MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering (Heriot-Watt)

Chemical engineering is an exciting and challenging area of study. Chemical engineers take a raw material and turn it into a useful product as cost effectively as possible. By applying for the combined HND Chemical Process Technology programme at Forth Valley College with guaranteed progression to Heriot-Watt University, students have taken the first step towards a dynamic and rewarding career in chemical engineering.

As part of the programme, you will receive a student membership for the?Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), paid for by the department. 

For further information, please visit the Heriot-Watt webpage here.

Years One and Two

The course is delivered for the first two years at Forth Valley College (Falkirk Campus), studying the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and chemistry. Course content includes:

  • Chemical Engineering Principles
  • Heat Transfer
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Unit Operations
  • Equipment Design
  • Process Safety

Year Three

Provides opportunities to analyse key operations in the industry, particularly the processing and separation of gases and liquids. In parallel, there are subjects looking at chemical reactor theory, how processes are controlled and the prediction of physical behaviour. Topics on Safety, Environment and Economics are consolidated in a group-based project

Year Four

A central theme is the advanced analysis of key processing operations and their control. Specialist topics include: Processing Solids; Energy Efficiency; and Developing Sustainable Processes. A group-based design project and individual research project are also undertaken.

Year Five

Specialist and core chemical engineering subjects are studied in this year, along with the extensive research project. A central theme is the enhanced design project, where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in process design and commercial awareness.

  • Chemical engineer
  • Process engineer

One of the following:

  • Two Highers at grade B and one at grade C or equivalent (to include Chemistry and Mathematics)
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering or Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies plus two further Highers at BB or BC to include Chemistry and Maths

    Additional Requirements:

  • Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task
  • The selection session will also include a tour of the College and an opportunity to ask questions about the course

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk

 

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

End date

05 June 2026

SCQF Level

Level 8