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University of Nottingham Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
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Course overview

Chemical Engineers once qualified, work in a wide range of companies and fields. They produce a wide variety of products ranging from fuels and petrochemicals to inorganic bulk chemicals, food and beverage, household products such as soaps and detergents, pharmaceuticals, polymers and fine chemicals. Their job is to transform efficiently and safely raw materials into useful products with minimum environmental impact. Chemical Engineers with knowledge in environmental engineering also work in waste management, waste treatment, water treatment, agriculture, consulting and renewable energy industries. Chemical Engineering has been established at the University of Nottingham in 1961 and ranks as one of the UK’s top 4 chemical engineering department in The Guardian University Guide 2025, while QS and THE World University Rankings put us as top 15 chemical engineering department in the UK. The UON has a long history of collaboration with industry where a large percentage of our students go on to gain jobs with major companies worldwide. The same programmes are available in the UK and at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Why choose this course?

Chemical engineering with environmental engineering is a branch of engineering which deals with both chemical production and the manufacture of products through chemical processes including the application of environmental engineering to ensure factors related to environmental sustainability are taken into consideration during design and manufacturing. This includes designing equipment, systems and processes for refining raw materials and for mixing, compounding and processing chemicals to make valuable products in a sustainable manner. Students will learn how to develop economical commercial processes by converting raw material into useful products using safe and clean production methods, including exposure in environmental and sustainability topics such as environmental assessment, waste management, air pollution, water treatment, contaminated land and water treatment engineering. The Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering is known for the quality of its research along with being recognised for its world-class learning environment and international reputation for new knowledge generation. In the recent Guardian University Guide 2025, we are rated as a UK top 4 chemical engineering department, while QS and THE World University Rankings put us as top 15 chemical engineering department in the UK.

Modules

Core Modules

  • Chemistry for Engineers
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Fundamentals of Engineering Design
  • Introductory Geology
  • Mathematicals Methods for Chemical and Environmental Engineering
  • Process Engineering Principles
  • Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

Core Modules

  • Analytical Measurement
  • Advanced Mathematical Methods for Chemical and Environmental Engineering
  • Chemical and Phase Equilibria
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Materials and Sustainable Processes
  • Process Design and Control
  • Separation and Partical Technology

Core Modules

  • Air Pollution
  • Advanced Transport Phenomena
  • Design Project
  • Industrial Training
  • Multicomponent Separations
  • Process Engineering Laboratories
  • Process Simulation 1
  • Reactor Design and Process Control
  • Water Treatment

Core Modules

  • MEng Project

Optional Modules

  • Advanced Computational Methods
  • Advanced Environmental Assessment
  • Advanced Process Control
  • Advanced Reaction Engineering
  • Chemical Product Design
  • Food Processing Technology
  • Industrial Dehydration
  • Nanotechnology
  • Palm Oil and Oleochemicals
  • Petroleum Refining and Gas Processing
  • Power Generation and Carbon Capture
  • Process Design and Optimisation
  • Process Synthesis and Design
  • Statistical Process Control and Quality Management
  • Water Treatment Engineering

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

A Level BBC, including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics, excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies.
IB Diploma 26 points with 5, 4 at Higher Level, including Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and either Chemistry (HL) or Physics (HL).
STPM BBC+, including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics, excluding Pengajian Am.
UEC 5 B3s including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language.
Australian Year 12 ATAR 82. Applicants are required to meet specific grade standards in Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics, aligned with A Level subject requirements. To fulfil these A Level standards, specific grade equivalents in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) are required. For WACE, applicants must have studied both Mathematics Methods and Mathematics Specialist. For SACE, both Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics are required. For other states and territories, the mathematics subjects will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

77% average based on 6 subjects, including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and either Chemistry or Physics. Applicants must meet specific grade requirements for subjects required at A Level: 75% for C and 81% for B.

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and will be assessed based on the University’s requirements.
Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China) 70% average in the Gaokao, including at least two required subjects (Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics) at 75% and 73%, respectively. In addition, a minimum of 70% overall in the Senior High School Diploma, with at least 70% in Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.

Gaokao scores are converted from 750 to a percentage scale.
Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) - Class XII 78% average from the best four subjects, including at least two required subjects (Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics) at 80% and 70%, respectively. CBSE Applied Mathematics is not accepted to meet the Mathematics requirement. Excludes local language, Environmental Education, General Studies, and Physical Education.
Advance Placement (AP) 4, 4, 3, including AP Calculus and either AP Chemistry or AP Physics.
Diploma - Local Institutions Entry to Year 2 is assessed on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a minimum GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.
Foundation - Local Institutions Acceptance is at the School’s discretion and requires a minimum GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.
Nottingham's Foundation Programme Successful completion is required, with a minimum score of 45% in all Mathematics and Physics modules.

This list is not exhaustive, and we accept a wide range of qualifications. Eligibility will be fully determined upon the submission of a completed application.

IELTS (Academic):

 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

 80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

 65 (with no less than 59 in each element)

GCE A Level English Language or English Literature:

 Grade C

GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature:

 Grade C

SPM:

 CEFR level B2

GCSE O-Level:

 Grade C / 4

IGCSE (first language):

 Grade C / 4

IGCSE (second language):

 Grade B / 6

MUET:

 Band 4

UEC:

 Grade B3

IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level):

 4 points

IB English B (Higher Level):

 4 points

IB English B (Standard Level):

 5 points

OSSD English (ENG3U / ENG4U) (No fast-track route):

 75%

CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X:

 70% overall (confirmation of English as the medium of instruction required)

 

  • IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old
  • .IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
  • OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants have completed all 30 credits from standard OSSD courses, not through credit exemptions. Fast-track routes are not accepted.
  • CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X English with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants provide a confirmation letter stating that English was the medium of instruction throughout schooling from Class X to Class XII.

Foundation progression options

The Nottingham's Foundation Programme is a 1-year pre-university course that prepares students for direct progression to UNM’s undergraduate degrees. It builds a strong academic foundation while enhancing language, critical thinking, and study skills. Students can also explore elective modules tailored to their chosen degree pathway.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Practical classes
  • Field trips
  • Supervision
  • Lab sessions
  • Computer labs

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Examinations
  • Presentation
  • Research project
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical write-ups
  • Reflective review

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for undergraduate courses.

How to apply

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM55,000 per year
International studentsRM65,000 per year

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

Chemical Engineers apply their knowledge to investigate problems and design solutions in fields involving safety and sustainability. According to IChemE, these skills give opportunities in many areas and you can expect to take on job titles such as Process Design Engineer, Environmental Engineer, pollution control engineer, water resource engineer, wastewater treatment engineer, waste management engineer, hazardous materials specialist, Plant Process Engineer, Process Safety Engineer, Project Engineer, Consultant Product Engineer, Manufacturing Production Engineer, Research & Development Engineer, Project Manager, Attorney, Computer Applications & Technology Engineer, Technical Manager, Business Coordinator, Professor, Quality Control Engineer, Regulatory Affairs Engineer, Technical Services Engineer, Sales and Marketing Engineer.

The university has an established Careers Advisory Service (CAS) that provide students with essential resources and guidance for career choices and offer many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills. As well as providing essential resources and guidance they will also assist you with job/course applications, facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers or training opportunities.

A degree from The University of Nottingham will equip you well for a career in chemical engineering. Working as a professional in areas such as process and product design or plant management you will benefit from the technical and problem-solving skills you have acquired. Additionally, a UON Chemical engineering with environmental engineering degree will stand you in good stead for a career in environmental engineering. Working as a professional in environment related functions such as waste treatment, pollution control or materials recycling you will be highly sought-after by companies worldwide. With our unique combinations of chemical and environmental engineering degrees we are well placed to provide multi-skilled graduates to work in a diverse range of industries. These may include energy, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, food and environmental services, as well as government agencies and departments around the world.

This content was last updated on 21 January 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.