Level 6 Diploma in Chemical Engineering – Three Years (360 Credits)

1. Engineering Mathematics and Computational Methods: Mathematical modelling, differential equations, numerical analysis, engineering statistics and computational techniques for solving complex chemical engineering problems.

2. Applied Chemistry and Chemical Sciences: Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical reactions, molecular properties and industrial chemical applications.

3. Material and Energy Balances: Material accounting, component balances, energy conservation, combustion calculations, recycle systems, bypass operations and industrial process calculations.

4. Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic laws, phase equilibria, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamic properties, energy conversion and industrial process applications.

5. Fluid Mechanics and Process Hydraulics: Fluid statics, fluid flow, pressure losses, pumping systems, pipeline networks, flow measurement and hydraulic equipment selection.

6. Heat and Mass Transfer: Heat conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers, diffusion, mass-transfer coefficients and industrial thermal processing.

7. Chemical Reaction Engineering: Reaction kinetics, reactor types, catalytic processes, reaction mechanisms, reactor performance and industrial reaction systems.

8. Separation and Purification Technologies: Distillation, absorption, extraction, adsorption, filtration, crystallisation, membrane separation and industrial purification processes.

9. Chemical Process Equipment: Design principles, equipment selection, specifications and performance evaluation of reactors, vessels, columns, pumps, compressors and heat exchangers.

10. Process Instrumentation and Control: Process measurement, instrumentation, control loops, feedback systems, process automation, programmable control and industrial monitoring.

11. Process Modelling and Simulation: Mathematical representation of chemical processes, process-flow modelling, simulation techniques, computational analysis and performance prediction.

12. Industrial Chemical Process Operations: Chemical manufacturing, production systems, plant operation, process troubleshooting, production planning and operational efficiency.

13. Process Safety and Hazard Management: Hazard identification, process risk assessment, fire and explosion prevention, chemical exposure control, loss prevention and emergency preparedness.

14. Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control: Industrial wastewater treatment, air emissions, chemical waste management, pollution prevention, environmental monitoring and resource conservation.

15. Sustainable Chemical Engineering: Green chemistry, energy efficiency, sustainable feedstocks, process intensification, circular economy principles and cleaner production technologies.

16. Industrial Quality and Production Management: Quality assurance, process consistency, production performance, operational documentation, statistical quality techniques and continuous improvement.

17. Chemical Engineering Economics and Project Management: Capital and operating costs, project feasibility, equipment costing, financial evaluation, project planning, procurement and engineering resource management.

18. Engineering Research and Integrated Design: Technical research, engineering investigation, design methodology, technical reporting, evaluation of alternative process solutions and integrated industrial project development.

Successful completion of this qualification provides learners with the opportunity to:

• Develop advanced technical knowledge of chemical processes, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separation technologies and industrial equipment.

• Strengthen practical engineering capabilities in process analysis, equipment evaluation, simulation, operational troubleshooting and production optimisation.

• Develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills through engineering investigations, technical assignments and integrated process design projects.

• Improve career development opportunities in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, pharmaceutical production, industrial operations and related engineering sectors.

• Gain a stronger understanding of process safety, environmental responsibilities, sustainable manufacturing, engineering management and recognised professional engineering practices.

This qualification is designed for:

• Individuals with a background in chemical engineering, chemistry, industrial chemistry or related engineering disciplines seeking advanced technical and academic development.

• Chemical process technicians, production supervisors and industrial operations personnel aiming to strengthen their understanding of chemical manufacturing and process systems.

• Engineering professionals working in petrochemical plants, oil and gas processing, pharmaceutical production, food processing, water treatment and other process industries.

• Learners holding relevant technical qualifications or previous academic awards who intend to progress towards advanced chemical engineering studies and professional development.

Assessment Format: Written knowledge assessment, multiple-choice and structured technical questions, chemical engineering calculations, case studies, laboratory and process-based practical assessments, technical assignments, engineering reports, process design exercises and an integrated chemical engineering research and design project.

Total Questions: 100 written questions covering the principal knowledge areas of chemical engineering, supported by subject-specific calculations, technical assignments, practical assessments and project-based evaluation.

Passing Score: 60% in the written knowledge assessment, with satisfactory completion of all mandatory practical, technical assignment and project requirements.

Duration: 3 Hours for the written examination, with separately scheduled time for laboratory activities, technical assignments, engineering reports and the integrated project.

Certification: Successful learners will be awarded the HiQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Chemical Engineering, representing the completion of a three-year qualification comprising 360 credits, 1,440 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 3,600 Total Qualification Time (TQT) Hours.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Chemical Engineering may progress to:

• Level 7 Diploma in Chemical Engineering or Advanced Process Engineering: Further advanced study in chemical process design, industrial production systems, process optimisation, advanced reaction engineering and specialist engineering applications.

• Postgraduate Studies: Potential progression to an MSc in Chemical Engineering, Advanced Chemical Engineering, Process Systems Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Sustainable Energy Engineering, subject to the receiving university's admission requirements and assessment of qualification equivalence.

• Specialist Professional Development: Further training in process safety, industrial risk assessment, process simulation, chemical plant management, environmental engineering, process control and sustainable chemical manufacturing.

• Professional Engineering Development: Opportunities to pursue relevant professional development and membership routes through institutions such as the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), subject to their individual academic, experience and membership requirements.

• Employment and Career Development: Progression towards roles such as Chemical Process Engineer, Process Design Engineer, Production Engineer, Chemical Plant Supervisor, Process Operations Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer, Industrial Process Analyst and Chemical Engineering Project Coordinator, depending on relevant experience and employer requirements.