Looking to study Chemical Engineering in the UK? You’re in the right place! The UK is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, offering excellent research, expert faculty, and strong career support. Whether it’s the historic halls of Oxford and Cambridge or the innovative campuses of Imperial College London and Manchester, international students have incredible options. With high employment rates, global reputations, and vibrant student communities, these universities can help turn your career dreams into reality. Let’s explore the best of the best for 2025!
Top Chemical Engineering Schools in UK
University of Cambridge
Established in 1209, the University of Cambridge stands as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions. Today, it hosts a diverse student body of approximately 20,000 students, representing over 140 countries, making it a truly global hub of knowledge. Its Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology seamlessly blends fundamental scientific principles with practical, real-world applications. In addition to this, around 95% of Cambridge graduates find employment or pursue further studies within six months of graduation. Below are the key details of University of Cambridge:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1209 |
| Location | Cambridge, England |
| Global Ranking | #3rd globally for Chemical Engineering |
| Enrollment | Approximately 20,000 students from over 140 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 11:1 |
| Programs Offered | Archaeology, Computer Science, Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. |
| Graduation Rate | 91% of graduates work or further study within 15 months of graduating. |
| Employment Rate | Approximately 95% employed or in further study within 6 months |
| Campus Size | Comprises 31 autonomous colleges and over 150 departments, spread across the city of Cambridge |
| Website | www.cam.ac.uk |
Imperial College London
Founded in 1907, Imperial College London is one of the world’s leading science and technology-focused universities. Situated in the heart of London, Imperial is home to approximately 19,000 students from over 130 countries. The university consistently ranks among the top 10 universities globally for Chemical Engineering (QS World University Rankings, 2024), and its graduates are highly sought after by top employers worldwide.
Moreover, an impressive 92% of Imperial graduates secure employment or continue their studies within six months of completing their degrees. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, Imperial offers students personalized support, fostering innovation through close mentorship and collaborative research opportunities. Below are the key details of Imperial College London:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Location | London, England (South Kensington) |
| Global Ranking | Ranked 8th globally for Chemical Engineering |
| Enrollment | Approximately 19,000 students from over 130 countries |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 8:1 |
| Programs Offered | Aerospace engineering, Artificial intelligence, Data science, Business analytics, Chemical engineering |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250 per year (UK students); £31,750 per year (international students) |
| Employment Rate | Around 92% employed or in further study within 6 months |
| Website | www.imperial.ac.uk |
University of Oxford
Dating back to 1096, the University of Oxford is not only the oldest university in the English-speaking world but also one of the most prestigious. With over 24,000 students from more than 160 countries, Oxford is globally recognized. Ranked #9th in the world for Chemical Engineering (QS World University Rankings, 2024), Oxford offers an academic environment that nurtures innovation and creativity. Around 94% of Oxford graduates either secure employment or progress to further study within six months of completing their degrees. Below are the key details of University of Oxford:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1096 |
| Location | Oxford, England |
| Global Ranking | Ranked 9th globally for Chemical Engineering |
| Enrollment | Approximately 24,000 students from over 160 countries |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 10:1 |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250 (UK students); £28,950 (international students) |
| Employment Rate | Around 94% employed or in further study within six months |
| Campus Size | Comprises 39 colleges and over 100 departments throughout Oxford |
| Website | www.ox.ac.uk |
University of Manchester
Established in 1824, the University of Manchester is located in Manchester, it is home to around 40,000 students. The university’s Department of Chemical Engineering is ranked 1st globally (QS World University Rankings, 2024). Over 93% of Manchester graduates secure employment or further study within six months, frequently entering roles in global engineering firms, research institutions, and innovative startups. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, students receive strong academic guidance while enjoying access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Below are the key details of University of Manchester:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1824 |
| Location | Manchester, England |
| Global Ranking | Ranked 1st globally for Chemical Engineering |
| Enrollment | Approximately 40,000 students from over 170 countries |
| Acceptance Rate | 56% (Moderately Competitive) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 12:1 |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250 (UK students); £25,000 (international students) |
| Employment Rate | Around 93% employed or in further study within six months |
| Campus Size | Large urban campus with over 10,000 staff and 400 student societies |
| Website | www.manchester.ac.uk |
University College London (UCL)
University College London (UCL), established in 1826, is one of the world’s top universities. With a student population of over 44,000 from more than 150 countries, UCL offers a vibrant, diverse learning environment in London. UCL is also part of the prestigious Russell Group and was the first university in England to welcome students regardless of religion or gender! Ranked 8th in the UK for Chemical Engineering (The Guardian University Guide, 2024), UCL graduates are highly employable, with approximately 90% finding employment or continuing studies within six months of graduation. Below are the key details of University College London:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1826 |
| Location | London, England (Bloomsbury district) |
| UK Ranking | Ranked 8th for Chemical Engineering |
| Global Ranking | Consistently among the top 20 universities worldwide |
| Enrollment | Approximately 44,000 students from over 150 countries |
| Programs Offered | BEng (3 years) and MEng (4 years with research project) in Chemical Engineering |
| Accreditation | Both programs accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 10:1 |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250 (UK students); £31,100 (international students) |
| Employment Rate | Around 90% employed or in further study within six months |
| Website | UCL Department of Chemical Engineering |
University of Nottingham
Founded in 1881, the University of Nottingham is Home to around 35,000 students from over 130 countries. Its Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering ranks 5th in the UK. With approximately 91% of graduates securing employment or further study within six months of graduation, Nottingham’s strong industry links and practical training ensure students are ready for successful careers. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 helps foster close academic support and meaningful learning interactions. Below are the key details of University of Nottingham:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Location | Nottingham, England |
| UK Ranking | Ranked 5th in The Guardian University Guide 2024 |
| Global Ranking | Ranked among the top 100 globally for Chemical Engineering |
| Enrollment | Approximately 35,000 students from over 130 countries |
| Accreditation | Both programs accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 12:1 |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250 (UK students); £22,815 (international students) |
| Employment Rate | Around 91% employed or in further study within six months |
| Website | University of Nottingham Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering |
Conclusion
Choosing the right university is the first step toward an exciting future in Chemical Engineering. From world-leading programs and hands-on research to strong job prospects, these UK universities offer everything you need for success. No matter your career goals, you’ll find a place to thrive—surrounded by global talent and industry opportunities. Take the next step and discover where your journey begins!
