Chemical Engineering: working with industry

Our Chemical Engineering degrees are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers for fully (MEng) and partially (BEng) meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

In addition, we strongly encourage students to sign up as members of the following professional bodies who offer free student membership:

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) 
• Energy Institute (EI) 
• Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) 

Industry Advisory Board

Our Chemical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) is the cornerstone of our industrial engagement. The board, made up of fourteen experienced chemical engineers and managers, many of whom are Heriot-Watt graduates, links us to a wide range of industries and employers.

Established in 2010, the IAB's purpose is to enhance Heriot-Watt’s connection and communication with industry. The board updates staff on the education and skills expected of graduates, helping to revise programmes, judge final year design projects, and provide students with direct insight into their experience through guest lectures.  

Early Careers Alumni Panel

Our Early Careers Alumni Panel (ECAP) is a forum for recent graduates to support activities including marketing and recruitment, enhancing the student experience, and developing student partnerships.

Applications are sought for the initial Graduate Members of the ECAP. Graduates from the 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022 BEng and MEng Chemical Engineering graduating cohorts at the Edinburgh campus are eligible to apply. The appointments will be for terms of up to three years. The Chair of the ECAP will be appointed from amongst the Graduate Members.

Further information is available here, see ECAP Call for Applications. Please contact the Senior Programme Director of Studies, Gregor Colville (g.colville@hw.ac.uk), if you wish to discuss further and for application details. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 January 2023.
 

Diploma in Industrial Training

At Heriot-Watt University, students can take a year out between Stages 4 and 5 to gain work experience and make their mark in some of the world’s biggest and best companies. The Diploma in Industrial Training (DIT) lets students put what they’ve learned into practice and gain a qualification to differentiate themselves from other graduates.  

On successful completion of a DIT placement, students are eligible to apply for professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech TIChemE) with IChemE and the Engineering Council.

Our brilliant careers service help find placements to suit each student and supports them throughout with regular check-ins.

I have a keen interest in biotechnology so I’m extremely grateful that I’m working for IBioIC. Also, taking an internship has shown to me the relevance of chemical engineering in biotechnology industries.

I learned how to manage time and external pressure better which has helped me this year so far. I am also much more comfortable making reasonable or conservative assumptions. Technically, I have a much better understanding of control systems, safety systems and utilities which is useful for design this year.