The MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering is a masters programme tackling global challenges informed by industrial needs and innovative research.
This course equips you with advanced knowledge and expertise in modern chemical engineering, preparing you for a career in multiple industries, related sectors, or academia.
Advanced Chemical Engineering is a broad and evolving discipline that goes far beyond its traditional foundations in oil and gas processing. While core topics such as chemical reactors, distillation, and unit operations remain central, today’s chemical engineers are increasingly required to develop expertise in fast-growing areas like:
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable resource management and processing
- Biotechnology
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
To support this, the course offers a variety of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Lectures and tutorials (delivered in person)
- Computer simulations
- Individual and small group tasks
- Online content and recorded videos via our virtual learning environment
One of the department’s standout features is our pilot plant, which includes pilot-scale industrial processes and a full Siemens PCS7 Distributed Control System - a facility that sets us apart from many other institutions. If you already hold a degree in chemical engineering, this course allows you to deepen your knowledge of the discipline while exploring broader topics through a wide range of elective units. For those already working in industry or aiming to specialise in a particular area, the course can be tailored to your professional interests through our flexible selection of optional modules. Applicants from other engineering or science backgrounds may also be eligible to join the course, depending on their prior experience and qualifications.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
Total self-study time Approximately 24 hours per week (depending on individual background and learning needs)
Teaching time Approximately 12 hours per week (inc. pre-recorded and live lectures, tutorials, tasks and computer simulations)
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
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.
Our recent graduates have gone to work for organisations including:
- Unilever
- Shell Petroleum Development Co
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- AkzoNobel
- Jacobs
- Schlumberger
- Intel
- Procter & Gamble
- and many more!
No matter the path you choose, this course prepares you for a successful and rewarding career.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
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 STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree - you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 A Wearable Electrochemical Biosensor Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Non-Invasive Lactate Detection
🔎 Plasma-Catalyst Interactions for CO2 Dissociation on Supported Ni-Based Catalysts in DBD Reactors
🔎 Data-Driven Prediction of Ionic-Liquid Viscosity and Density: Combining Group-Contribution Theory with Machine Learning
🔎 Recycling PET Waste via Methanolysis Using MgO–ZrO₂ as Catalyst
DR Hosam Aleem PGT course director Advanced Chemical Engineering
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
The MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering offers you the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to suit your career goals and aspirations. A variety of optional course units provide a breadth of topics at an advanced level, while the Masters research project allows you to develop in-depth knowledge in a particular topic of your choice. The programme thus prepares you for a variety of career options in the Chemical industry and beyond.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
After graduation, I launched my career as Process Safety Engineer, tackling a wide range of industries with risk management strategies. The courses focus on team projects and sustainability practices shaped my problem-solving mindset, teaching me to blend technical precision with environmental responsibility. A perfect foundation that continues to guide every project I take.
Shraddha Varrey
MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering, Class of 2024 Current role: Engineer, ABS Consulting, Manchester, UK.
The University of Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK