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Program and Course Information
How do I get accepted into this program?
Application to the Trent/Swansea Chemical Engineering dual degree is through the Ontario University Application Centre (ouac.on.ca). You must achieve a minimum secondary school average of 80% and Grade 12U English, Chemistry, Physics and Math (either Calculus or Advanced Functions) to be considered for admission to the program. This entry grade is subject to change annually based on the application cohort and the number of spaces available in the program. However, the minimum average for acceptance to the program will never fall below 80%.
What program requirements will I need to meet to receive my dual degree?
Once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive an orientation and will be advised to consult an academic advisor to ensure you’re on track. To progress successfully to the third year of the dual degree at Swansea University, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- successfully complete years one and two at Trent University with a minimum cumulative average of 77%;
- successfully complete no fewer than 10.0 Trent University credits before enrolling in classes at Swansea (no transfer credits are allowable toward this total and Trent credits must be completed by the end of the Winter term in year two);
- complete an Intent to Continue onto Studies form in order to transfer to Swansea for the B.Eng portion of the dual degree;
- declare the program major for the Trent BSc degree;
- obtain and provide proof of an approved Tier 4 (General) Study Visa;
- be in ‘good academic standing’ at Trent; and,
- have no known reasons to be denied access to the United Kingdom.
Following the completion of the B.Eng. degree at Swansea University, your student transcripts will be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar at Trent University to ensure standards are met for awarding of transfer credits. Your academic records will then be fully reviewed to confirm eligibility for graduation from the dual degree program. Students who are currently studying at Trent and transfer students from other post-secondary institutions who have been admitted to Trent University may be able to access the Trent/Swansea Engineering dual degree. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for further details.
What courses will I take?
During your first two years at Trent University in Peterborough, you’ll take a variety of courses that give you direct access to Trent’s world-class labs, instrumentation facilities and faculty.
Year 1 (Fall): CHEM 1000H, MATH 1110H, PHYS 1001H, MATH 1350H, INDG credit
Year 1 (Winter): CHEM 1010H, MATH 1120H, PHYS 1002H, COIS 1020H
Year 2 (Fall): CHEM 2100H, CHEM 2410H, CHEM 2500H, MATH 2110H, MATH 2150H
Year 2 (Winter): CHEM 2110H CHEM 3520H, MATH 2120H, CHEM 2810H
Please refer to the Academic Calendar for up-to-date descriptions of the individual courses offered at Trent.
In the third year of the dual degree program, you’ll enter into ‘Year 2’ of the three-year Chemical Engineering program at Swansea University. Your coursework at Swansea will give you valuable experience in established chemical engineering industries such as energy, health, food, water and the environment.
Year 3: Six modules in Fall; Five modules in Winter (including two semesters of Pilot Plant Operations)
Year 4: Three modules in Fall; Two modules in Winter (including two full-year modules with a major design project)
For a full list of courses and course descriptions, please visit the Swansea program site.
If I don’t continue on to Swansea, do I still get a B.Sc. in Chemistry after two years at Trent?
In order to receive both your B.Sc. in Chemistry from Trent and your B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Swansea, you will need to successfully complete all four years of the program. If you choose not to, or are unable to, continue to Swansea, an academic advisor will help you determine what courses to take to enable you to graduate with a B.Sc. or Honours B.Sc. in Chemistry or a related discipline.
Experiential Learning & Work Opportunities
Will I get any hands-on learning or work experience?
Yes, both Trent and Swansea offer multiple hands-on learning experiences for dual degree students. Here’s just a few of the opportunities you’ll have access to:
- Work with special equipment for modern experimental and theoretical chemistry;
- Experiment with atomic force microscopy, fermentation rigs, surface plasmon resonance and hydrodynamic shear adhesion assays;
- Develop complex chemical engineering design projects and business plans;
- Assist in research projects with leading engineering experts and faculty;
- Spend a ‘Year in Industry’ working in the UK or overseas. You’ll get valuable workplace experience as well as a salary (currently over £15,000 on average). Visit Swansea’s Engineering Year in Industry program website for more information.
What are the job prospects for Chemical Engineers?
Chemical engineers will always be in demand, and remain one of the highest paid graduates across all disciplines. There are global career opportunities in a wide range of sectors, including energy, water, healthcare, and the environment.
Over 90% of students who graduate from Swansea’s Chemical Engineering B.Eng. program find employment in their field within six months of graduation.
Can you become an accredited P.Eng. with the dual degree program?
The B.Eng. Chemical Engineering at Swansea University is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in the UK. Trent and Swansea are currently applying to the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) for educational equivalency.
In the third and fourth years you will also have the opportunity to do summer internships and take advantage of workplace integrated learning that can be used towards the work requirement of the P. Eng.
As with all engineer candidates, to practice as a professional engineer in Ontario you must have 48 months of eligible work experience and write provincial exams. Throughout your dual degree, you will receive support to ensure you’re on track to receive your accreditation.
Tuition, Fees & Scholarships
What will it cost?
Here’s how your Trent/Swansea tuition will be broken down (based on 2018 tuition/fees):
Years 1 & 2: Trent tuition and fees: $8,500, plus Residence and Meal Plan: $11,000-12,000 (depending on college and double or single occupancy)
Years 3 & 4: International annual tuition fees at Swansea (2025/26): £24,700 or approximately $42,000-43,000 CAD. There are numerous residence options available to Trent dual degree students at Swansea, ranging in cost from $5,600-14,200 (CAD) depending on size and availability.
All students entering this program are eligible for a Trent scholarship. Learn more about Trent University scholarships and bursaries.
Does Swansea offer scholarships to Canadian students?
Yes, Swansea offers several scholarships that are available to international students. You can find information about Swansea’s scholarships and grants on their website.
As an exclusive incentive for Trent dual degree students, Swansea University will provide students with £3,000 per year in their third and fourth years of study in the dual degree program.
How does OSAP work for a program like this?
OSAP will work as usual while you are studying as an Ontario resident at Trent in Peterborough. Once you transfer to Swansea, you’ll be eligible for only the federal portion of OSAP funding. The provincial portion of OSAP is awarded to students only when are studying in Ontario. Please refer to the OSAP website for additional details regarding funding.
Living Accommodations
How will I arrange housing in my first year at Trent?
Trent’s college residence system gives you the opportunity to be part of a smaller community, providing many opportunities to build relationships with other students and your profs. At Trent, you’re guaranteed a spot in residence in your first year – you can pick your college, choose your room, and even tell us what you're looking for in a roommate. Learn more about residence at Trent.
Where will I live when I go to Swansea?
Swansea also provides a first year residence placement guarantee for registered students provided you apply for residence by the deadline. Most Chemical Engineering students at Swansea live in residence at the Bay Campus. You can find more information about Swansea’s accommodations (including application deadlines) on their website.
Is residence included in the tuition fee in first year at Swansea?
Residence and living costs are separate from tuition costs. Check out Swansea University’s handy cost of living chart to get a better idea of what you should budget.
While studying at Swansea, what are other possible housing arrangements?
With respect to upper year housing options, Swansea has a very supportive housing office and can direct and assist students in finding off-campus housing. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5,660-8,000 per year to rent a private residence