Discover the top UK universities for Chemical Engineering in 2026. Our rankings highlight institutions excelling in teaching, research, and graduate employability with great student life.
Best Universities for Chemical Engineering: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Manchester | 95 | 85 |
| 2 Silver | University of Cambridge | 94 | 75 |
| 3 Bronze | Imperial College London | 93 | 70 |
| 4 | University of Leeds | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | University of Sheffield | 90 | 80 |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | 87 | 78 |
| 7 | University of Nottingham | 88 | 79 |
| 8 | University of Glasgow | 86 | 81 |
| 9 | University of Birmingham | 85 | 77 |
| 10 | University of Southampton | 84 | 75 |
1. University of Manchester Gold
2. University of Cambridge Silver
3. Imperial College London Bronze
4. University of Leeds
5. University of Sheffield
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Nottingham
8. University of Glasgow
9. University of Birmingham
10. University of Southampton
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Chemical Engineering rankings blend academic excellence with student lifestyle factors to showcase the best places to study.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Chemical Engineering Universities in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world’s best Chemical Engineering departments, combining strong academic foundations with hands-on industrial experience. Our 2025 rankings highlight the top universities for Chemical Engineering based on research quality, student satisfaction, employability, and facilities.
University of Cambridge
Cambridge leads globally in Chemical Engineering research and innovation. Students benefit from world-class teaching, advanced laboratories, and close collaboration with industry partners. The degree emphasises both scientific theory and engineering application, preparing graduates for top roles in energy, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Imperial College London
Imperial offers one of the UK’s most prestigious and practical Chemical Engineering programmes. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong research culture, students gain deep technical skills and professional experience through industry placements. Its London location offers outstanding networking and career opportunities.
University of Manchester
Manchester’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science combines academic excellence with a vibrant student experience. The course focuses on sustainability, innovation, and problem-solving — and Manchester’s strong industrial partnerships make it ideal for those seeking hands-on experience and career preparation.
University of Leeds
Leeds provides a career-focused Chemical Engineering degree that blends theory with practical experience. Students benefit from access to modern laboratories and research projects in energy, materials, and sustainability. The city’s affordability and lively student life make Leeds a popular all-round choice.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham’s Chemical and Environmental Engineering programmes are known for research excellence and industry collaboration. Students gain experience in real-world problem-solving and sustainability projects, with excellent graduate employability and strong links to the energy and materials sectors.
University of Sheffield
Sheffield offers a supportive and affordable environment for Chemical Engineering students. The course combines academic depth with a focus on renewable energy and process engineering. With excellent wellbeing services and high student satisfaction, Sheffield is ideal for students seeking balance and support.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham delivers a research-led Chemical Engineering degree with strong ties to leading industrial employers. Students gain extensive laboratory and design project experience, while the university’s placement schemes and career services enhance employability across engineering sectors.
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh combines scientific research and sustainability-focused engineering. The course integrates Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering to address global challenges such as clean energy and materials innovation. High student satisfaction and strong wellbeing support make it an excellent academic environment.
University of Bath
Bath is known for exceptional placement opportunities and teaching quality. Students benefit from small-group learning, strong links to employers, and a practical focus on process design. Bath’s balance of academic rigour, employability, and social life makes it one of the UK’s most popular destinations for aspiring engineers.
University of Bristol
Bristol offers a research-driven Chemical Engineering degree with a focus on sustainability and energy innovation. The programme blends creative problem-solving with technical training, while the city’s lively student community and cultural scene enhance the overall experience.
Career Prospects After a Chemical Engineering Degree
A Chemical Engineering degree opens doors to high-demand sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, environmental technology, and materials science. Graduates often move into research, design, or management roles. Explore related courses like Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering for more technical pathways.
Entry Requirements for Chemical Engineering Courses
Typical UCAS entry requirements range from 140–160 points (AAB–A*AA), with A-levels in Chemistry and Mathematics essential. Some universities also recommend Physics. For help matching your grades to the right course, visit our entry requirements guide.
Most Affordable Cities for Chemical Engineering Students
Sheffield, Leeds, and Birmingham are among the most affordable cities to study Chemical Engineering, offering low living costs, strong transport links, and vibrant student communities.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol stand out for their social scenes and active student unions. Engineering societies, networking events, and professional associations add to the student experience across these cities.
Student Wellbeing and Academic Support
Universities such as Edinburgh, Bath, and Sheffield are recognised for excellent student wellbeing, academic mentoring, and mental health support — helping Chemical Engineering students thrive in a demanding degree environment.
Considering Alternatives to Chemical Engineering?
If you’re interested in related scientific and technical subjects, explore Biomedical Science, Environmental Science, or Physics. Each offers unique opportunities for careers in sustainability, technology, and innovation.
Summary: Which Chemical Engineering University Is Right for You?
When choosing a university for Chemical Engineering, consider factors such as research excellence, facilities, career links, and city lifestyle. Cambridge and Imperial lead in global research impact, while Bath and Birmingham excel in placements and employability. For affordability and community, Sheffield and Leeds offer strong value. Use this guide to compare your options and find your ideal fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Chemical Engineering
Top UK universities for Chemical Engineering include Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, and University of Manchester. Our 2026 rankings highlight universities excelling in student satisfaction and research impact.
Imperial College London often leads the rankings thanks to its cutting-edge research and strong industry links in Chemical Engineering.
A Chemical Engineering degree opens doors to careers in pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, and environmental sectors, with excellent graduate salaries and job prospects.
The UK is renowned for Chemical Engineering, but the USA, Germany, and Canada also offer strong programs depending on your career goals.
Most courses require A-levels in Maths, Chemistry, and often Physics. Check university course pages for specific entry requirements.
Graduates work in sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering, manufacturing, and consultancy.
Yes, with growing focus on sustainability and clean energy, demand for Chemical Engineering graduates remains strong across industries.
Starting salaries typically range between £28,000 and £35,000, with experienced engineers earning significantly more.
Courses with intense focus on process design and advanced mathematics are considered most challenging. Talking to current students helps gauge difficulty.
Graduates work in energy firms, chemical manufacturers, environmental consultancies, and research institutions.
Yes, Chemical Engineering is highly respected worldwide, especially from top UK universities known for innovation and research.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked