MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering

Year of entry: 2025

Overview

Degree awarded
MSc
Duration
MSc FT- 12 months
Entry requirements

A 2(i) (upper second class honours) first degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, or equivalent qualifications/experience.  Applicants with a 2(ii) will be considered and are welcome to apply.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place must meet all the conditions of their offer by 31 July 2025.

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc Y N N N

Course description

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Explore the birthplace of Chemical Engineering

Modern chemical engineering is a vast subject extending far beyond its traditional roots in oil and gas processing.  As well as dealing with chemical reactors, distillation and the numerous processes that take place in a chemical or petrochemical plant, there is an increasing need for chemical engineers able to design and develop formulated products and to have knowledge of biotechnology and environmental issues.

  • If you already have a first degree in chemical engineering you can study the discipline in greater depth as well as learning about broader issues through the choice of elective subjects.
  • If you are already working in industry or are planning to work in a particular area, then this course can be tailored to focus on issues related to those of direct concern to you.

Who will benefit from the course?

  • Those who already have a background in chemical engineering but who wish to obtain a higher level qualification from a top-ranking British university.
  • Those who wish to enhance their career prospects in a chemical industry.

What are the benefits to students?

  • Our graduates get great jobs and chemical engineers are the highest paid professionals in the engineering field
  • Courses are designed to meet the needs of employers and you develop many skills for a successful career - design, problem-solving, numeracy, analysis, communication and teamwork
  • The University of Manchester has an excellent international reputation and a qualification from us will significantly increase your chances of getting a job anywhere in the world
  • Specialist subjects are all taught by experts in the field
  • Entry requirements are flexible - relevant experience is considered alongside your formal qualifications.

Open days

For details of the next University Postgraduate open day, visit open days and visits .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £15,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £37,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate-taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for masters courses  website for more information.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

    Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

    Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • Goal 15: Life on land

    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Contact details

Department
Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Science
Contact name
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 306 0888
Email
Website
https://www.ce.manchester.ac.uk
School/Faculty

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

A 2(i) (upper second class honours) first degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, or equivalent qualifications/experience.  Applicants with a 2(ii) will be considered and are welcome to apply.

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:

  • IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-test below 6.0.
  • TOFEL iBT: at least 90 overall with 22 in writing and no sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.
  • Pearson PTE: at least 70 overall with 70 in writing and no other sub-test less than 64.

Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .

Pre-sessional English

We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.

To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:

  • 6 Week Pre-sessional Course: Minimum 6.0 overall with 6.0 in writing and 2 other sub-tests, and no more than one sub-test of 5.5
  • 10 Week Pre-Sessional Course: Minimum 5.5 overall with no sub-test below 5.5.

If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. See details of entry requirements for your country at: www.manchester.ac.uk/international/country

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place must meet all the conditions of their offer by 31 July 2025.

Advice to applicants

Please ensure you have all your supporting documents scanned and ready to upload with your online application. If your academic documents are in languages other than English, please provide them in their original version and official translations.  

We require the following documents before we can consider your application:

  • Transcript of your studies to date, translated into English.
  • We require a reference from one person who has knowledge of your academic ability in support of your application. In most cases, this should be an academic reference, from a lecturer or professor from your last university. In some cases (for example, if your academic studies occurred some time ago), it might be more appropriate to submit recommendation from somebody familiar with your professional experience. If you have difficulty in identifying a suitable referee you should ask for advice from the admissions team for your course.
  • Degree certificate (if you have already graduated).
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) if you have been out of education for longer than three years.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

How your application is considered

We consider your full academic history including which course units you have taken and the marks obtained. Even if you have met our minimum entry requirements, we will take into account your marks in relevant course units in our final decision making.

If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess if you are still able to fulfil the entry criteria.

Interview requirements

No interview is required for this course.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

CAS Information

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.

If you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.

You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.

Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 application.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer for 2024 entry and decide not to accept it, should you subsequently wish to be considered for 2025 entry you would be required to reapply.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

Modern chemical engineering is a vast subject extending far beyond its traditional roots in oil and gas processing.  As well as dealing with chemical reactors, distillation and the numerous processes that take place in a chemical or petrochemical plant, there is an increasing need for chemical engineers able to design and develop formulated products and to have knowledge of biotechnology and environmental issues.

  • If you already have a first degree in chemical engineering you can study the discipline in greater depth as well as learning about broader issues through the choice of elective subjects.
  • If you are already working in industry or are planning to work in a particular area, then this course can be tailored to focus on issues related to those of direct concern to you.

Who will benefit from the course?

  • Those who already have a background in chemical engineering but who wish to obtain a higher level qualification from a top-ranking British university.
  • Those who wish to enhance their career prospects in a chemical industry.

What are the benefits to students?

  • Our graduates get great jobs and chemical engineers are the highest paid professionals in the engineering field
  • Courses are designed to meet the needs of employers and you develop many skills for a successful career - design, problem-solving, numeracy, analysis, communication and teamwork
  • The University of Manchester has an excellent international reputation and a qualification from us will significantly increase your chances of getting a job anywhere in the world
  • Specialist subjects are all taught by experts in the field
  • Entry requirements are flexible - relevant experience is considered alongside your formal qualifications.

Teaching and learning

We use modern, innovative teaching and learning methods which have proved extremely successful and are enjoyed by our students. Much of the source materials and study aids are available through Blackboard (the University's web learning package) which has the advantage of enabling you to carry out much of your study when and where you want. You take part in face-to-face lectures, seminars and laboratory classes.

The Dissertation Project forms a major part of the MSc course and provides useful practice in carrying out academic research and writing in an area that you are interested in.  You have the opportunity to study a chosen topic in depth - you can choose one of the challenging topical projects available through the University or if you are employed can base your project on an aspect of your current job or employer's business.

The course helps you to develop valuable transferable skills such as report writing, data analysis and presentation skills - these are all invaluable for your career development. 

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is a combination of examinations and written coursework assignments.  For the MSc a major part of the assessment is through an in-depth project which is written up as a formal dissertation report.

Course unit details

The amount of effort required by a student is measured in credits. An MSc requires the completion of 180 credits.

Please note that some restrictions may apply due to timetable conflicts / class sizes.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
MSc Dissertation CHEN61000 60 Mandatory
Research Techniques and Methods (Skills) CHEN64421 15 Mandatory
Research Techniques & Methods (Proposal) CHEN64432 15 Mandatory
Oil and Gas Processing CHEN60202 15 Optional
Nuclear Fuel Cycle CHEN60221 15 Optional
Chemical Engineering Molecular Simulation CHEN60232 15 Optional
Advanced Process Simulation CHEN60412 15 Optional
Utility System Design CHEN60431 15 Optional
Science of Formulation CHEN60441 15 Optional
Advanced Separation Processes CHEN60461 15 Optional
Chemical Product Design CHEN60472 15 Optional
Waste Management and Treatment CHEN60512 15 Optional
Process Fluid Dynamics CHEN64211 15 Optional
Computer Aided Process Design CHEN64291 15 Optional
Energy Systems CHEN64341 15 Optional
Sustainable Energy Systems CHEN64352 15 Optional
Reaction Systems Design CHEN64442 15 Optional
Sustainable Resources and Processing CHEN64491 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 18 course units

Facilities

In our £12 million James Chadwick Building you will have access to modern lab spaces, dedicated computer suites, and a famed pilot scale area with a range of large-scale industrial processing equipment. It is one of the biggest and best of any European university.

See our outstanding facilities for yourself through our  virtual open day .

The future of learning in Manchester  

Our Home for Engineering and Materials Science is transforming the way our students study, research and shape the world forever. Now, more than ever, is the time to study at the University of Manchester. 

At the heart of the building’s design is a desire to bring together all disciplines, in one connected and dynamic environment. The space supports a variety of teaching and learning styles, through blended lecture theatres, multi-purpose study spaces and over 250 state-of-the-art laboratories. There is also a range of technical spaces to help encourage students to shape their own learning environment.  

We want our facilities to show ambition as well as recognise the real-world challenges that students will face in addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time. Our Home for Engineering and Materials Science boasts some of the most unique, industry-leading equipment and instrumentation in the sector to meet today’s requirements and those of the future.  

Explore Our Home for Engineering and Material Science .

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Manchester is the birthplace of Chemical Engineering, and we continue to excel in its teaching and research. That's why our graduates are highly sought after and a masters level qualification in Advanced Chemical Engineering from Manchester can be your ticket into any number of industries.

Our graduates have progressed to careers in food and drink, chemicals, oil or gas; some have gone into petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods, energy generation, or waste treatment. Roles for a chemical engineering graduate can vary, including product design, research and development, project management, and manufacturing. You could even use the skills you gain to pursue a career in a non-chemical engineering sector, such as business, finance, marketing, banking, insurance, accountancy, or IT - your job could take you anywhere in the world.

Our graduates have gained roles such as:

  • Professor
  • CEO/Business President
  • Chemical/Process Engineer
  • Technical Services Manager
  • R & D Manager
  • Managing Director
  • Environmental/Sustainability Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Application Engineer
  • Engineering/Scientific Consultant

Our graduates have secured roles at organisations including:   

  • Unilever
  • Shell Petroleum Development Co 
  • GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  • Chevron
  • ExxonMobil
  • AkzoNobel
  • Jacobs
  • Schlumberger
  • Intel
  • Procter & Gamble

What's more, graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in demand among the top graduate employers by attending the most targeted university according to  The Graduate Market in 2023 - High Fliers Research.

Whatever you decide, you'll be among a cohort of chemical engineering graduates who typically go on to earn more than those progressing from other disciplines.

Careers Service

We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation. That's why The University of Manchester's  award-winning Careers Service  will continue to support you two years after graduation. 

Department of Chemical Engineering Blog

Explore more about our student's experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department  in our blog.

Accrediting organisations

This course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) .