BEng Chemical Engineering

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a robust BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering degree, designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to innovate and manage processes in a wide array of industries. This program focuses on creating efficient and sustainable chemical processes, developing innovative materials, and ensuring safe and environmentally responsible plant operations. CCCU adopts the pioneering CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) approach, an international engineering education model developed by MIT. This hands-on, project-based learning method ensures students are thoroughly prepared to solve real-world engineering challenges, fostering their creative potential and technical expertise for a career in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries, among others.  

Curriculum: The BEng Chemical Engineering curriculum at CCCU is meticulously structured to provide a strong foundation in core chemical engineering principles. While specific module titles may vary, the program typically includes fundamental courses such as "Advanced Chemistry for Chemical Engineers," "Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Processes," and "Introduction to Chemical Engineering," covering essential concepts like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process design. As students progress, they delve into more complex areas, which may include "Chemical Process Engineering Design," "Maths and Computing for Chemical Engineers," "Physical Chemistry and Thermodynamics," and "Transport Phenomena." The program emphasizes practical application, with a significant portion of the learning dedicated to hands-on laboratory work, design projects, and problem-solving exercises. Students also engage in individual and collaborative projects, developing specialist knowledge in areas like process design and control, separation processes, and chemical reaction engineering.

Research Focus: The Chemical Engineering program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by academics who are actively engaged in research relevant to the field. The university's School of Engineering, Technology and Design fosters an environment where teaching is informed by and involves students in current research. While detailed individual research specialisms for every faculty member are not extensively publicized, the broader research interests within the School of Engineering often encompass areas such as advanced and digital manufacturing, chemical engineering and process design, materials science and engineering, additive manufacturing, sustainable technologies, and energy transition. This ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge developments and scientific inquiry, applying theoretical knowledge to active research areas that address contemporary industrial and societal challenges.  

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a crucial component of the BEng Chemical Engineering program at CCCU, aimed at providing students with invaluable practical experience and enhancing their employability. The university actively integrates the CDIO approach, where project-based learning often involves real-world problems sourced from industry partners. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities within the Verena Holmes building, which houses engineering workshops, mechatronics labs, makerspaces, and mechanical physics labs equipped with industry-standard equipment. The program is designed with input from professionals, ensuring the curriculum is industry-focused. Furthermore, the university supports students in securing work placements, offering opportunities to develop relationships within inclusive engineering organizations and to apply their skills on live projects, enhancing their CVs and professional networks.

Global Perspective: The BEng Chemical Engineering program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing challenges that transcend national borders and exploring the international nature of the chemical and process industries. Chemical engineers are involved in developing sustainable production pathways for essential resources like water, food, and energy, which are global concerns. The curriculum emphasizes the design of processes that are safe, sustainable, and economical worldwide, preparing students for careers in multinational corporations. Discussions often extend to international regulations, global supply chains, and the environmental impacts of industrial processes on a global scale. This broad outlook equips graduates to work effectively in an interconnected global industry, contributing to solutions for universal challenges in areas such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and environmental management.