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Struggling with Chemical Engineering

Hi, I’m currently a first year chemeng student at at the University of Leeds and I’m debating leaving the course as i find it very demotivating and mentally draining.

Firstly, the teaching at University of Leeds has been poor. Lecture content is read off a screen to us rather than being taught and much of this content is pretty hardcore maths and physics which i find difficult to understand (i did a level maths but dropped physics). Classes often have low pass rates and i’ve heard from students in upper years that it only becomes more demanding with higher levels of content (that sometimes aren’t taught but you’re expected to learn on your own) and i now feel as though this is a course that i no longer enjoy.

I picked the course due to its multidisciplinary nature and the careers available once you have achieved your degree but i find that the course is very maths and physics heavy and the chemistry content is quite low (this was the subject i most enjoyed at a level). I have now also come to realise that the job market for chemical engineers isn’t as appealing as what it is made out to be and is highly competitive.

I have decided that chemical engineering is no longer the right course for me but i am confused on what to study going forward. Like i said, i thoroughly enjoyed chemistry in previous studies but im not sure what future career prospects would look like. However, i know now that i don’t want to spend another 3 years doing a degree i will come to loathe and that maybe engineering is just not for me. I am still leaning towards doing a science-type degree but im not sure what will best suit me so any help would be appreciated :smile:

Reply 1

sere.moi

Original post by scoob123

Hi, I’m currently a first year chemeng student at at the University of Leeds and I’m debating leaving the course as i find it very demotivating and mentally draining.
Firstly, the teaching at University of Leeds has been poor. Lecture content is read off a screen to us rather than being taught and much of this content is pretty hardcore maths and physics which i find difficult to understand (i did a level maths but dropped physics). Classes often have low pass rates and i’ve heard from students in upper years that it only becomes more demanding with higher levels of content (that sometimes aren’t taught but you’re expected to learn on your own) and i now feel as though this is a course that i no longer enjoy.
I picked the course due to its multidisciplinary nature and the careers available once you have achieved your degree but i find that the course is very maths and physics heavy and the chemistry content is quite low (this was the subject i most enjoyed at a level). I have now also come to realise that the job market for chemical engineers isn’t as appealing as what it is made out to be and is highly competitive.
I have decided that chemical engineering is no longer the right course for me but i am confused on what to study going forward. Like i said, i thoroughly enjoyed chemistry in previous studies but im not sure what future career prospects would look like. However, i know now that i don’t want to spend another 3 years doing a degree i will come to loathe and that maybe engineering is just not for me. I am still leaning towards doing a science-type degree but im not sure what will best suit me so any help would be appreciated :smile:

I say just go into a chemistry degree

Reply 2

lionssg

I completely understand how you're feeling—it’s tough to stay motivated in a course that doesn’t align with your interests or expectations. University should be a place where you’re challenged but also engaged, and if chemical engineering isn't sparking that passion, exploring other options is a smart move.
Since you enjoyed chemistry the most at A-level, have you considered degrees like pure chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or industrial chemistry? These fields still offer strong career prospects in research, product development, and manufacturing, without the heavy focus on engineering principles.
If you're also interested in real-world applications of chemistry, industries like bleach manufacturing and chemical production might be worth looking into. Many require professionals with a strong chemistry background for roles in quality control, formulation, and regulatory compliance. You could also explore sustainability-focused careers, such as green chemistry or environmental sciences, which are growing fields with significant demand.
Ultimately, your degree should align with what excites you, not just career prospects. Take some time to explore different science-based degrees and even reach out to professionals in industries you’re interested in to get firsthand insights. If you need guidance, your university's career advisors can also help map out options that suit your skills and interests.

Reply 3

username7490471

Original post by scoob123

Hi, I’m currently a first year chemeng student at at the University of Leeds and I’m debating leaving the course as i find it very demotivating and mentally draining.
Firstly, the teaching at University of Leeds has been poor. Lecture content is read off a screen to us rather than being taught and much of this content is pretty hardcore maths and physics which i find difficult to understand (i did a level maths but dropped physics). Classes often have low pass rates and i’ve heard from students in upper years that it only becomes more demanding with higher levels of content (that sometimes aren’t taught but you’re expected to learn on your own) and i now feel as though this is a course that i no longer enjoy.
I picked the course due to its multidisciplinary nature and the careers available once you have achieved your degree but i find that the course is very maths and physics heavy and the chemistry content is quite low (this was the subject i most enjoyed at a level). I have now also come to realise that the job market for chemical engineers isn’t as appealing as what it is made out to be and is highly competitive.
I have decided that chemical engineering is no longer the right course for me but i am confused on what to study going forward. Like i said, i thoroughly enjoyed chemistry in previous studies but im not sure what future career prospects would look like. However, i know now that i don’t want to spend another 3 years doing a degree i will come to loathe and that maybe engineering is just not for me. I am still leaning towards doing a science-type degree but im not sure what will best suit me so any help would be appreciated :smile:

This is why you should go into a course you enjoy rather then for career prospects… engineering has a lot of maths….