Triangle

Course overview

Our students develop core scientific and engineering knowledge through practical laboratory experience, teamworking and problem solving. They have the technical training and transferable skills needed to pursue a career in environmental process engineering.

Professional recognition

Engineering Council accredited degree

This course is accredited by the IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) to BEng standard and by the IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining) to MEng standard under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

IChemE accreditation logo    IOM3 accreditation logo

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Year one

The department teaches a common first year across chemical engineering and environmental engineering courses. The transition between school/college and university is very carefully managed, with extensive staff support.

Year one takes students with backgrounds in science and maths and introduces the fundamental engineering sciences including heat and mass transfer and fluid mechanics. Safety and environmental aspects are also covered, as are the development of professional skills. The material is taught using a wide variety of methods, from problem-based learning to tutorials and laboratory classes.

At the end of year one you can elect to transfer to any of the courses offered by the department.

Year two

The focus of year two is to develop the fundamental engineering sciences into the key processes and operations that are used by environmental process engineers. Students learn how to carry our site investigations and environmental impact assessments. The environmental field course is central to the learning experience. Students begin to explore the complexities of waste management and safety engineering. Exposure to industry and cutting-edge research also increases.

Year three

In year three we develop the practical application of the knowledge and skills that have been gained in years one and two. Laboratory exercises are more open-ended, using large-scale and industrial equipment. Project management, business and finance are covered and there is a significant amount of input from industry. You will undertake specialised modules on environmental process engineering, concerned with the management of air and water pollution. You will also learn about the management of hazardous waste.

Year three students undertake a group design project, which simulates a commercial environment where companies tender for a design contract. Projects are industry driven and allow you to develop and demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to be professional environmental process engineers.

Usually, students spend a year working in industry at the end of year three. The placement will allow you to gain first hand experience of the exciting challenges that are faced by environmental engineers, and will significantly enhance your technical engineering skills. The placements are fully paid, and companies usually visit the University from September to March to recruit students for industrial placements.

Year four

With the assistance of our dedicated team, you will spend your fourth year working in an industrial placement to expand and refine the skills you have built so far in the course.

Year five

Year five allows you to develop specialist expertise, with a range of module options available. You will be completely independent in your learning and will be able to tackle a wide variety of complex, multidisciplinary problems and more advanced environmental engineering concepts. A research and design project is undertaken, giving you first-hand experience in cutting-edge research and the opportunity to develop the more advanced skills that set masters-level students apart from other graduates.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level A*AA-AAA

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Required subjects Maths and either chemistry or physics (including a pass in the practical element). If A* in maths is achieved, alternative A level subjects could be considered, excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking and general studies.

GCSE mathematics grade 5 (B), and GCSE English grade 4 (C) are required.

A foundation year is available for those with BBB grades.
IB score 36 (higher level subjects to include maths plus either chemistry or physics)

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

How you will be assessed

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

Mathematical Methods for Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Content for this module will be confirmed later in 2022 - please keep checking back on this page.

Chemistry for Engineers

Content for this module will be confirmed later in 2022 - please keep checking back on this page.

Process Engineering Fundamentals

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental material and energy balances that underpin process engineering. You'll study material balances incuding:

  • once-through and recycle systems
  • flowsheets for continuous processes
  • batch processes
  • steady and unsteady state operation
  • reacting and non-reacting systems
  • energy balances
  • combustion calculations
  • heat balances in chemical and physical systems
  • enthalpy/composition diagrams

You'll spend three hours in lectures and have regular practical workshops for this module.

Fluid Dynamics
This course aims to extend previous knowledge of fluid flow by introducing the concept of viscosity and studying the fundamental governing equations for the motion of liquids and gases. Methods for solution of these equations are introduced, including exact solutions and approximate solutions valid for thin layers. A further aim is to apply the theory to model fluid dynamical problems of physical relevance.
Engineering Thermodynamics
This module will present the basics of thermodynamics with particular emphasis on applications to process plant. By the end of the module you should be able to analyse most of the common energy-based operations found on process plant.
Fundamentals of Engineering Design
This module introduces the deliverables, constraints and conventions of the design process. It will enable you to understand the fundamental basis of design, and the design tools most commonly used by engineers in the industry. Each week you will have two three-hour workshops and one one-hour computing session.
Introductory Geology

This module provides a basic understanding of geology and includes topics such as:

  • introduction to the main rock types and minerals
  • rock forming processes
  • the composition of the Earth
  • geological structures
  • natural hazards including volcanism and earthquakes
  • geological map interpretation
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 14 August 2020.
Calculus, Probability and Numerical Methods for Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Content for this module will be confirmed later in 2022 - please keep checking back on this page.

Environmental Assessment

Content for this module will be confirmed later in 2022 - please keep checking back on this page.

Separation and Particle Technology

Content for this module will be confirmed later in 2022 - please keep checking back on this page.

Analytical Measurement
This module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical introduction to the principles of analytical measurement. Particular emphasis of the module is on quality control, quality assurance and accreditation. Teaching is delivered through a blend of lectures, practical workshops and computing sessions.
Hydrology and Hydrogeology

This module is designed for students with an interest in water resources, and provides an understanding of the movement and storage, pollution and pollution control, and the water-resource provision from both surface and sub-surface waters. You’ll spend three hours in lectures per week.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
Design Project
This is a group design project involving the preparation of heat and mass balances and flow sheets for a particular process scheme and the detailed design of certain important plant items. A study of the control, operational, safety, environmental and economic aspects will be included. You'll spend one hour in a tutorial and make use of self-study sessions each week studying for this module.
Process Dynamics and Control

This module aims to provide you with a basis for understanding the dynamic behaviour of a process system and the options available for its safe single loop control. It aims to help you develop an appreciation of:

  • the dynamic behaviour of processes
  • effects of disturbances and single loop controllers
  • the features and constraints on choice of conventional process control instruments and equipment
  • a basis for process analysis and design using dynamic process models and dynamic simulation

You'll spend two hours in lectures and two hours in computing sessions every week.

Reactor Design

This section is made up of eight topics, which are detailed below.  Each topic covers a fundamental principle in reactor design, also how students can combine those principles to derive/optimise the reactor design equations. The textbook Fogler, H. Scott "Elements of chemical reaction engineering", 4th ed., Prentice Hall, 2005 is closely followed. The main topics are:

  • mole balances
  • conversion and reactor sizing
  • rate laws and stoichiometry
  • collection and analysis of rate data
  • isothermal reactor design
  • multiple reactions
  • steady-state non-isothermal reactor design
  • catalysis and catalytic reactors
Water Treatment (autumn)

This module will introduce you to a range of knowledge and skills applicable to water and wastewater treatment. You'll gain an understanding in water availability, sources of pollution and the legislative framework for water quality from an EU perspective.

Municipal water and wastewater treatment processes will be covered, focusing on key unit processes including sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. You’ll spend three hours per week studying for this module. Teaching is also complemented by site visits.

Air Pollution 1 (autumn)

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of air pollution problems. It includes a categorisation of the types of natural and anthropogenic air pollution sources, sinks, and the effects that air pollutants may produce within natural and manmade environments. You’ll learn about the processes of selection and design of pollutant monitoring and control technologies that may be applied to control atmospheric emissions from industrial processes.

Assessment: 100% exam

Process Engineering Laboratory

In this module you'll be given a laboratory-based problem and you'll need to plan experiments to collect the data required to solve the problem. You'll work in groups but write individual reports covering process assessment, experimental procedure and the description and discussion of the experimental results.

By solving a laboratory-based problem, you should gain the confidence in making decisions in a technical/scientific environment and adopt a rational, efficient approach to problem solving. You'll also become more familiar with the operation of commonly-encountered chemical engineering equipment and improve your skills in collecting, analysing and interpreting experimental data.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

With the assistance of our dedicated team, you will spend your fourth year working in an industrial placement to expand and refine the skills you have built so far in the course.

MEng Project

In this module, you’ll undertake a combined design and research project in a team of two to four students. In addition, you’ll gain detailed knowledge in the specific topic of study.

The aim is for you to gain skills in planning, executing and reporting on an individual research study thereby developing their powers of analysis, independence and critical judgement. You’ll spend one hour in tutorials and make use of group-study sessions each week studying for this module.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Fees and funding

UK students

£9250
Per year

International students

£23760*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Faculty-specific funding

In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

You will have developed your knowledge of science and engineering, together with a wide range of transferable skills including IT, communication, analysis, problem solving, teamworking and management.

Our graduates are well-regarded and find career opportunities in a range of industries, including energy, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food, oil and gas, as well as government agencies worldwide.

Boost your earning potential

Which university courses boost graduate wages the most? Studying with us could help you to earn more.

  • We are second highest in the UK for female engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation
  • We are second highest in the Midlands for male engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation

(Source: Institute for Fiscal Studies data: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-44413086)

Average starting salary and career progression

89.5% of undergraduates from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £31,426.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.