BEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with foundation year
Course overview
The BEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with Foundation Year at the University of Surrey is a four-year degree. The first year is foundational, giving a solid grounding in maths, chemistry, physics, and basic engineering ideas. After that, students move into the full chemical and petroleum engineering programme. The degree emphasises sustainability, process design, and the petroleum industry. Surrey runs strong professional training placements, so graduates gain industry experience. Surrey’s standard chemical and petroleum engineering degree is four years (including foundation) for full-entry students.
In the Foundation Year (Year 1), modules cover core mathematics, chemistry, physics, basic engineering, computing, study skills and problem solving. This helps students build confidence before tackling full engineering content. In Years 2 to 4, students learn chemical engineering fundamentals like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass transfer, reaction engineering, heat transfer, process control, and instrumentation.
They also study petroleum engineering modules, such as oil and gas production, reservoirs, petrochemical processes, and downstream processing. Design projects and lab work are included. Students use a pilot plant and industrial-scale equipment in Surrey’s chemical engineering facility. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, lab practicals, workshops, group design work, and project sessions. Assessment combines exams, coursework, lab reports, project deliverables, presentations, and design tasks.
Entry requirements
Grade Requirements:
- For the foundation route, typical requirements are lower than direct entry. This course requires CCC at A-level.
- Applicants must have science or maths at some level.
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics is required.
English Proficiency:
- International students must meet Surrey’s English language standards, with an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no section below 5.5.
Scholarships
Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of feesEarly Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)
The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.
Up to £5,000ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).
Up to £30,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of BEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with Foundation Year from the University of Surrey can enter roles such as:
- Process Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Chemical Design Engineer
- Sustainability and Environmental Engineer
- Refinery Operations Manager
Cost of study
For international students, the annual tuition fee to study BEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with Foundation Year at the University of Surrey is £27,000 for full-time study.
Admission
Applications for the University of Surrey BEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with Foundation Year course are made through UCAS. If you need assistance, you can reach out to one of our experienced counsellors.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.