Program Overview

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Advanced Chemical Engineering (MSc)

About this course

Become a leader in sustainable chemical engineering with this full-time master’s degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering. You’ll gain real-world insights working on actual industrial issues and will be equipped with the specialist skills needed to design sustainable technologies and processes.

As a chemical engineering graduate, you'll have excellent job prospects in sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals and biochemicals. The skills you’ll gain in state-of-the-art reactor design, advanced understanding of safety and risk management and computer systems to control processes are in demand from companies around the world.

This chemical engineering degree has a strong focus on sustainable chemical engineering. On completion, you’ll have the skills to help the world transition to a more sustainable future. Through your optional modules, you can personalise your learning to a particular theme. You could focus on:

• Wastewater
• Reactors
• Biochemical engineering
• Electrochemical engineering
• Sustainable energy systems

Employability is embedded throughout this degree. As part of a group design project you'll work with a team to time and budget to design, prototype, computer model and/or manufacture a product that meets an industrial brief. Your project will be showcased in our annual Engineering Design Show.

You'll also complete an independent research project. Conducting independent, original and critical research on a subject of your choosing. This research can be done on an industrial placement.

We’ve recently invested £12 million in our chemistry laboratories, which include specialist chemical engineering equipment. You’ll work in our purpose-built engineering design studios using industry-standard tools and facilities.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leader is an experienced academic with skills in chemical and petroleum systems and research interests in sustainable energy engineering. Visit Dr Mohamed Galal Hassan Sayed's staff profile to learn more about his work.

Learn more about this subject area

Chemistry and chemical engineering

Discover how chemistry and chemical engineering are changing the world on our flexible chemistry courses. Gain experience with a placement abroad, and explore topics like new vaccine creation or development of sustainable energy solutions.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

Typical Offer

2:1 degree

Closely related subjects

Closely related subjects include environmental engineering, engineering and technology, and applied chemistry. Applicants must have completed and passed at least one core chemical engineering module.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• Overall score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Course structure

Your studies will run for a full 12 months. The first 8 months are devoted to taught modules and the completion of your group design project. You will also take exams during this time.

The final 4 months are spent full-time on a supervised research project, which will result in your dissertation. If you wish you can conduct this research during an industrial placement. Our team will help you find a suitable placement.

What you'll study:

You’ll need to complete 6 modules, plus your group project and your dissertation, to gain your MSc. Each module is about 150 hours of study time. You’re expected to be on campus engaged in learning about 15 to 20 hours a week.

You’ll be able to choose 50% of your taught modules from a range of options, enabling you to specialise in your area of interest. This includes the option to study an appropriate module from elsewhere in the University, subject to the approval of the course leader.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

Chemical Engineering Group Design Project

This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...

Chemical Engineering MSc Research Project

Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...

Process Optimisation and Control

The module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of advanced modelling and simulation tools applied to chemical engineering. The module will develop concepts of process modelling, process design, and process control and will apply advance...

Professional Aspects of Chemical Engineering

This module is designed to enhance your understanding of what it means to be a Professional Chemical Engineer.

Reactor Design for Sustainable Processing

Chemical industries have transformed the quality of human life rapidly by the chemical and physical transformation of ecological goods and services to higher economic value products, mostly without considering if those transformation routes or methods wer...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Bioenergy

The bioenergy industry is undergoing rapid growth due to the policy drivers underpinning the current interest in bioenergy, such as energy security and climate change. This module provides an overview of key topics on sustainable bioenergy production, inc...

Chemical Engineering in Food Technology

This course covers the application of chemical engineering principles to food processing. The importance of food quality and safety will be introduced, including regulatory requirements, ISO standards and HACCP. The rate of reactions involved in processes...

Energy Resources and Engineering

On completion of the module, you will have developed a broad understanding of energy resources, engineering technologies for energy conversion and have an appreciation of solutions available to meet the world's power demands. You will be able to formulate...

Urban Water and Wastewater Engineering

The module covers two main themes. One looks at the types of process that are used to purify water to a standard acceptable for distribution. The subject material is taught so as to give a fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical and biological...

Learning and assessment

Learning

You'll analyse and design engineering solutions to a real world problems through practical exercises and experiences, expert teaching, and demonstrations.

You'll learn through a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures and seminars
• Visit to a commercial anaerobic digestion (AD) plant
• Field trips to fossil fuel and/or renewables facilities
• Use of COMSOL Multiphysics analysis tool
• Demonstrations using software simulation and video materials

For more detailed learning information take a look at the individual module pages.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through:

• Group design project
• Lab reports
• Assignments and coursework
• Exams
• Oral presentations
• Written and multiple choice essays
• Computer assisted assessment

Dissertation

The dissertation research project is a compulsory module you must pass to complete this course. It will take around 600 hours to complete and you will have tailored support throughout.

Academic Support

Your personal academic tutor and MSc project supervisor will provide the academic support you need to achieve your best. You’ll also have access to a range of University student support services should you need them, including learning skills and English language support.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Manufacturing
• Scientific and Technical
• Water and Waste Management
• Education
• Public Administration
• Defence
• Finance

Careers directly related to this course:

• Chemical technician
• Chemical plant operator
• Analytical chemist
• Food engineer
• Petroleum engineer
• Pharmaceutical manufacturer
• Chemical engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Mining engineer

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Environmental consultant
• University lecturer
• Management consultant
• Patent attorney
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher
• Data analyst

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering graduates*:

• Process engineer
• Research fellow
• Lecturer
• Chemical engineer
• Software developer
• Data scientist
• Development engineer
• Project manager
• Consultant

See more

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• Work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• Networking events
• Careers fairs attended by top employers
• A wealth of volunteering opportunities
• Study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• Accommodation costs
• Living costs
• Budgeting advice
• Fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Chemistry.

Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

Four scholarships offer international students £5,000 off their first year of study of chemistry and chemical engineering at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.

The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• Your knowledge of the subject area
• Why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• How you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• A degree transcript
• Evidence of professional qualifications

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Related courses

Advanced Chemical Engineering (MSc) is a course in the Chemistry and chemical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MSc Chemistry
• MSc Chemistry by Research
• MSc Digital Chemistry
• MSc Electrochemistry and Battery Technologies