MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Imperial College London

Program Overview

The MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology at Imperial College London is perfect for students who want to combine engineering expertise with the life sciences. Over one year, you’ll explore how biological systems work, from metabolic pathways to tissue engineering, while mastering advanced chemical engineering tools to solve real-world problems.

Curriculum Structure

Core Modules:
You’ll start with essential courses like Advanced Process Design, Advanced Bioprocess Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, and Modelling of Biological Systems. These modules give you the foundation to understand complex biological processes and apply engineering principles in innovative ways.
Optional Modules:
After the core, you can tailor your learning with electives that suit your interests, such as Machine Learning for Chemical Engineering, Transport Processes in Biological Systems, or even business-focused modules like Managing Innovation. This flexibility lets you shape your degree around the skills and knowledge that matter most to your career goals.
Research Project:
The highlight of the MSc is the independent research project, which makes up the bulk of your assessment. You’ll work closely with a supervisor on a cutting-edge biotech topic—whether in Imperial’s labs, in industry, or at a partner institution—gaining hands-on experience and building your research expertise.

Focus Areas

Bioprocess engineering, metabolic and tissue engineering, biological systems modelling, sustainable biotechnologies, computational methods, and innovation management.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to design and optimise biotechnological processes, apply biochemical engineering principles, model complex biological systems, and carry out independent research. You’ll also develop skills in problem-solving, project management, and communication, all of which are highly valued in both industry and academia.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a pathway to become a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) and eligibility for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability)

Imperial’s Department of Chemical Engineering is internationally recognised, and graduates of this program are in demand across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering, and consulting. Alumni have gone on to work for top companies and research organisations worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc is all about bringing chemical engineering and biotechnology together in a practical, hands-on way. You won’t just be learning in lectures — you’ll be designing processes, running experiments, and working on real-world projects that prepare you for a career in industry or research. Imperial gives you access to state-of-the-art labs, pilot-scale plants, and expert guidance so you can gain the skills employers and researchers really look for.

Here’s what your practical learning journey looks like:

Independent Research Project: You’ll carry out a major project on a biotechnology topic of your choice, either in Imperial labs, with industry partners, or at approved research institutions. It’s your chance to dive deep into something that excites you.
Bioprocess & Biomanufacturing Experience: Learn hands-on techniques in enzyme reactions, cell cultures, and scalable bioreactors — the same processes used in real biotech industries.
Modelling Biological Systems: Build mathematical models for living systems, from metabolic networks to tissue dynamics, using Imperial’s cutting-edge research facilities.
Lab Work with Expert Support: Access top-class analytical instruments in the Department’s labs, with technicians on hand to guide you and make sure you get real practical experience.
ChemEng Discovery Space: Work in modern teaching and research spaces, including labs equipped for process simulation and experimentation.
Pilot-Scale Process Experience: Even with a biotechnology focus, you’ll gain exposure to pilot-scale plants, learning how real industrial processes are operated and controlled.
Sustainable Process Innovation: Engage with sustainability-focused projects, designing greener bioprocesses or exploring life-cycle impacts.
Professional & Transferable Skills: Through group work, presentations, and independent projects, you’ll sharpen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills — all essential for your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This MSc prepares you for an exciting range of careers in both chemical engineering and biotechnology. Graduates often go on to roles like:

Bioprocess Engineer – designing and optimising industrial bioprocesses
Research Scientist / Metabolic Engineer – creating new biological systems or improving existing ones
Process Development Engineer – scaling up cell cultures or bioreactors
Sustainability Consultant – helping companies develop bio-based or green solutions

Imperial gives you the tools to succeed:

Career Support: The Careers Service offers one-on-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, and networking opportunities with alumni and industry. There are also career fairs specifically for engineering and biotech students.
Employment & Salary: About 83% of graduates secure employment within 15 months, with typical starting salaries around £39,000 (depending on role).
Industry Connections: Imperial has strong links with companies like Amazon, IBM, AstraZeneca, Deloitte, and ExxonMobil. Through your research project, you may even work directly with a company, giving you valuable hands-on experience.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition: This MSc is IChemE-accredited, which means you’re on the path to becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) and eventually a Chartered Engineer (CEng) — credentials that are highly respected worldwide.
Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate with advanced skills in chemical and biological engineering, plus a research project that lets you tackle real-world challenges. This makes you highly attractive to employers in biotech, pharmaceuticals, energy, and consulting.

Further Academic Progression:
After the MSc, you could:

Pursue a PhD or other doctoral research in areas like metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, tissue engineering, or sustainable biotech.
Join postgraduate research groups at Imperial or in industry, working on cutting-edge bioprocess or bioengineering projects.
Use your IChemE accreditation to progress toward becoming a Chartered Engineer, opening doors to leadership roles in chemical and biotech companies globally.