Integrated degree is formula for success

Integrated degree is formula for success
Daniel and Ellie

Forth Valley College and Heriot-Watt University believe they have the formula for students who want to progress in a Chemical Engineering career.

By applying for the combined HND Chemical Process Technology programmes at Forth Valley College - with guaranteed progression to Heriot-Watt University – students can take the first step towards a dynamic and rewarding career in Chemical Engineering.

Second year HND Chemical Process Technology  student  Ellie Barton (19) from Kilwinning in Ayrshire is progressing to her Masters in Chemical Engineering (MEng) at Heriot Watt.

She, said: “I enjoyed the course. When you leave school it is a bit scary thinking about university, but at college you get more one-on-one tuition that you would not get at university and you get great support here.

“We have already been to Heriot –Watt University as we were working on our design project there, so we have already met up with people who will be on our course next year which is good. I am still a bit scared of university, but this Forth Valley College integrated degree course offers a good transition into 3rd year and I feel prepared.

“Maybe people interested in chemistry and science should think about coming here to do the integrated degree MEng as a first choice. If you are prepared to put in the work it certainly will make you ready for university.”

Daniel Nairn (19) from Perth, who is also progressing onto the MEng degree, said: “It has been good. Rather than going straight to university this has been a good half way between both further and higher education and I would definitely recommend it to other potential chemistry and science students. It is a great way to do it.

“It is also quite an accessible college to get to and there isn’t too much traffic to negotiate to get here, which can be a big factor. The lecturers are really good and facilities are good too. I don’t mind chemistry, but I was really looking forward to the engineering aspect of the course and I managed to experience this when we worked on our project that found us working up at Heriot-Watt University and I really enjoyed that.”

The course is delivered for the first two years at Forth Valley College, where students learn the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and chemistry. Topics of study include:  Chemical engineering principles, Heat transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Unit operations, Equipment design and Process safety. Students then progress to Heriot-Wat to complete their Masters.

Mhairi Hay, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department Electrical, Instrumentation and Chemical Engineering, said: “We are very proud of our strong links with Heriot-Watt University here at Forth Valley College. The Chemical Engineering MEng integrated degree programme is a shining example of how we can work together to offer an excellent qualification that will springboard the next generation of graduates into the engineering and applied science industries.

“We look forward to hearing from potential new students who feel they would benefit from building their confidence and their practical lab skills at Forth Valley College before they embark on their university studies.”

Applicants will need a minimum of three Highers at grade B or equivalent (to include Chemistry and Mathematics).

More information can be obtained by visiting https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/courses/degrees/meng-chemical-engineering-heriot-watt