MEng Chemical Engineering

The Heriot-Watt University MEng Chemical Engineering programme is a professionally recognised programme that teaches students how to design and operate processes that change raw materials into useful products and energy safely and efficiently. The course covers key chemical engineering ideas, including process design, reaction engineering, separation methods, and how materials behave with heat. It also teaches about sustainable development and advanced energy systems.

This programme goes deeper than a standard Bachelor's degree, with a stronger focus on advanced topics and a major design or research project in the final years. Learning involves lectures, tutorials, hands-on laboratory work, and extensive design projects. Students will develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, preparing them for advanced roles in various industries and for future research opportunities.

Heriot-Watt University, a respected public institution with its main campus in Edinburgh, is recognised as a specialist in areas such as business, science, technology, engineering, design, and textiles. The university is highly ranked globally, placing 287th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and is notably first in Scotland and third in the UK for investment in facilities according to The Complete University Guide 2026. It strongly focuses on graduate employment, with a high percentage of graduates securing jobs or pursuing further study shortly after completing their degrees.

The university offers more than 217 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, delivered at its campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Dubai, and Malaysia. With approximately one-third of its students coming from outside the UK, Heriot-Watt fosters a global learning community. It is dedicated to providing a supportive educational environment where students learn from leading academics and engage with peers who share their passion for their chosen fields.

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CVs along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements: 

• Candidates need Highers AAAB, or A-Levels at BBB-AAB, including Chemistry and Maths, International Baccalaureate, BTEC, HNC, and HND. 
• International qualifications equivalent to A-levels are also accepted.

English Proficiency: 

• If English is not your first language, you need to provide an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. Equivalent test scores, such as PTE and TOEFL, are also accepted.

The tuition fee for international students for the MEng Chemical Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University is £25,008.

Heriot-Watt University provides a range of scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students (which the MEng falls under for direct entry), with over £6 million disbursed annually in various forms of support. These include the Dean's Global Merit Scholarship, offering £1,500 - £3,000 for students from specific regions, and other regional merit scholarships covering Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and South America. Specific country-based scholarships, such as the India Diwali Scholarship, may also be available. These scholarships typically offer a reduction in tuition fees.

Graduates of the MEng Chemical Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University are highly sought after across various sectors due to their advanced skills in process design and operations. The programme prepares them for leadership and technical roles in a range of industries. Graduates work as:

• Process Engineer
• Research and Development Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Project Manager
• Environmental Consultant
• Energy Systems Engineer

You can apply for the Heriot-Watt University MEng Chemical Engineering course through UCAS. Our experienced counsellors are available to help you.