Advanced Chemical Engineering (MSc)

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.

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:

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?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

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.

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.

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 2019). 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 vibrant 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £23,136.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

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 and EU 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.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

If you're an international student you'll need to have 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 will 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