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.
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
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
You’ll need the minimum of a 2:1 degree in chemical engineering or a closely related subject.
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.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2023 to 2024
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...
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...
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...
Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
The module assumes a basic knowledge of conventional wastewater treatment systems. The course reinforces the importance of wastewater treatment for the protection of public health and draws attention both to the epidemiology of globally distributed water...
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
Chemical engineering is a career that can make a real difference in the world, but it’s also well-rewarded. Average salaries for experienced chartered chemical engineers reach £79,000 in the UK (Institution of Chemical Engineers).
Chemical engineers are in demand in many different sectors, including medicine, food and beverages, renewable fuels and resource and waste management.
As a chemical engineering graduate you’ll be qualified to take up roles as:
- chemical engineer
- energy engineer
- petroleum engineer
- product scientist
- environment engineer
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £30,000.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of you 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.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - 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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000