Chemical Engineering

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

						
							Can biobased plastics be produced on a large scale? Can we convert CO2 into useful chemical products? How can you ensure that factories operate in a clean, safe and efficient way?


					
open_in_newstudy website

locatieGroningen
diplomaBSc 
typeregulier, 180 EC
start1 september
taalvolledig English
opleidingsduur3 jaar voltijd
accreditatiesNVAO
croho-code56960
numerus fixusnee
honoursnee
Chemical engineers work on the production of chemicals at industrial scale. The Bachelor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Groningen will prepare you towards this profession. You will learn to deal with chemical processes on a large scale, to develop new chemical products and to design improved catalysts for the targeted reactions. At the same time you will learn to evaluate and improve the safety and sustainability of chemical processes. Along the way you will be also stimulated to develop your critical thinking skills and your problem-solving attitude.
The fascinating thing about Chemical Engineering is that you will be involved in the development of new products but you will also think about the production process and about the catalyst that is needed to promote the reaction. A Chemical Engineer is concerned with the entire development of a new product or processes, from A to Z. This means you will learn much more than just how chemical reactions work. Chemical Engineers at the University of Groningen, for example, have developed a new process for the production of biodiesels as well as new polymeric products for the oil industry and for high- tech applications.

Choose Groningen and you can't go wrong!
Groningen is the only University where you can study both Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. If you find it hard to choose between a Bachelor's degree programme in chemistry or in chemical engineering, Groningen is the place to be. The first year of both programmes is identical so you don't have to make a definite choice until your second year. It's very likely that you don't yet know which specialization to choose, so you won't have to decide until the second year.
Listen to the podcast!
Want to know more about this Bachelor's programme? Listen to the podcast with a student and lecturer of the Chemical Engineering programme. You can listen to the podcast here. (Please note: podcast is in Dutch).


					

Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

The Chemical Engineering programme in Groningen is unique due to the close connection with the Chemistry programme. The first year of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry is common and you can switch between the two in the entire first year.

Our students help in developing sustainable chemical products and processes through collaboration, especially during the BSc research projects, with a large variety of companies. Their contribution is often crucial in solving relevant industrial and societal problems.
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in Groningen are the home of 2016 Nobel Prize winner Ben Feringa, who has won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on a light-driven rotary molecular motor.

Studieprogramma

opbouw
1e jaar
2e jaar
3e jaar

opbouw

The first part of Year 1 is designed to give you a broad introduction to the three Chemistry specializations and the Chemical Engineering programme. The first year of both programmes is identical so you can switch degree after your first year. You will follow classes such as Inorganic Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Physical Chemistry and Transport Phenomena, alongside laboratory practicals.

Further on in the Chemical Engineering programme you will do course units like Single-Phase Reactors, Macromolecular Chemistry and Separation Processes. You will complete your Bachelor's degree programme with a research project in Year 3.

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage.

1e jaar


						periode
Concepts of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Inorganic chemistry
Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus for Chemistry
Molecules: Structure, Reaction and Function
Practical Synthesis and Analysis
Spectroscopy
Sustainability Projects
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Mathematics for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Organic chemistry 1
Physical chemistry 1
Transport Phenomena

2e jaar


						periode
Computational Methods in Science and Technology
Green Chemistry: Technological, Societal and Ethical Aspects
Industrial Organic Chemistry and Catalysis
Industrial Organic Chemistry and Catalysis Practical
Linear Algebra for Chemical Engineering
Macromolecular Chemistry
Physical Transport Phenomena 1
Practical Macromolecular Chemistry
Product Technology
Seperation Processes
Single-Phase Reactors
Technical Thermodynamics

3e jaar


						periode
Bachelor's Research Project
Chemical Process Development and Design
Electives: Electrochemical Technology/Medicinal Chemistry/Physical Properties of Materials 1/Structural Probes for Solid Materials
General Process Equipment
Multiphase Reactors
Physical Transport Phenomena 2
Process Control and Dynamics
Process Design
Special Process Equipment

taal van onderwijs	100% en
avondonderwijs	n.v.t.
afstandsonderwijs	n.v.t.

study abroad

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

bindend studieadvies

minimaal 45 EC in de eerste 12 maanden

You will be issued a study advice at the end of your first year of study. You can expect a positive study advice if you have earned at least 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS; most course units are 5 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative study advice, you will not be allowed to continue your degree programme.

You will receive a preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you are.
Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system.

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

1 september 2025

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2025
wettelijk tarief : € 2601 (€1301 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 13500
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 19800

1 september 2026

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2026
collegegeld nog niet bekend

toelaatbare profielen

VWO N&T	aangevuld met
VWO N&G	aangevuld met wiskunde B + natuurkunde
VWO E&M	aangevuld met wiskunde B + natuurkunde + scheikunde
VWO C&M	aangevuld met wiskunde B + natuurkunde + scheikunde

toelatingseisen

taaltoets
Language proficiency certificate for English (except for applicants with a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) as well as the exemptions listed on the language exemptions webpage). More info: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/bsc/language

De stad

studievereniging

Chemische Binding

De Chemische Binding, or CB, is the study association for students taking a programme in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering at the University of Groningen.
The name translates as The Chemical Bond. The association aims to represent the interests of all students of chemistry and chemical engineering by organizing activities to enhance learning, such as practice sessions and excursions. It also provides an opportunity for students to join each other in less serious activities, such as the weekly drinks get-together, the annual Christmas dinner and a night-time volleyball tournament with a beer relay race,

G.T.D. Bernoulli

The Groningen Debating Society for Chemical Engineers Bernoulli was founded on 20 May 1985 for students interested in Product and Process Technology.
Although most of the members of G.T.D. Bernoulli are students of Chemical Engineering, the society is also open to students of Industrial Engineering and Management, Technology & Operations Management and Industrial Pharmacy at the University of Groningen.

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Lara Witjes
Paula Herrera
Bart Hulshof

Lara Witjes

It turns out to be exactly the difficulty where I excel most

I knew quite early on that I wanted to study Chemical Engineering, at first it was driven by finding a combination of Chemistry, Math and Physics, which were the courses I excelled most at in my earlier education. Later I decided the relevance of the topic to a global perspective is also a great motivation for me. Although the degree isn’t quite what I had expected, I still enjoy all my courses. I did expect more number crunching theoretical math and pure physics of the whole world...

It turns out to be exactly the difficulty where I excel most, just hard enough to keep me interested but not too hard to be demotivating.In chemical engineering projects are very important, and quite a few of the courses are focused on this. I’m currently working on one project, which looks for solutions of the process of making Dimethyl Ether (DME) from Methanol. This process has many challenges, but more difficult, it is an equilibrium reaction, meaning you can never get to a full conversion (most efficiently). Later I will work on my bachelor's thesis where I hope to research the potential of a new industrial solvent, supercritical CO2, which would create a huge impact on the industry.Throughout my studies here in Groningen I’ve really enjoyed the student culture, I have been a member of 4 student associations, and even done 2 board years. The study association de Chemische Binding is where I’ve made many friends and where I frequently spend my study breaks. After my bachelors I want to focus my studies to a more specific area of industry, namely, Bioengineering, a fusion of chemical engineering and biology.

lees verder ...

Paula Herrera

Best of both worlds

I have always been drawn to science. However, I used to hate chemistry in secondary school, and only became fascinated by how broad the field is—from the food and energy industries to medicine— when I grew up. It also allows us to understand the many attractive properties of the world around us and create new materials that can be used in fascinating ways.

I study both Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. Studying Chemical Engineering allows me to gain more practical knowledge of the applications of chemistry, which, in my opinion, opens the door to job opportunities in the chemical industry...

But doing both degrees gives me the best of both worlds: theoretical and practical knowledge.As soon as I arrived in Groningen, the city had a certain something that captivated me instantly. It is not a big city, and this gives it a familiar feel; the easiness to meet new people, the everyday fun that the city offers. It is very different from Madrid, the big capital where I was born and raised, and it is something I love about Groningen.My favourite aspect of this programme is its practical nature, which allows students to apply the knowledge learnt to solve real-life problems. This way, you feel like everything you are studying will be helpful in your future career. Another essential feature of this programme is the attention the teaching staff pay to the students, which smoothens the process of learning and provides a feeling of familiarity, which, in my opinion, is one of the key values of the University.When I am not busy studying, I like to keep myself active. I do not play any specific sports, but I go to the gym regularly. I also like to play the piano in my free time. It helps to clear my mind when I am stressed. Currently, I am working as a teaching assistant for a first-year course unit in Linear Algebra.My goal for the near future is to get involved in an internship or a project that might launch me into the work field while I am finishing my studies. In the long run, I plan to do my Master’s and hopefully get an energy-related job in the industry, as that is my current specialization and primary interest.

lees verder ...

Bart Hulshof

I turned out to have a knack for it

Keuzehulp

Studievergelijker

University of Groningen
Eindhoven University of Technology
University of Twente

1/3 University of Groningen
Scheikundige Technologie

€ 303 gemiddelde kamerhuur

76 eerstejaars

28% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

> bekijk opleiding

2/3 Eindhoven University of Technology
Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

NVAO

€ 280 gemiddelde kamerhuur

95 eerstejaars

29% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

> bekijk opleiding

3/3 University of Twente
Chemical Science & Engineering

€ 250 gemiddelde kamerhuur

? eerstejaars

NAN% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

> bekijk opleiding

disclaimer: bovenstaande cijfers en beoordelingen zijn aangeleverd door de opleidingen zelf. Wij kunnen de juistheid niet garanderen.

> uitgebreide vergelijking

Kijk ook eens naar ..

Kom je er echt niet uit? Zoek hulp bij een studiekeuzeadviseur in jouw buurt.

opleiding	gelijkenis met Chemical Engineering
Scheikunde		bekijk
Technische Natuurkunde		bekijk
Kunstmatige Intelligentie		bekijk
Natuurkunde		bekijk
Sterrenkunde		bekijk

Na de studie

Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

After the three-year Bachelor's programme, you will be able to continue your study with our attractive Master's degree programme, but you will also have the option to look immediately for a job. As a graduate in the bachelor chemical engineer, you are qualified for a range of attractive positions, mainly in the business sector: for example, Chemical Engineers can find employment in advisory, control, R&D and management positions.

You may be involved in setting up a new factory, optimising existing processes or developing new products and materials.

aansluitende masteropleidingen

instelling	opleiding	instroomeisen
Delft University of Technology	Applied Earth Sciences	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Applied Mathematics	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Applied Physics	+ 45 EC pre-master
Wageningen University	Biobased Sciences	+ aanv. eisen
University of Groningen	Biomedical Engineering	+ 50 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Biomedical Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen University	Biotechnology	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Business Administration	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Business Information Technology	+ 30 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Chemical Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Chemical Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Chemical Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Chemical Science & Engineering	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Communication Science	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Complex Systems Engineering and Management	+ basiskennis + motivatiebrief
University of Twente	Computer Science	+ 30 EC pre-master
Wageningen University	Earth and Environment	+ basiskennis + motivatiebrief + toelatingsgesprek + cijfergemiddelde
University of Groningen	Educatie en Communicatie in de Bètawetenschappen full-time,part-time educational	+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Educatie in de Bètawetenschappen educational	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Educatie in de Bètawetenschappen full-time,part-time	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Educational Science & Technology full-time,part-time	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Groningen	Energy and Environmental Sciences	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Engineering and Policy Analysis	+ basiskennis + motivatiebrief
University of Twente	European Studies	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Health Sciences	+ 30 EC pre-master
Utrecht University	History and Philosophy of Science research	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Human-Technology Interaction	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Industrial Ecology	+ basiskennis
University of Twente	Industrial Engineering & Management	+ 15 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Innovation Management	+ 30 EC pre-master
Leiden University	Leraar VHO in Natuurkunde educational	+ 81 EC pre-master
Leiden University	Leraar VHO in Scheikunde educational	+ 60 EC pre-master
Utrecht University	Leraar VHO natuurkunde full-time,part-time educational	+ 81 EC pre-master
Utrecht University	Leraar VHO scheikunde full-time,part-time educational	+ 60 EC pre-master
University of Amsterdam	Lerarenopleiding Natuurkunde part-time educational	+ 81 EC pre-master
University of Amsterdam	Lerarenopleiding Scheikunde educational	+ 60 EC pre-master
University of Amsterdam	Lerarenopleiding Wiskunde educational	+ 90 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Life Science and Technology	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Management of Technology	+ motivatiebrief
	Master Design Driven Innovation part-time	+ toelatingsgesprek
Radboud University Nijmegen	Medicinal Chemistry	+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht University	Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences research	geen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Molecular Chemistry	+ aanv. eisen
Wageningen University	Molecular Life Sciences	geen aanvullende eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Molecular Sciences	+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht University	Nanomaterials Science research	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Nanoscience	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Nanotechnology	+ aanv. eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Operations Management & Logistics	+ 30 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society full-time,part-time	+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Physical Chemistry	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Psychology	+ 45 EC pre-master
University of Twente	Public Administration	+ 30 EC pre-master
Utrecht University	Science and Business Management research	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Science Education and Communication educational	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO Natuurkunde educational	+ 21 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Leraar VHO Natuurkunde educational	+ 24 EC pre-master
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO O&O educational	geen aanvullende eisen
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO Scheikunde educational	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Leraar VHO Scheikunde educational	+ toelatingsgesprek
Eindhoven University of Technology	Leraar VHO Wiskunde educational	+ 30 EC pre-master
Delft University of Technology	Leraar VHO Wiskunde educational	+ 30 EC pre-master
Radboud University Nijmegen	Science in Society	+ aanv. eisen
Radboud University Nijmegen	Science, Management and Innovation	+ aanv. eisen
University of Twente	Sustainable Energy Technology	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Sustainable Energy Technology (4TU)	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Systems and Control	geen aanvullende eisen
Delft University of Technology	Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Twente	Water Technology full-time,part-time	geen aanvullende eisen
Wageningen University	Water Technology (joint degree)	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Water Technology (joint degree)	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Groningen	Werktuigbouwkunde	+ 30 EC pre-master

bron: doorstroommatrix.nl

Potentiële beroepen

chemical engineer

energy engineer

functies in de chemische, farmaceutische en voedingsindustrie

onderzoeker aan universiteit

product development scientist

technische en onderzoeksfuncties in laboaratoria of fabrieken

bron: StudieData

Contact

Academic Advisors FSE
For questions regarding the programme
W: Academic Advisors FSE
Ask Our Students!
Like to talk about the programme and student life with someone currently studying Chemistry?
E: chemstudents@rug.nl
studyscience@rug.nl Study Science
For general questions for all prospective students
E: studyscience@rug.nl

  Meer informatie?

  Bezoek de website van deze opleiding.


					open_in_newstudy website

Chemical Engineering

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Deze opleiding

Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

Studieprogramma

Onderwijs

study abroad

bindend studieadvies

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

toelaatbare profielen

toelatingseisen

De stad

studievereniging

Chemische Binding

G.T.D. Bernoulli

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Lara Witjes

It turns out to be exactly the difficulty where I excel most

Paula Herrera

Best of both worlds

Bart Hulshof

I turned out to have a knack for it

Keuzehulp

Studievergelijker

Kijk ook eens naar ..

Na de studie

Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

aansluitende masteropleidingen

Potentiële beroepen

Contact