Overview
We are no longer accepting applications for this course for the 2023/24 intake.
Open a wide range of career options
The Higher National Diploma is a two-year course giving a good all-round training in Chemical Engineering, combining theory with practical and project work. Whilst it will enable you to find work in a variety of positions in the chemical and process industries, many use this qualification as a stepping-stone to a degree course in chemical engineering. With good marks you may continue with study for the degree, BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering or BEng (Hons) Chemical and Energy Engineering, which requires two years more study.
We acknowledge that at the heart of future Chemical engineering is a core understanding of fundamental engineering and there is a traditional path to an exciting and ever-changing career in a wide range of technology sectors. In this programme we have brought together the fundamentals of Chemical Engineering to highlight and develop a deep understanding of the subject and open a wide range of career options from energy to food and drink, pharmaceuticals, and the financial and environmental sectors.
We offer the opportunity for all undergraduate Home/EU students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience while studying a full-time course starting in September 2022.
Why study Chemical Engineering at LSBU?
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- Ranked 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction for Chemical Engineering (Complete University Guide, 2023).
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- Professional accreditation – we’re accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
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- Ranked 3rd in London for Chemical Engineering (Guardian League Tables, 2022).
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- From AI machine learning boot camp to silent film processing, there is a range of extracurricular activities for Engineering students to get involved in.
| ModeFull-time | Duration2 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code008H | Application method UCAS |
Course Accreditations
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IChemE
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
In order to be considered for entry to the programme you will be required to have:
- A Level DDD or;
- BTEC National Diploma MMP or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 24 Merits and 21 Passes or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 80 UCAS points
- Level 3 qualifications must include Maths or Science (chemistry preferred)
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
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| Mode Full-time | Duration 2 years | Start date September | Application code 008H | Application method UCAS |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
The HND Chemical Engineering course is distinctive as it covers the theory of chemical engineering coupled with computer simulation and laboratory practice that enable graduates to be equipped with desired skills sought after by employers.
The course consists of modules with a total credit value of 240 credits which are made up of 12 standard modules of 20 points each. Each year you need to complete 120 credits. In the first year, you are introduced to basic engineering principles and fundamentals of chemical engineering. The second-year focuses on core unit operations such as thermodynamics, separation processes and chemical reaction engineering, as well as engineering mathematics.
On average the assessment of the course is based on 30% coursework and 70% examination.
Year 1
- Introduction to chemical engineering
This module provides you with an understanding of the chemical industries, their economic significance and the career pathways available to professional engineers in these industries. It also equips you with basic principles of chemical processes such as mass and energy balances. - Engineering principles
This module consolidates your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of engineering principles such as measurement systems and units, thermal physics and mechanical and electrical principles. The teaching is supported by laboratory experiments. - Engineering principles 2
This module develops your knowledge of engineering concepts such as material science, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, allowing them to be further developed in future years of study. - Study and laboratory skills
This module introduces study skills considering both individual and team-working skills. It will also introduce you to your own Personal Development Planning process. This module will enable you to develop and use appropriate safe working practices in the workshop or laboratory environment specific to your subject/discipline. - Chemistry and applications
It provides you with the principles of chemistry and its applications to support study of the BEng programmes. It covers fundamentals of chemistry and chemical reactions, and the skills necessary for effective communication in scientific and technical subjects. - Applied mathematics 1
This module provides you with the mathematical knowledge and skills to support study of the BEng programmes. The module covers basic algebra, linear and simultaneous equations, quadratic equations and graphical methods.
Year 2
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
This module provides you with the fundamental principles of thermodynamics (heat, energy and power) and their role in chemical engineering processes and systems. It also covers the principles and applications of heat transfer in chemical engineering. - Fluids and separation
This module equips you with an understanding on the scientific principles underlying separation processes such as distillation, absorption and filtration and their design procedures. It also covers the fundamentals of fluid flow in pipes with friction and particle motion in fluids under Stoke’s law. - Chemical engineering processes 1
It imparts your knowledge and understanding in heat, mass and momentum transfer, describing classical and modern theories and techniques. It also provides you with principles of reaction engineering. The teaching is supported by laboratory experiments. - Computing for chemical engineering
The module provides you with an understanding of the principles of programming and the use of programming languages. It enables to solve chemical engineering problems using numerical techniques and programming languages such as Matlab software. - Engineering mathematics and modelling
This module consolidates your knowledge of a broad range of mathematical methods and techniques appropriate for engineering courses, and enables you to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. - Design and practice
The aim of the module is for you to begin your engagement with engineering design and develop your transferable skills by. You will undertake small engineering design projects, learn to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, and develop your Personal Development Planning (PDP).
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Graduates may work in Chemical Engineering companies as operations engineer, project engineer, or technical support engineer. Our vocational approach will make you an attractive prospect to employers – you’ll understand the theory, but also be able to apply your learning and skills to the workplace with confidence.
Or, like many graduates, you could top up your HND to degree level – complete the course and you’ll be eligible to join either the BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering or BEng (Hons) Chemical and Energy Engineering in the second year. These programs focus on developing your skills as a chemical engineer and you'll find a wealth of sectors open to you: chemical industries, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, energy and oil and gas industries. You could run projects designing and simulating chemical processes or be a research and development engineer working on new plants, systems and processes.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council, which offers the opportunity to become a Chartered Engineer following from the previously accredited programmes.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the global professional membership organisation for people with relevant experience in chemical engineering. Having this accreditation helps progression towards Chartered Engineer status, which is an internationally recognised qualification.
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).
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
- The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the global professional membership organisation for people with relevant experience in chemical engineering. Having this accreditation helps progression towards Chartered Engineer status, which is an internationally recognised qualification.
Teaching and Assessment
As the teaching team in the Division of Chemical and Energy Engineering, we are enthusiastic about our teaching and research. We are a multidisciplinary team with expertise in chemical engineering, energy engineering, and materials engineering, some with industrial experience.
Many of the teaching team have significant experience in delivering solutions in industry or have performed world leading research. The team is available and ready to support your learning experience and enrich it with current examples as you move through the degree.
All modules are taught through a combination of three or more of lectures, tutorials, computer workshop, laboratory practical, seminars and group work which deliver the intended knowledge and understanding, and intellectual/practical/transferrable skills.
Most modules are assessed through both examination and individual/group coursework, with typical weightings of 70% examination and 30% coursework.
Your personal tutor is assigned during the first three weeks of starting the course. Your tutor will be your first point of contact should you have any questions about the course, academic regulations, and the university facilities to support your studies. You will have a couple of timetabled meetings with your personal tutor each semester during the first year to get to know them.
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