MEng Chemical Engineering (distance learning)
ApplyKey facts
- Accreditation: Institution of Chemical Engineers
Part-time study: course designed specifically for part-time distance learning
4th in the UK (1st in Scotland) for Chemical Engineering (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
Study with us
- third-year entry: students start at the equivalent to Year 3 of the full-time course
- the BEng honours component can be completed in three years and the subsequent MEng in one to two years
- our top graduates reach a starting salary of £35,000
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Why this course?
If you wish to study for an MEng in Chemical Engineering you must first complete the three year BEng (Honours) degree. The MEng is considered to be an integrated first degree made up of the BEng curriculum and an additional year of full-time study (two years by part-time distance learning).
The MEng year(s) can be completed in one of two ways:
- you attend full-time classes for 12 weeks (semester 1) then return to your workplace to complete the final project (semester 2)
- a part-time distance learning route, spread over two years, with the work project taking place in Year 2
The Department of Chemical & Process Engineering is one of the largest such departments in the UK. We've strong links with employers worldwide and we're particularly pleased with our graduates’ excellent record of achievement.
What you’ll study
You’ll focus on basic principles and fundamentals of chemical engineering as well as core chemical engineering areas such as process analysis and statistics, fluid flow and heat transfer and safety.
You’ll later study a range of advanced options, including, nanotechnology, emerging technologies and safety management.
For BEng students, the final year of study includes particle technology, multiphase systems and process control. The second semester is entirely devoted to the chemical engineering design project.
MEng students who have an interest in management/business may also select a limited number of modules from this area including Finance for Engineers, Strategic Management and HR Management.
Major projects
Project work is core to your chemical engineering education. It develops your ability to apply technical knowledge, manage your time, communicate and negotiate within a team, make decisions and judgements and write and present reports.
The BEng and MEng chemical engineering degrees incorporate a range of major design projects enabling you to practice your skills in chemical engineering, whether technical or related skills such as teamwork and management.
Year 6 of the degree features a mini design project where you work in student teams on aspects of plant and process design. In Year 7 the detailed and conceptual design projects cover a full semester, involving independent work in teams. It demands skills ranging from technical calculation, decision making, communicating and reporting to research and innovation.
The final year of the MEng degree includes a major industry project which is carried out in your own workplace.
Facilities
As a distance learning student, you can access the University Library online services and borrow online books and download academic papers and journals. The library also offers a postal service for distance learning students.
The University has a number of services to help online students including access to IT and administrative support through email and telephone along with software to help with your learning.
The course uses leading technology to deliver the distance learning experience including a Virtual Learning Environment and GoToWebinar for live tutorial sessions.
You're also welcome to attend lectures and tutorials within the full-time course and access on-campus facilities if you're in the Glasgow area either temporarily or as a local resident.
Our department has extensive teaching, research and computer laboratories, including newly-refurbished labs and new offices and computer rooms.
Postgraduate study
Graduates have many options for further postgraduate full-time or part-time distance learning study, including MSc taught degrees and PhD and MRes research degrees. The department regularly recruits the top graduates as PhD research students, giving you the opportunity to take your experience, interests and qualifications further.
Course awards
Our staff regularly receive nominations in the annual University-wide Teaching Excellence Awards, voted for by Strathclyde students. Staff have also been in receipt of external awards from organisations such as the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Course content
The part-time distance learning BEng/MEng courses are closely aligned with the full-time courses, featuring access to the same resources and materials alongside virtual webinars, video lectures and electronic forums.
Year 5 entry possible.
Chemistry for Chemical Engineering
The module will teach the following:
- Units and dimensions
- Chemical principles and states of matter
- Molar mass and reaction stoichiometry
- Chemical analysis
- Specific heat and latent heat
- Enthalpies of reaction and formation
- Ideal gases and gas mixtures
- Molecular kinetic theory of gases
Mathematics for Chemical Engineering
The module will teach the following:
- Indices, logarithms, simultaneous equations and partial fractions.
- Differentiation - This includes introduction to differentiation, polynomials, chain rule, product rule, quotients; and implicit, parametric and partial differentiation.
- Integration - This includes introduction to integration, integration by partial fractions, integration by parts, double integration and applications of integration.
- First Order Differential Equations - This includes an introduction to differentials equations and the methods used to solve them.
- Second Order Differential Equations - This includes methods used to solve second order differential equations.
- Complex Numbers - This involves the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of complex numbers, the polar and exponential form of complex numbers and complex logarithms.
- Laplace Transformations - This includes introduction to Laplace transformations, the inverse Laplace, transformation of higher derivatives and using Laplace transformations to solve differential equations.
Basic Principles of Chemical Engineering
The module will teach the following:
- Units and Conversion factors
- Mass and moles
- Chemical Reactions
- Reaction Kinetics
- Material Balances
- Thermochemistry and Thermophysics
Professional Engineering and Project Management
This module aims to give an introduction to various professional engineering skills including project and time management, effective communication, group working, and a consideration of ethics and professional registration.
The module is designed specifically for distance learning students currently working in chemical engineering related industries and following the BEng honours chemical engineering degree. It requires them to develop skills that will help them to be successful in both the degree and their career in engineering.
Process Analysis and Statistics
This module aims to provide students with:
- knowledge in material and energy balances, the behaviour of gases, vapour pressure, vapour liquid equilibrium and thermochemistry/physics (Process Analysis). This knowledge forms the foundation of Chemical Engineering
- a fundamental understanding of the basic statistical techniques (probability distributions, method comparisons and regression analysis), that are routinely used in the chemical industries (Statistics)
Chemical Principles and Thermodynamics
Chemical Principles
You'll learn to calculate molar quantities and flowrates commonly used in chemical engineering environments. You'll learn how to calculate heats of reaction and apply the knowledge to elevated temperatures. This knowledge will be applied to mass and energy balances for simple unit operations.
Thermodynamics
You'll learn how thermodynamics underpins many chemical engineering classes as well as domestic phenomena and societal issues. The principles will be developed firstly with single-component systems followed by binary systems.
Chemical Engineering Safety
This module will cover:
- introduction to Hazard Identification and Quantification as applicable to process plant
- HAZOP
- fault/event outcome trees
- emission
- dispersion
- fires/radiation
- blast and effects
- risk assessment & consequence analysis
- industry standards and procedures for Permit to Work (as a procedure)
- general legal framework
- toxicology and design for safety - including layout, relief systems, safety reviews (in general terms)
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer
The module will cover:
- material and energy balances of systems involving fluids in motion
- visualisation of fluid flow patterns and perform calculations on fluid flow in pipework
- principles of fluid flow measurement
- fluids in motion sufficient to determine the power requirements of different types of pumps and their applications
- Fourier’s Law for both plane and radial situations
- standard convection equation, which includes the heat-transfer coefficient (h)
- construction of the double-pipe heat exchanger for both co-current and counter current
- flow paths in a multi-pass heat exchanger
- simple condensers where a saturated vapour is the inlet flow and a mixture of saturated vapour/liquid is the outlet flow
- difference between boiling and evaporation
- plate-and-frame and finned-tube heat exchangers
- other cases of unsteady-state heat transfer
Reactors
This module aims to introduce the students to the principles of chemical reactors. On completion of the module, you're expected to be able to understand the basis of chemical reactor design in terms of mass balances, kinetics, energy balances and stoichiometry. You'll also know how to take into account multiple reactions (parallel and series reactions), and multiple reactors operating series in the design and analysis of reactors.
Mass Transfer and Separation Processes
The module will teach the following:
- material and energy balances for separation processes
- binary fluid vapour-liquid equilibria including construction of x-y diagrams
- principles of mass transfer (diffusion, including diffusion through varying cross-sectional area and path length, and across a vapour-liquid interface
- principles of binary distillation in staged and packed towers, including the McCabe-Thiele model and batch processes
- principles of gas absorption and stripping in staged and packed towers
- an introduction to evaporator processes
- gas adsorption in porous materials, including basic thermodynamics of adsorption, gas-solid equilibria for pure gases, and the Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory for mixed gases
- introduction to gas adsorption processes and scale-up
Biochemical Engineering
This module aims to introduce the students to the principles of biochemical engineering. On completion of the module you're expected to be able to understand the basics of biological processes such as:
- anabolic and catabolic processes
- processes involved in the central dogma of biology, organisms and groups of biochemical substances that are important in biochemical engineering and produce simple models for enzyme kinetics and perform simple analysis of batch, fed-batch and continuous fermenters
Process Design and Simulation
This module aims to build your competence in the analysis of existing processes and preliminary process design. An element of the module involves the use of computer packages for the purpose of process calculation and design.
Process Control and Environmental Technology
This module aims to introduce you to:
- the basic principles of water pollution, wastewater treatment and effluent treatment plant design
- the basic principles of air pollution and air pollution control technology
- process control
Advanced Separations and Problem Solving
Advanced Separations
This module aims to instil in students the principles of advanced unit processes relating to separation: multicomponent distillation, membrane technology and drying.
Problem Solving
The module strives to strengthen and deepen problem-solving skills in the students through applying their knowledge from previous modules (for example, mass/energy balances, chemical kinetics, fluid flow, etc) to practical examples with chemical engineering themes. This will reinforce and integrate the learning outcomes from previous modules and prepare them for the Design Portfolio in the second semester of Year 4 and their future careers.
Numerical Methods and Programming
This module aims to:
- Provide students with an introduction to programming in an engineering context
- Provide students with a fundamental understanding of scientific programming and the operation of MATLAB
- Provide students with the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with solving problems using MATLAB
- Enable students to present outcomes/analysis using professional software
Chemical Engineering Design
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply chemical engineering knowledge, design principles, and problem-solving skills in the context of a project that develops innovative designs for processes or products to fulfil a practical industrial or societal need. The project requires students to demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in making decisions in areas of evaluating and handling uncertainty, resulting in process specifications and evaluation of how designs could be developed into a detailed working design plan. It also develops students' teamwork, communications, planning, and self- and peer-evaluation skills.
To ‘top up’ the BEng curriculum already completed and gain enough credits for an MEng chemical engineering, a student must complete 120 credits at level 5 including:
Advanced Process Design (20 credits/semester 2)
The focus of this module is on the wider implications of process design. The first stage is to consider how batch and semi-batch processes are represented and described, including special factors when compared with continuous processes. This will also include start-up and shut-down procedures in continuous processes.
The second stage will provide appreciation of the broader context or macro level in which process design takes place, and in particular looking at the conceptual phase which stakes cognisance of geography, stakeholders, politics, access to infrastructure, economic drivers, logistics, legislation etc., as some of the factors which influence the major process design decisions. The second stage will also provide a framework for how major projects are executed from conceptual to detailed design.
The third stage is to define chemical product design (CPD) and show the similarities/differences between CPD and process design.
Project (60 credits runs from Sept to July in final year)
This is the final assessment of MSc and MEng programmes and is only taken by students in their final year of these degrees.
The module extends across the various advanced chemical engineering and business/management subjects taught during the course. You’ll explore an advanced technical issue and a business case within your industrial workplace.
40 credits of Advanced Chemical Engineering modules
Choose options from list below. All classes are 10 credits and run in semester 1 unless stated otherwise:
Safety Management Practices
This module provides you with an advanced level exposure to the role of management and management systems in safety and loss prevention.
It will involve in-depth analysis of major incidents in recent history pinpointing:
- the structure of safety management systems
- the approach to auditing safety management
- the role of human factors
- the process and concept of safe design
This course will also involve developing site emergency plans and accident investigation skills, as well as a review of legal structure for the UK.
Programming & Optimisation
This module aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of scientific programming. In particular, its application to optimisation in engineering applications.
The module will teach you to:
- develop algorithms to solve optimisation tasks
- present working Excel spreadsheets tackling optimisation tasks in a form suitable for other engineers to use
Molecular & Interfacial Science
This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of surface science and material properties, their underlying molecular origin, and their applications.
The module will teach you to demonstrate:
- knowledge and quantitative understanding of the processes that take place at interfaces and their applications
- knowledge of experimental techniques used to study and engineer interfaces
- a quantitative understanding of the link between molecular-scale structure and interactions and the macroscopic properties of a material
- knowledge of how the microscopic properties of a material are exploited in applications
Ethics, Sustainability & Environmental Engineering (20 credits/semester 2)
This module aims to assist you to understand your role in engineering sustainability, environmental aspects and professional ethics and how these may influence your professional practice.
On completion of the module, you're expected to be able to:
- understand the nature of professional responsibility and develop a professional ethical identity to carry forward in working life
- understand the historical and global context of sustainable development
- understand and describe the main environmental and legislative issues relating to chemical and process engineering related industries
Molecular simulation in chemical engineering
The educational aims of this module are:
- how chemical engineering processes operate at a molecular scale and how the molecular scale eventually determines what happens at the process scale
- the usefulness of Molecular Simulation in a chemical engineering context
- the theoretical framework that underlies molecular simulations, thermodynamics and most of chem eng, namely basic statistical mechanics
- molecular simulation conventions
- transferable skills useful for obtaining measurements from simulations, analysing data, and communication of technical data and ideas
Clean Combustion Technologies
This module aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of combustion engineering, and the concepts and applications of clean combustion technologies.
The module will teach you to:
- calculate key parameters of gaseous flames and analyse solid fuel combustion processes
- analyse the mechanism of pollutants formation along with combustion process control methods
- evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of combustion technologies
Petroleum Engineering
This module aims to:
- introduce to the students the concepts of origin and formation of petroleum, types and quality of refinery feedstock and natural gas
- provide detailed understanding of petroleum production processes from reservoir to export
- introduce field development planning and economic assessment
- introduce advanced topics in multiphase flow, flow assurance, and carbon capture and storage
Electrochemical Energy Devices
This module provides an overview of electrochemical energy conversion devices, including batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers for energy storage and generation.
The course will introduce important concepts in electrochemistry as applied to energy devices and will discuss engineering solutions for devices and systems.
On completion of the module, you're expected to be able to:
- describe the main devices for electrochemical energy conversion and their uses in industries, transport and energy systems.
- describe the half cell reactions involved in fuel cells, electrolysers and redox flow batteries
- understand basic diagnostic tools used in electrochemical device development
Learning & teaching
The course is based on printed lecture notes and material delivered from the University's virtual learning environment, ‘Myplace’.
In this environment, you'll have access to a page where you can communicate with the course director and other students on the course. You'll also have access to general information about the course administration including regulations and registration for external examinations. You'll be able to see a course site for each of your classes. These host the materials and activities for that particular class and allow students on that class to communicate with each other and the class tutor.
You can also interact with tutors through webinar events. Many of the full-time lectures are captured to give you the benefit of lectures without attending in person.
Lecturers provide support through online tutorials, forums, email, telephone and if demand is sufficient face-to-face on-campus tutorials.
We also welcome a number of industry-based visiting professors from sectors including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and nuclear energy.
Guest lectures
Many of our classes involve guest lecturers from industry, covering subjects from environment and safety, to the latest energy-efficient chemical plant design and the promise of the ‘digital oilfield’.
The Year 3 design project includes masterclasses on safety and risk analysis from oil and gas representatives. The MEng final year classes include options on emerging technologies delivered by a number of highly experienced industrial engineers and scientists.
Assessment
Assessment is normally by written assignment and exam although some modules will require a project report or practical piece of work to be completed in place of an exam.
The final year of the MEng includes a major project which is intended to be completed in your own workplace.
Examination procedures
Exams are held at the university campus in Glasgow on dates and times specified for each semester. Students within the UK and Ireland are normally expected to attend exams at the University campus. Occasional exceptions may be made in compelling circumstances such as staff working in offshore installations, provided that a suitable examination arrangement can be agreed with the University.
In more distant parts of Europe and outside of the continent students may apply to sit the exam at an external centre. This would normally be a British Council office, although other venues may be considered. Any additional costs incurred by you when sitting exams outside of the University are payable by you.
Entry requirements
Due to the wide variety of education and experience of applicants to this course, the selector considers each application on its own merits. Your experience and education must be at a sufficient level to allow the University to award the 240 credits (equivalent to Years 1 & 2 of the full-time Chemical Engineering BEng).
Example profiles of successful applicants include:
- Higher National Diploma (or international equivalent) in chemical engineering with some chemical engineering-related industrial experience
- Higher National Certificate (or international equivalent) in chemical engineering with significant related industrial experience
- Degree in a related discipline, eg Applied Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are per academic year and are subject to change.
This programme is designed for students with relevant prior education and experience. Currently, we offer two possible entry points for part-time, distance learning students, with advanced entry at Year 4 or Year 5 of the programme.
Students joining the programme in Year 4 receive 180 academic credits in recognition of their prior learning and relevant industry experience.
Students joining the programme in Year 5 receive 240 academic credits in recognition of their prior learning and relevant industry experience.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| All students (Scotland, England, Wales, N. Ireland & International) | Per year, as a graduating student undertaking the full degree:
Per 10 credit class, as a non-graduating student:
|
|---|---|
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
| Additional costs | Course materials: we do not charge students for course notes. All course notes are uploaded to myplace and students have the facility to print if required (costs would be incurred by the student). Recommended texts are communicated to the library - students may wish to purchase their own copies. Examinations: there may be in person exams as part of your course. We don’t charge for examinations on campus, but if you are unable to come to Glasgow to sit exams, you will need to arrange a local examination centre, and it is likely that you will incur local invigilation costs. Please contact us if you would like more information. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland
If you're a Scottish student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) for a Part-Time Fee Grant (PTFG) help towards your tuition fees.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England
If you’re a student from England, you may be able to apply to Student Finance England for a tuition fee loan and depending on your circumstances a living cost loan.
Visit the Student Room for more information on Part-Time Funding from Student Finance England.
Students from Wales
If you’re a student from Wales, you may be able to apply to Student Finance Wales for a tuition fee loan and depending on your circumstances a living cost loan.
Visit the Student Finance Wales website for more information on Part-Time Funding from Student Finance Wales.
Students from Northern Ireland
If you’re a student from Northern Ireland, you may be able to apply to Student Finance NI for a tuition fee loan and/or grant, and depending on your circumstances a living cost grant.
Visit the Student Finance NI website for more information on Part-Time Funding from Student Finance NI.
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
Chemical engineers are among the best-rewarded engineers globally, and work across all sectors of industry from energy and foods to pharmaceuticals and medicine, as well as branching out into other areas such as finance and management.
The department works closely with the University Careers Service through every year of our course, to support students in building excellent employability skills and portfolios of experience.
Many of our graduates go on to roles such as:
- Accountancy Trainee
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Process Engineer
- Engineering Audit Intern
- Graduate Commissioning Engineer
- Management Trainee
- Petroleum Engineer
- Polymer Scientist
- Process Engineer
- Process Improvement Analyst
- Quality Assurance Associate
- Research Assistant
- Surface Operations Engineer
- Technical Support Engineer
The BEng (Hons) is a very flexible learning degree program where I completed my degree with a full time job along with giving time to my family and friends. Although it needed a continuous hard working but I still think it is the best choice available for the operators/technicians, working in the chemical and process industries, to build their career to the professional engineering level.
Muhammad Afzal, Control Room Operator at Qatar Petroleum Company
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering distance learning graduate
Apply
Please email the completed form to chemeng-online@strath.ac.uk along with copies of your qualifications and any other relevant documentation.
Start date:
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