MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Imperial College London

Program Overview

The MSc in Machine Learning & Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College London is perfect for students who want to combine advanced engineering with cutting-edge digital technologies. Over the course of a year, you’ll learn how to use machine learning, optimisation, and systems modelling to solve real-world industrial challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Core Modules:
You’ll start with core modules like Advanced Process Operations, Dynamic Behaviour in Process Systems, Advanced Optimisation for Chemical Engineering, Industrial Automation and Autonomous Systems, and Machine Learning for Chemical Engineering. These courses give you the essential tools to understand, model, and optimise complex industrial processes using both classical and modern computational techniques.
Optional Modules:
Once the core is complete, you can choose from a range of optional modules to suit your career goals. Options include Advanced Bioprocess Engineering, Advanced Environmental Engineering, Modelling of Biological Systems, and electives in innovation or management, such as Managing Innovation. This flexibility lets you focus on the areas you’re most passionate about.
Research Project:
The highlight of the MSc is the independent research project, which makes up around 80% of your assessment. You’ll work closely with a supervisor to tackle a cutting-edge problem in process systems engineering, machine learning, or automation—either in Imperial’s labs or in industry—developing hands-on skills and producing research that could influence real-world processes.

Focus Areas

Mathematical modelling, optimisation, control systems, machine learning, automation, and real-world process system applications.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to model and control dynamic process systems, apply machine learning and optimisation algorithms, and design autonomous engineering solutions. You’ll also develop research, problem-solving, and project management skills that are highly valued in industry and academia.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

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

Reputation (Employability)

Imperial’s Department of Chemical Engineering is world-renowned, and graduates from this MSc are highly sought after by leading companies in advanced process industries, clean technology, consulting, and digital engineering roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc is all about applying maths, computing, and process-engineering knowledge to real-world challenges. You won’t just be learning theory — you’ll be building models, solving complex problems, and using cutting-edge software tools that professionals rely on in industry and research. Imperial’s Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering gives you the chance to work alongside experts and get hands-on experience that will set you apart.

Here’s how your practical learning will come to life:

Independent Research Project: You’ll complete a major project on a topic that combines machine learning and process systems. This could be carried out in Imperial labs, research groups, or even in collaboration with industry partners.
Sargent Centre Exposure: You’ll be part of one of the world’s leading research centres for process systems engineering, giving you insight into cutting-edge optimisation, control, and modelling techniques.
Advanced Computational Tools: Work with process simulation software, optimisation frameworks, and machine-learning tools — all used by real engineers in the field.
Real-World Process Knowledge: Learn how industrial processes are controlled and optimised through modules like Industrial Automation and Advanced Process Operations.
Programming & Software Skills: Build practical Python skills and other coding expertise directly relevant to modelling and controlling complex processes.
Cross-Disciplinary Research: Engage with research in optimisation under uncertainty, reinforcement learning for process control, and data-driven engineering.
Professional Development: Gain teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills through group projects and presentations, preparing you for industry or further research.
Industrial Connections: Benefit from the Sargent Centre’s strong industry links, including its Industrial Consortium, which gives you insight into real-world challenges and potential collaborations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This MSc equips you with a rare combination of chemical engineering expertise and advanced systems thinking — skills that are in high demand across industries. Graduates often go into roles such as:

Process Systems Engineer / Optimisation Specialist – designing and improving entire chemical plants or industrial processes
Data Scientist / ML Engineer in process industries – applying machine learning and data analytics to optimise operations
Control Systems Engineer – working on dynamic modelling, automation, and process control
Consultant – advising energy, manufacturing, or sustainability-focused companies

Imperial makes sure you’re ready for these careers:

Career Support: The Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering provides mentoring, networking, and access to an Industrial Consortium of top companies. Imperial’s Careers Service helps with CVs, interviews, and industry connections.
Industry Links: The MSc includes opportunities to work on projects with multinational companies, giving you hands-on experience and valuable contacts.
Long-Term Value: With expertise in optimisation, modelling, and systems thinking, you gain a skill set that’s highly prized in modern, data-driven industries.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with a mix of advanced technical skills, research experience, and a portfolio of projects that make them attractive to employers in engineering, consulting, data science, and energy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, you could:

Pursue a PhD at Imperial or another top university, focusing on energy systems, environmental systems, advanced control, or digital process optimisation.
Take on postgraduate research roles or industrial R&D projects, leveraging your project and dissertation experience.
Move toward technical leadership or consultancy roles, where your systems skills allow you to solve complex industrial challenges.