest lecturers from a range of relevant industries.
15 credits
Core module:
- Year in Industry
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This module enables students to spend their penultimate year working in a chemical engineering related company. This provides them with wide-ranging experiences and opportunities that put their academic studies into context and improve their skills and employability. Students benefit from experiencing the culture in industry, making contacts and preparation for subsequent employment.
120 credits
Core modules:
- Research Project
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Research Projects are intended for Fourth Year MEng students. The projects are carried out broadly based on the research activities in the department. As such, a project is usually supported through a programme of research in the supervisor's group. The key purpose of this module is to introduce a student to basic principles of research work, and its academic societal and commercial importance. A student achieves this through the following stages: a) A clear definition of the problem of a research project and its main objectives. b) A related literature review. c) A choice of research strategy for achieving the research objectives. d) Data acquisition and analysis. e) A critical consideration of research achievements with respect to its societal/commercial application. f) Collation of critical and useful information in a dissertation resembling a publication format, which also introduces students to technical writing. g) Communication of research topic and findings with colleagues and academics. h) Opening of new research avenues.
45 credits - Advanced Process Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation
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Building on the use of simulation tools in Years 1 to 3, CMB471 will: (1) allow students to achieve an in-depth understanding on how to select physical property methods for different process applications; (2) develop students' ability in steady state modelling and advanced process analysis; (3) develop students' ability in dynamic modelling/simulation and advanced process analysis; (4) allow students to apply process economic analysis and process optimisation for different applications; (5) allow students to apply these knowledge and skills to important application examples.
15 credits - Computational Modelling
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This module will cover the numerical methods required to solve complex chemical engineering problems that are typically encountered in design and assessment of unit operations and processes. Further, the module includes ways to model selected systems and introduces to optimisation of models. Tools for mathematical analysis and modelling will be covered e.g. Matlab, Mathematica and/or python.
15 credits
Optional modules:
- Biopharmaceutical Engineering
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This module will equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes and technologies that contribute to to the production and designÌýof complex biopharmaceutical products. An emphasis will be placed on the core design principles and tools that underpin engineering of cells, DNA elements, culture media, proteins and mRNA constructs. Using latest case studies, students' understanding of core principles will be reinforced by designing industry relevant engineering processes for a range of biopharmaceutical products (e.g. recombinant proteins, vaccines, gene and cell therapeutics).
15 credits
Ìý
Ìý - Bioresources and Bioprocessing
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This module provides an overview of bioresources and their applications in the bioeconomy. The different types of bioresources, their characteristics and how that affects their applications will be discussed. Technologies, including chemical and biochemical methods, that are used for processing bioresources will be explored. Production of bioenergy from bioresources will be discussed.
15 credits - Continuous Manufacturing Technology: PAT and Process Optimization (MEng)
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The module covers recent advances in Process Analytical Technology (PAT), which is used in continuous manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Selection of suitable PAT tools and PAT data interpretation are both addressed. Additionally, the module will present different approaches used in process control and optimization. The lecture topics are designed based on the skills required by the pharmaceutical industry and there is significant input from industrial experts.
15 credits - Energy Systems and Management
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To provide a broad study of conventional and renewable Energy Systems and an advanced knowledge of selected emerging energy technologies. To develop practical skills and confidence in carrying out energy management tasks such as conducting an energy audit.
15 credits - Low Carbon Energy Science and Technology
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Low carbon technologies are an essential requirement if the world's energy needs are to be met without causing irreversible changes to the planet's climate. This module will cover why there is a need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world's energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies that aim to meet this need will be introduced and then a select number will be studied in more detail. The aim of the module is to enable the student to make critical assessments of the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages.
15 credits - Nuclear Reactor Engineering
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The module provides a broad base introduction to the theory and practice of nuclear reactors for power production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The unit aims to provide students with a clear grasp of those aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The unit will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.
15 credits - Particle Design and Processing
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This module will give an introduction to particulate products. An overview of particle and powder characterisation will be given, and particle property distributions and how these change over time will be covered. Particle design (production of new particles with specific attributes) and production methods will be included (e.g. crystallisation and precipitation; granulation; jet break up and spray drying; aerosol processes; chemical vapour deposition; suspension polymerisation; and grinding).
15 credits - Petroleum Engineering
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This unit gives an overview of the current and future technology for the oil and gas industry. It includes the origins of petroleum and its refining, as well as introduction to biofuels. This module covers -the origins, types and quality of refinery feedstock and products;-detailed analysis of various sections of petroleum processing in refineries;-introduction to advanced topics in petrochemical engineering such as catalyst development, desulphurisation, pollution control and hydrogen production.-details on key biofuels and their strategic importance and the technological challenges of viable large scale production.
15 credits - Synthetic Biology
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Synthetic Biology is: a) the design and construction of new biological parts, devices and systems;Ìýb) the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes. The module seeks to introduce students to the field of synthetic biology, the context (technical and ethical, legal and social issues) and the industrial promise. The module demonstrates the concepts of the engineering design paradigm applied to exploitation of biology. In particular, issues related to standardisation and modularity of biological parts, devices and systems are introduced and examined in light of examples. Concepts related to creation of life and deconstruction of life are covered.
15 credits - Electrochemical Engineering
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This module covers three key topics:
15 credits
a. Fundamentals of electrochemical kinetics and thermodynamics
b. Electrical and mass transport and electrochemical characterisation
c. Energy storage and conversion - fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors
- Advanced Materials
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This module covers cutting-edge concepts and the latest information on advanced materials, more specifically nanomaterials. It will include next generation applications of emerging nanomaterials and the key properties underpinning some of these applications. The module will focus mainly on the methods used to produce these nanomaterials both at lab- and commercial-scales. Challenges and methodologies for scaling-up and commercialising nanomaterials syntheses will be covered. Hands-on activities in how to translate a synthesis into a process design will be included.
15 credits
Ìý
Ìý
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Our teaching puts engineering practice at its core with integrated laboratory activities, computer modelling and simulations, and hands-on activities in our state-of-the art pilot plant all supporting your lectures and tutorials.
We're an international department with 45% of our academic teaching staff coming from overseas, giving our course content truly international relevance. Many of our staff have key links with major industry including AstraZenca, Shell, BOC, Process Systems Enterprise and MedImmune.
Assessment
Our courses use a range of teaching and assessment modules aligned to the topic being taught. Teaching methods include lectures, integrated lab sessions, tutorials and project work; assessment methods include written examinations, online assessment and project submission.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths and a science or technology subject
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB including Maths and a science or technology subject + A in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 36 with 6 in Higher Level Maths and a science
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
- T Level
- Distinction in a relevant T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
- Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
- AAABB + AA in Maths and a science
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- A + AA in Maths and a science or technology subject
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction (to include Maths and science units), and 6 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
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Science and Technology subjects include: Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Environmental Science, Further Maths, Physics, and Design & Technology (including Textiles, Food Production, Product Design, Systems and Control Technology, and Design Engineering)
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Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control; Digital Production, Design & Development; or Design & Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and a science or technology subject
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB including Maths and a science or technology subject + A in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 34 with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and a science
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
- T Level
- Distinction in a relevant T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
- Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
- AABBB + AB in Maths and a science
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA in Maths and a science or technology subject
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths and science units), and 9 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
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Science and Technology subjects include: Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Environmental Science, Further Maths, Physics, and Design & Technology (including Textiles, Food Production, Product Design, Systems and Control Technology, and Design Engineering)
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Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control; Digital Production, Design & Development; or Design & Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Graduate careers
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Our graduates work in sectors including chemicals, consumer goods, oil and gas, consultancy, pharmaceuticals, energy, water, food and drink, materials, process plant and equipment, biotechnology and the nuclear industry.
We produce chemical engineers equipped to work in industrial teams designing and operating new processes. Our recent graduates are working for global companies including BASF, Cargill, Johnson Matthey, GlaxoSmithKline, BOC, Shell, EDF, Total Lindsey and Sellafield.
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
National Student Survey 2022
National Student Survey 2022
Chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform and transport materials - beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by implementation of the technology in full-scale production.
We combine intensive teaching with practical experience to produce the kind of graduates employers want.
All our non-foundation year courses are accredited by the IChemE, putting you on the path to chartership.
You'll be taught in the Diamond, one of the very best teaching spaces in the UK. This unique facility will provide you with a safe environment in which you'll apply your learning from lectures, tutorials and labs on larger scale process equipment through hands-on experimentation.
Facilities
The Diamond Pilot Plant (DiPP) is the cornerstone for educating the Sheffield chemical engineer. The plant has three cutting edge integrated manufacturing processes at a pilot scale. Its software and products are sponsored by major industrial companies including, GEA, Solaris Biotech and NiTech and is also used to up-skill employees of UK companies.
University rankings
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
Student profiles
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Additional funding
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering scholarships
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 222 7521
- cbe-ug@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read and the .
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.