Sheffield uni

I just got an offer for chem eng at Sheffield but I’m considering mechanical idk what to do so can someone guide and tell me what each course is like and which is better maybe ? I’ve heard chem eng dont have many jobs ?

Reply 1

13343213

Original post

by Anonymous

ChemEng is a versatile degree to have and you do not have to necessarily go into industry with it. You can also pivot into specific industries with postgrad degrees.

Both have a ton of physics in (unbeknownst to many, chemEng doesn't have as much chemistry as you'd think!). As far as I know, ChemEng is more for process design, fuels, food, etc. and MechEng is more "hands-on" mechanical devices.
I recommend looking at both course structures for Sheffield (assuming it is your firm choice). Which one seems more enjoyable for you? Do you have a particular field you are passionate about e.g. Pharma/Nuclear/Petroleum/Etc?

There will be no use in you switching to a degree path you would hate studying JUST for the job prospects because that could make the 3-4 years you spend at uni quite unbearable and bitter.

I would not say there is a 'better' out of those two. It depends on your desired path/paths ❣️

Reply 2

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi!

Congratulations on your offer- what a great achievement! It's fab to hear that you're considering Uni of Sheffield for Engineering 🙂. It's a fab department with really popular courses.

Firstly, I'd highly recommend visiting Sheffield for an Offer Holder Open Day if you are able - it really helped to solidify that this University, and my course, were the right choices for me. You can visit the department and speak to prospective students from both courses to get more info about the differences between them, to help figure out which one would be best for you.

Equally, you can chat to current students here on both the Chemical and Mechanical Engineering courses via our online chat function. You can ask them more about the course as well as potential job prospects, and how the department helps to support students in getting a job after graduation.

It's also super important to ensure that you enjoy your course- after all, you will be doing it for at least 3 years! Do you have a preference between Chemical and Mechanical Engineering? What draws you to each course?

If you have an equal interest in multiple Engineering disciplines, it could be worth considering General Engineering if this took your fancy. In the 'About Our Programmes' part of this link, the following is stated (as of today's date, 02/03/2026): 'We offer a range of fully accredited degree programmes covering the broad range of Interdisciplinary Engineering. It is possible to change between these programmes up to the end of your second year. These can be studied as a three-year Bachelor’s degree (BEng) or four-year Master of Engineering (MEng), with the possibility of adding an Industrial Placement Year.
Our Industrial Advisory Board features an extensive network of the major players in Engineering including Airbus, Arm, Arup, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Siemens, Thales, Toyota and guides our programme design and delivery.'

I hope this was helpful! Do you have any other questions about studying at the University of Sheffield?🙂

-Alicia, Final Year Medical Student + Intercalated BSc Medical Sciences Research

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

eternal-snooze

Original post

by 13343213

ChemEng is a versatile degree to have and you do not have to necessarily go into industry with it. You can also pivot into specific industries with postgrad degrees.
Both have a ton of physics in (unbeknownst to many, chemEng doesn't have as much chemistry as you'd think!). As far as I know, ChemEng is more for process design, fuels, food, etc. and MechEng is more "hands-on" mechanical devices.
I recommend looking at both course structures for Sheffield (assuming it is your firm choice). Which one seems more enjoyable for you? Do you have a particular field you are passionate about e.g. Pharma/Nuclear/Petroleum/Etc?
There will be no use in you switching to a degree path you would hate studying JUST for the job prospects because that could make the 3-4 years you spend at uni quite unbearable and bitter.
I would not say there is a 'better' out of those two. It depends on your desired path/paths ❣️

Honestly I was drawn to engineering Becuase I love maths etc I’ve always liked a med aspect I’m not rlly that interested in plants etc but then again I also don’t know wht they do