BEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with foundation year

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.

The University of Surrey, in Guildford, England, traces its roots back to earlier technical institutions and became a university in 1966. Surrey has faculties including Engineering and Physical Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, and Arts and Social Sciences, and holds strong links with industry and research.

Surrey’s campus includes modern labs, teaching spaces, student housing, and sports facilities. There are student societies, clubs, sports teams, and events. The campus is compact, safe, and well-connected to London and the surrounding regions. In terms of teaching, Surrey combines research and practical work. The university supports students with mentoring, workshops, tutorials, and career services to bridge learning and real professional demands.

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.

As noted, the Vice Chancellor’s Future Leaders Award (worth £7,500) is available for first-year students. Surrey also offers the International Excellence Award (Undergraduate), which grants £5,000 to selected international undergraduates.

Another major scheme is the Sam and John Dawson Scholarship, which provides up to £60,000 over years of study (for eligible students) and can cover a professional training year. Students should carefully check Surrey’s official Scholarships and Bursaries page for eligibility, deadlines, and the application process.

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

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.