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.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the 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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
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 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
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 compulsary 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 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service 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 £24,400.
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 get 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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from 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.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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 a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. 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
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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