Process engineering is a discipline that plays an important role in many of the engineering disciplines. It relates to the design, planning, operation and optimisation of physical, chemical or biological processes.
Process engineers work primarily in industrial settings, controlling and improving key manufacturing processes. Graduates of this field may find their career in chemical, mechanical, food and drink, automobile, or military industries, to name a few.
There are more than five degrees in this area of engineering at over five universities.
Students can complete MSc, MPhil or PhD degrees and focus on areas such as chemical or bio-process engineering if they wish.
What to expect
A bachelor's degree in a related field is usually required. This field could be chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or another closely related discipline.
Some universities may accept students with degrees in physics, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines, provided they have a strong background in engineering.
While the specific emphasis will vary based on the course and its focus areas, common topics covered in process engineering include things like advanced thermodynamics, process control, chemical reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, research, project management and environmental engineering.
A postgraduate qualification in process engineering could help you secure or develop your career as a process engineer, safety engineer, quality assurance engineer, energy engineer or a project engineer to give a few examples.