Chemical engineering back in Bradford

Bradford University, UK re-launched its MEng course in chemical engineering last week with more than 30 undergraduates having started their studies last year and a further 40-50 expected to enrol in 2011.

The university withdrew its chemical engineering course in 2002 due to a decline in numbers. Since then applications to study chemical engineering in the UK have doubled and there are now a record number of students studying chemical engineering at UK universities.

The relaunch event held on Thursday 6 January 2011 was attended by the dean of engineering, Alistair Wood, chemical engineering course leader Raj Patel, professor of computational process engineering Iqbal Mujtaba, chair in coating and polymer processing Hadj Benkreira, Bradford’s deputy vice chancellor Geoff Layer, dean of life sciences Richard Green, and IChemE ceo David Brown.

Students will also have the option to finish after 3 years, receiving a Bachelors degree and it will be possible for them to complete an industrial placement as part of a sandwich course.

Brown said: "Bradford is to be congratulated on its new chemical engineering programme.  The enthusiasm and commitment of the staff involved are clear to see, and the courses will be fully in line with Bradford's reputation for high quality education, linked to its strengths in research but at the same time well matched to industry needs and giving a solid foundation for fulfilling careers."

IChemE’s whynotchemeng schools and careers campaign has been cited as a key factor in the rise in applications to study chemical engineering. There are currently a record number of chemical engineering undergraduate students in the UK, with many courses now at or near capacity.

Brown said: “As realisation of the employability of chemical engineers rises, demand will rise further. Students taking chemical engineering at Bradford have a bright future.”
Brown attended key meetings with academia and industrialists at the University throughout 2010 and made the case for re-launching the course whilst assisting with its planning and delivery.

Mujtaba praised the university’s financial commitment to the new course – it has pledged £350,000 of investment in new laboratories over two years, and the first stage will be complete in April this year.

Around 70% of Bradford’s courses are professionally accredited, and IChemE accreditation for the chemical engineering course is already being sought, with an accreditation visit set for the coming semester.

Brown said: "IChemE accreditation is widely recognised by industry, with graduates from accredited courses potentially gaining an advantage when it comes to seeking employment."