Undergraduate open days 2024
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Undergraduate Open DaysBrand new state-of-the-art facilities
Practical hands-on courses including lab-based sessions and project work
Get real-world experience with our placement years
Chemical Engineers pioneer materials and technologies of the future; they design and develop the processes behind today’s most useful products. In studying at Master's-level, you will develop your knowledge in chemistry and engineering, along with management and leadership skills.
Our accredited Chemical Engineering programme recognises the broad field of the subject and as such starts with a common first year, which is shared among all our engineering subjects. This is in recognition that Chemical Engineers do not work in isolation and that modern engineering is just as much about effective teamwork and communication, as it is the underlying science.
You will explore core themes of design, materials, thermodynamics and heat transfer, along with appropriate mathematical study in the first year. Alongside these, you will develop your design, problem-solving, management and leadership skills.
Following the first year, where you will have developed a solid foundation of engineering knowledge and begun to explore a variety of different areas of the discipline, you will have the opportunity to consider and plan your academic progression. At this stage, you may choose to begin your Chemical Engineering study, or move onto any of our other specialist programmes.
Your second year will then be spent studying at a partner university in Europe, the United States of America or Australia. This year abroad allows you to broaden your horizons, grow as a person and adds a new insight and perspective on not only the discipline of engineering, but also on the methods and structure within higher education. The marks you gain during your international year will be converted to grades at Lancaster and will count towards your final degree classification.
On return to Lancaster in year three, you will join your specialist programme of study, taking modules in your specific discipline and continuing to develop your core skills as an engineer.
A key element of year three is the group design project, where you will be asked to solve an open-ended design project over the course of the year. The projects typically involve conceptual design, as well as evaluation of economic, safety, legislative and ethical standards of assessment. Alongside this, you will practise and develop project management, team-working and technical writing skills.
In the fourth year, you will develop Master's-level skills, knowledge and experience. You will undertake advanced topics and will cement your specialist chemical engineering knowledge through an individual project, which will have real, positive impact on businesses and society.
The degree is professionally accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) as meeting complete fulfilment of the educational requirements to become a Chartered Engineer, and is underpinned by the CDIO framework (Conceiving, Designing, Implementing and Operating). All of your teaching is delivered by world-class academics and shaped by their outstanding research output. You will gain hands-on experience with access to cutting-edge facilities and an array of high-quality equipment in our state-of-the-art Engineering Building.
Chemical engineering is an innovative and interdisciplinary subject area, combining techniques and processes used across the STEM field in order to evolve the world around us. Chemical engineers are therefore in high demand across a huge range of sectors – and our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and much more. Some have even gone on to pursue further study and embark on a career within academia, working at the forefront of scientific research and discovery. The highly-transferable skills you will acquire will make you a desirable employee in many fields – even those beyond traditional engineering career destinations. Graduates from our Engineering degrees are well-paid too, with a median starting salary of £29,000 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).
Here are just some of the roles that our BEng and MEng Chemical Engineering students have progressed into upon graduating:
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
A Level AAA
Required Subjects A level Mathematics and a Physical Science: Chemistry, Physics or Biology
GCSE Mathematics grade B/6, English Language grade C/4. GCSE Chemistry at grade B or 6 required with an A level in Physics or Biology.
IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.
Interviews Applicants may be interviewed before being made an offer.
International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including either:
Acceptable physical science subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Other physical sciences at HL may be considered. GCSE Chemistry at grade B or 6 required with a HL in Physics or Biology.
BTEC Considered alongside A level Chemistry
We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualifications. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.
Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.
Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
This module introduces fundamental applications of engineering science to build physical components, structures and systems and create functionality across all engineering disciplines. The basics of manufacturing and processes will be explored together with design principles, methods of sensing physical, electromagnetic, electrostatic and chemical effects, and converting these effects to electrical signals and mechanical actuation.
Over the course of this module, students will learn how to manipulate and manufacture objects, synthesise chemical compounds, as well as build and code electrical interfaces. At the end of the module, students will complete a group project using CAD tools to analyse, design, capture, and manufacture engineering components, sensor interfacing, data conversion and data processing.
This module introduces concepts associated with the fundamentals of engineering science relevant to chemical, mechanical, nuclear and electrical/electronic systems. Students will learn how physical principles associated with heat, energy transfer, radiation, fluid mechanics, forces, kinetics, impedance, and atomic level behaviour govern the function of structures, processes, components, devices, and systems. These principles provide a foundation for all engineering degree programmes. By the end of the module, students will be able to apply their knowledge of these principles in a practical manner to investigate real-world challenges.
This module introduces key numerical and analytical concepts relevant to the engineering disciplines providing a foundation for all engineering programmes. Students will consolidate their skills in the use of complex numbers, calculus, differential equations, vectors, matrices and transforms as engineering tools that can be applied to the analysis and design of engineered materials, components, devices, structures, assemblies and systems.
MATLAB and Excel will be introduced to both solve mathematical problems, apply mathematical principles to data sets to generate curves, statistics and trends. Students will learn basic programming in order to implement mathematical algorithms commonly used in the engineering disciplines. Supporting laboratories will involve tasks associated with the visualisation of mathematical solutions, the processing of data sets and the use of programming techniques to implement solutions on an embedded processor or personal computer.
In this year, you will study at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. You will choose specialist modules relating to your degree as well as other modules from across the host university.
An advanced exploration of chemical engineering fundamentals is provided and applied to the concept of simultaneous momentum, heat and mass transfer in the design process. Students will develop skills used in the chemical engineering design of evaporators, humidifiers, dryers and complex separations.
Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental processes involved in integrating momentum of heat, mass and momentum transfers including the humidification process, cooling towers and multi-component distillation.
The module will also enhance students’ ability to define a problem and identify the constraints of such processes. They will learn to adapt designs to meet new purposes, and apply innovative design solutions whilst simultaneously solving momentum, heat and material balance problems.
In addition, students will develop an awareness of the principles of mass and energy balance and how that, and other process parameters, are interrelated and combined in the design of processes and equipment to create a complete plant. Finally, students will gain knowledge about the principles of effective management of health and safety including appropriate legislation. They will be able to refer to a range of relevant design standards when generating designs.
This module develops students’ understanding of reactors and reaction engineering from the homogenous through catalytic and enzymatic to heterogenous and bio-reactions.
Students will learn about the kinetics of ‘idealised’ catalysis and enzymes in homogeneous systems before being introduced to heterogeneous reactions and the additional concepts required to describe them and interpret their behaviours.
They will also learn to interpret complex kinetic models in terms of the underlying process steps such as: mass transfer, pore-diffusion surface adsorption and desorption and the reaction itself.
Analysis of reaction data will be taught using a range of mathematical and empirical tools to quantify the characteristic kinetic parameters, and students will select and design a range of catalytic and bio-reactors based on the characteristics of the reacting system.
The module provides a sound framework of principles for calculating mass and energy balances for various operations and processes for design purposes. Students will develop skills in the common tool set used in chemical engineering design, and will be introduced to hazard identification techniques and quantification as applicable to process plants.
Students will develop a design for a set of requirements based on customer needs and identify any constraints. They will be expected to ensure it would be fit for purpose including maintenance, reliability and safety, and will adapt designs to meet new purposes and apply innovative design solutions. Additionally, students will learn how to solve material balance problems for multiple stage process operations, and will gain the necessary knowledge to identify principle successive steps required in the start of a process design.
Students will also gain an understanding of how the principles of mass and energy balance and other process parameters are interrelated and combined in the design of processes and equipment to create a complete plant. The principles of effective management of health and safety, including appropriate legislation, will also be described. The students will be able to categorise hazards and refer to appropriate legislation, and will apply hazard identification techniques and analysis techniques in designs to support safety cases. Ultimately, they will develop an understanding of the concept of a safety case, and will gain the ability to refer to a range of relevant design standards when generating designs.
This module offers students an immersive experience of the chemical process design activity, from the later stages of conceptual design through equipment sizing and mechanical configuration to the early stages of detailed process design. Students will gain the opportunity to apply their chemical engineering knowledge and skills previously developed to the real problems associated with the design of a coherent process.
During this module students will demonstrate understanding and competent application, of the tools of synthesis and integration to a complex chemical process. They will also gain a deep understanding of the principles of process evaluation with regard to sustainability as represented by safety, health and environmental and economic impact. An enhanced awareness of the sensitivity of operational variables in their design proposals will also be provided.
Additionally, students will choose a route and synthesise a flowsheet for the manufacture of a specified quantity of a defined chemical product, and will select and deploy appropriate design methods for one or more items of process equipment. Students will evaluate the consequences of uncertainty in data, as well as the route and flowsheet options with regard to sustainability, as represented by safety, health and environmental and economic impact.
Students are introduced to the use of computational data analysis, modelling and simulation in the field of chemical engineering. The module uses a mixture of visual basic and spreadsheet programming and one of the most widely employed professional chemical engineering software packages: ASPEN engineering suite. Students will develop competence in using computer modelling and simulation in chemical engineering analysis and design, and will gain an understanding of numerical methods relevant to this field.
Additionally, students will gain confidence in the application of numerical methods to the interpretation of chemical engineering data and to the creation of bespoke designs. They will develop problem solving skills using a specialist chemical engineering software package, and will enhance their skills of analysis and synthesis of solution algorithms for practical chemical engineering problems.
Completing this module will enable students to recognise the limitations of numerical modelling and simulations.
Students are provided with an insight into the physics, chemistry and engineering of common energy conversion processes, including conventional thermal power generation: coal, oil, open-cycle and combined cycle gas turbines. They will develop the ability to analyse systems efficiency and the CO2 emissions of different schemes, and will also study direct conversion, including solar photovoltaic devices and fuel cells.
This module will enable students to discuss and deduce numerically the efficiency of a variety of energy conversion processes. There will be an opportunity for students to gain a range of transferable skills such as, the ability to describe and analyse energy conversion processes. They will also gain a consideration of where current research trends are taking the field.
The opportunity to study reactor engineering in greater depth is offered during this module. The focus is on the use of industrial catalysts to enable difficult reactions to be carried out safely and effectively with full regard for energy efficiency and sustainability.
The module will consider the design and synthesis of catalytic materials and industrial catalysts. It then moves on to consider the design and optimisation of the reactors to exploit the properties of catalysts and the issues associated with de-activation before introducing the specialist computational tools and methods required in the design process.
On successful completion of this module students should be able to describe the characteristics of multi-phase reactions and reactors in general, and catalysts and catalytic reactors in particular.
This module aims to familiarise students with the issues involved in starting up and running a company in a technological area, and to introduce the concept of entrepreneur as a transformational leader. Work placements will allow students to develop an appreciation of engineering problems within an industrial context.
Students will participate in a company-based problem solving or a design project, and will improve their understanding of a particular technological problem depending on the nature of their company placement. Additionally, students will gain a theoretical basis of operations management, strategy and strategic development, accounting, customer value and marketing, as well as managing human resources. The module will enhance students’ ability to carry out basic financial analysis for example, to forecast the company's future performance, and will provide them with a theoretical basis and practical experience of problem solving and teamwork. Finally, students will gain a theoretical basis and some experience of the Human Resources aspects of business.
For MEng Mechanical Engineering students, this module is core for those choosing to follow either the Design Pathway, the Energy & Resources Pathway or the Materials and Manufacturing Pathway.
This module consists of a student centred project which aims to give participants the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of a specific, specialist area of engineering.
This specialist area can be in one or more of the following: The application of professional software to the solution of specialist and novel problems; the design of equipment, devices or processes; the conduct of experimental investigations in the laboratory and/or manufacturing plant contexts; and computational modelling of processes or phenomena.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to communicate their understanding of the scientific principles and methods which underpin their engineering discipline and enable their appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, in terms of its historical, current, and future development and technologies.
This module will explore the range of materials, both synthetic and natural, that can be used as implants in the human body for tissue repair and regeneration. Highlighting the biomaterial properties of implant materials (including dental materials), this course aims to give you an overview of possible host responses to the implant materials in particular importance of bioactivity and biocompatibility. Additionally, both physical and chemical routes to reduce the host response will be discussed throughout the duration of this course. You will also explore a number of case studies involving the use of hard and soft tissue implants, and become familiar with the selection criteria for identifying suitable materials for an implant. You will also have an opportunity to learn about spectroscopic techniques that are used to evaluate chemical structural properties of biomaterials and natural biological molecules. Finally, this module will highlight the use of specific designs and role of engineers in successful exploitation of these materials in clinical applications. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify the properties that are conducive for use of a given material as a biomaterial, understand the possible body response to a given foreign material, and comprehend fundamental and basic structural properties of materials for load-bearing and non-loadbearing application
This module explores electrochemical reactions, electrochemical reactor design and applications of electrochemical technology; the three aspects of electrochemical engineering. Students will gain the opportunity to build on their knowledge and understanding of the reaction and transport processes fundamental to chemical engineering by applying it to electrochemical systems. Students will develop the ability to explain and implement the equations describing the thermodynamics of, and mass transport in, dilute and concentrated electrolytes, and will assess their applicability in specific cases.
They will also explain and implement equations for production and transport of heat in electrochemical systems, as well as the temperature dependence of electrode potentials, electrode kinetics and mass transport properties. Furthermore, students will develop an understanding of current distribution in electrochemical reactors, and will set up mathematical models of electrochemical systems, based on the continuity and transport equations for relevant variables. They will also specify appropriate boundary conditions for these models.
In addition to this, students will possess the necessary knowledge to explain and discuss important aspects and problems in modelling, design and use of some realistic systems, such as PEM fuel cells and electrochemical batch reactors. Students will then evaluate the results gained from simulations.
The aim is to develop students' understanding of the key aspects underlying engineering science, relating to the production of nuclear fuels and the conversion of nuclear energy. The unique hazards associated with handling the materials in the manufacturing train, such as criticality, radioactive exposure, chemical toxicity and flammability, will be highlighted together with methods for their safe management. Students will be able to study advanced material balancing methods suited to the special requirements of nuclear materials including methods of reconciliation and active material accountancy.
Additionally, students will extend their knowledge of heat transfer with particular reference to the design of nuclear reactors and the complex boiling processes occurring in theory geometries.
Ultimately, this module will provide understanding of a range of nuclear fuels, their associated manufacturing processes, and their relationship with the civil/military controversy.
Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.
Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:
Home | International |
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£9,250 | £29,820 |
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will be charged the same percentages as the standard International fee.
Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.
Undergraduate Open DaysTake five minutes and let us show you what Lancaster has to offer, from our beautiful green campus to our colleges, teaching and sports facilities.
Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.
Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.