Chemical Engineering with foundation year

1st in the UK for continuing students in the subject area of general engineering
Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2026

Get ready for degree-level study with our degree with a foundation year. In Year 0, you’ll be part of a supportive Engineering Foundation Year community, gaining essential skills in mathematics, programming, applied science, and engineering, as well as the confidence to complete a full honours degree as part of this four-year course.

You’ll be able to begin this course without needing to meet the standard Level 3 entry requirements, as Year 0 is designed to prepare you for the challenges of engineering study and help you grasp the fundamental concepts needed to progress with confidence. Successful completion of the Foundation Year means you can progress directly into Year 1 of your degree.

From there, you’ll kickstart your career through a practical and innovative Chemical Engineering degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. With a focus on pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry, the course gives you the skills and experience to prepare for a career across a range of sectors.

What you'll learn across your four-year course


• Master the MIT-developed CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) approach to solve complex engineering issues through a hands-on, practical framework.



• Develop efficient and sustainable chemical processes tailored for the pharmaceutical and food sectors.



• Engineer innovative materials while ensuring operations remain safe and environmentally responsible.



• Apply advanced technical knowledge to create practical solutions for real-world industry challenges.



• Opt for a placement year between Years 2 and 3 to gain first-hand industry experience. You can choose this option once you’ve joined us, and we’ll support you throughout, helping you develop valuable real-world experience and enhancing your employability.



You’ll gain advanced knowledge in chemical engineering technologies, preparing you for a career that includes creating efficient and sustainable chemical processes, developing innovative materials, and ensuring safe and environmentally responsible plant operations.

You will also benefit from the engineering facilities in CCCU's STEM building, Verena Holmes. These include extensive labs with industry-standard equipment. This space is shared with students from other engineering and STEM subject disciplines, enabling you to create interdisciplinary networks with your peers..

What’s more, you’ll be able to unlock, develop, and expand your creative potential and build technical expertise through our industry-focused and practical curriculum. Designed with input from professionals, our chemical engineering degree will mould you into a self-assured, competent, and employable graduate.

This course also offers the opportunity to study abroad between your second and third years, giving selected students the chance to study at one of our prestigious partner institutions in North America. You’ll immerse yourself in a new culture, experience a different academic environment, broaden your horizons, and help you to stand out to employers in an increasingly global world.

Accredited by IChemE
Our course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), ensuring the highest standards of teaching, alignment with industry expectations, and a clear path to professional registration.

Specialist facilities
Our multimillion-pound Verena Holmes building is home to our engineering workshop, mechatronics lab, makerspace and mechanical physics lab, all equipped with industry-standard technology such as wind turbines, plasma cutters, laser systems, industry-leading 3D printers, a water treatment plant, a bioreactor, a distillation column, and more.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.