Study an engineering subject that combines chemistry and creativity
I first became aware of the University through my mum, who was a student here on the MSc Financial Management and Risk programme. Growing up, I was always intrigued by university life as I watched her study. When I moved on to A-levels, I chose Maths, Chemistry, and Physics, initially with medicine in mind. However, I soon realised that medicine wasn’t my true passion. That was when I stumbled upon chemical engineering, a field closely related to chemistry, which was always my favourite subject. Although the University of Greenwich wasn’t my first option, my mum’s positive experiences made me realise it would be a good fit for me.
As I researched more about chemical engineering, I discovered how vast and flexible the field is, offering numerous opportunities and pathways. It allows for creativity while also balancing the logical and mathematical aspects, which really appealed to me. I knew then that Chemical Engineering was the right choice.
All modules on my undergraduate and postgraduate degree have been interesting in their own way, bringing both practical and more analytical ways of learning. This includes modules like CHEM1137 Process Safety, which allowed me to use my creative and analytical thinking to perform a HAZOP and make suggestions to improve a chemical process. Additionally, pairing this with a schedule I created helps balance my academic responsibilities with my health and wellbeing helps me keep both productive and healthy.
Open doors to a wide range of career pathways
Chemical engineering opens doors to industries such as oil and gas, food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, all of which are highly relevant in today’s society. These sectors are at the forefront of addressing current global challenges, making chemical engineering a very adaptable degree. It provides students with up-to-date skills and knowledge, keeping pace with the ever-changing society we live in.
My aspirations include succeeding in the pharmaceutical or oil and gas sectors, helping the company I work for in the future find innovative solutions to build a more sustainable future. I believe this Chemical Engineering course equips me with the right knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to these goals, especially with the hands-on experiences I’ve gained through projects, lab work, and trips, giving me real-world insights. One project, in particular, involved creating a process to produce ADO10 low-sulphur diesel. This required working as a team to design the process from scratch, determining the most suitable equipment to achieve our objectives, and subsequently developing PFDs and P&IDs, as well as performing our own HAZOP to help improve the process. This experience has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively in a group setting, make critical decisions regarding process design, and apply safety principles skills that are essential for success in the oil and gas industry, where efficiency, innovation, and safety are paramount.
Use your time at university to gain insights and boost your network
The highlight of studying at the University of Greenwich has been the opportunity to visit oil and gas companies.
These trips allowed me to meet professionals in the field, gain insights into their day-to-day lives, and see firsthand how much they enjoy their work. I have also been lucky to gain some advice from these workers in the steps that I could take once I graduate. The support from the Chemical Engineering academic team has been crucial in preparing me for the job market. They have organised employability meetings where they provided invaluable advice on how to improve my CV and make it stand out to potential employers. In addition, they’ve helped me prepare for various stages of the job application process, including interviews, assessments, and other key steps. Their insights into how to effectively present myself and my skills have been helpful, and the guidance they’ve offered has made me feel more equipped to navigate the competitive job market. These sessions have not only prepared me for technical challenges but also equipped me with the soft skills necessary for success in professional environments.
The University of Greenwich offers a wide portfolio of courses in chemical engineering. BEng Chemical Engineering is the three-year undergraduate degree, whilst Chemical Engineering (Extended) includes a foundation year. Learners interested in postgraduate study can apply for MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering.
