University of Manchester: A global force in Chemical Engineering

15 Sep 2017

“This is Manchester. We do things differently here.” – Anthony H. Wilson

Forged by its thriving contribution to the industrial revolution, Manchester’s spirit of hard work and creativity is one that’s undoubtedly still alive today. Standing among the world’s top ten friendliest cities, as voted for by Rough Guides readers, Manchester has well and truly earned its status as the UK’s most popular student hub.

“Manchester is a university that answers life’s biggest questions,” the institution notes. “It’s a city with a passion for innovation and reinvention, setting the pace in industry, sport and the arts,” it adds.

“We offer an education that will equip you for future success and experiences that will inspire you to make a difference in the world, helping you undergo true change and growth as a student in order to become the best graduate you can be.”

School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science – World-Leading and Globally-Renowned…

Recognised as the ‘birthplace of Chemical Engineering’, Manchester’s School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science (CEAS) is widely recognised as a leader in the field, not just in the UK but throughout the world. Here, students have full access to lecturers who are known experts in their respective disciplines, equipped with knowledge and expertise that breaks through borders of every specialist field.

CEAS offers the full breadth and depth of study options, including Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research-level programmes. As an internationally-relevant, versatile discipline that perfectly blends core scientific topics and applies them to real-world contexts, it’s hardly surprising that CEAS graduates are increasingly sought-after in the professional sphere.

“Our graduates are very employable and find work in a wide range of industries,” the School explains. “They can be involved in anything from assessing environmental issues to working out how to manufacture life-saving vaccines. In fact, chemical engineering graduates are in such high demand that salary averages are higher than many other graduate professions.”

One thing that sets the School apart from others of its kind are its pilot-scale facilities. There is a real emphasis on the practical side of the course, with students having extensive hands-on experience of using the equipment they will find in an industrial setting. By investing in the technologies of the real-world chemical industry the School has invested in you; allowing you to understand the complex practical problems of industrial-level controlling processes.

As a world-class institution, Manchester knows your education requires a well-rounded and holistic approach. This means exploring the subject from every possible angle: Lectures deliver fundamental concepts and theory, whilst, in the School’s small-scale laboratories, you’ll learn how best to plan and conduct experiments, as well as to evaluate and operate lab equipment, keep in-line with safety regulations, and analyse experimental data via multiple industry-standard methods. Small group teaching provides invaluable opportunities for students to develop their understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of the course in a fully supportive and inclusive environment.

The James Chadwick Building

Built as part of a £30 million project to enhance the CEAS student experience, the James Chadwick Building is a rich and contemporary space complete with teaching labs, computer clusters, enquiry-based learning rooms and multi-purpose breakout spaces.

This unparalleled facility also hosts the Pilot Plant; which is in fact one of the largest and best-equipped in Europe. Laden with a spectrum of substantial industrial processing equipment, where students develop their understanding with first-hand, manual experience, Manchester’s James Chadwick Building plays an integral part in the development of professionally-qualified chemical engineers.

Library and Computing

From the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons that grants students 24/7 access to a grand social meeting space, Wi-Fi access and flexi-study areas; to the University Library – also one of the nation’s most well-equipped – with access to the UK’s largest collection of online resources, including more than 500,000 electronic books and more than 25,000 electronic journals, students here are far from short of eye-opening study sources.

Flexible Career Opportunities…

One of the greatest things about the pursuit of a degree in Chemical Engineering is that the profession is so vast and cross-disciplinary. In fact, graduates are considered so versatile, qualified and highly-skilled that they work in all kinds of industries. Excelling in trades like food and drink, pharmaceuticals, energy, oil and gas, water, chemicals, materials – including plastics, metals and ceramics – and products like toiletries, fertilisers and detergents, not to mention the role played in issues surrounding health, safety and environmental issues; the potential opportunities at the end of this degree are undeniably abundant.

Many CEAS graduates quickly progress to senior or management roles, driving industrial progression from the boards of powerful multi-national corporations. But with the transferrable skills you’ll gain as a result of your CEAS degree, you’ll find yourself able to confidently handle virtually any professional situation. This is why chemical engineering graduates aren’t strictly bound to one professional realm, with many going on to pursue highly successful careers in areas such as finance, accountancy, banking, IT, computing and consultancy.

“When you choose your degree you want to be sure you will have flexibility in the future,” the University concludes. “You may not be exactly sure what career you want to follow when you graduate. A chemical engineering degree keeps your options open and ensures that you have many opportunities to choose from.”

Interested? Find out more here, and follow CEAS on Twitter, WordPress and Google+