Aberdeen accredited by IChemE

IChemE has accredited two chemical engineering degree programmes at the UK’s University of Aberdeen.

The accreditation period begins with the students who started studying in 2011, and lasts until 2013. It covers both a bachelor’s and master’s level course in chemical engineering.

Tom O’Donoghue, head of Aberdeen’s school of engineering, said that the course had been a “huge success.” He credited former lecturer Neill Renton as the driving force behind much of the programme’s development, calling him “a huge champion of all things chemical engineering.”

“But it’s not a question of thinking that now we have accreditation we can sit back. We’ve got accreditation, and now we can build and become even better,” O’Donoghue added.

Aberdeen launched its chemical engineering course in 2006, opening the UK’s first new MEng programme for 14 years in the process. The course has received particular praise for its focus on the oil and gas industry, a vital component of the region’s economy.

IChemE CEO David Brown applauded Aberdeen’s entry into to the ranks of accredited universities, five of which are now based in Scotland.

“I warmly welcome yet another university delivering a successful chemical engineering programme, and the new Aberdeen course has proved itself well matched to the needs of the oil and gas sector,” he said. “It will make a big contribution to ensuring a sound skills pipeline for this key sector in Scotland.”

On 23 April, IChemE's Aberdeen Member Group stages its annual dinner where Scottish First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party, Alex Salmond will be guest speaker.

IChemE accredits degree courses at almost 60 institutions in 14 countries.