MSc Advanced Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

The University of Bradford

Program Overview

This master’s degree combines deep chemical‑engineering knowledge with specialized expertise in the petroleum and process‑industries, empowering you to design and operate advanced, sustainable industrial systems. It’s an ideal fit for students with a science or engineering background who want to make a tangible impact on sectors like energy, water treatment, food, and manufacturing.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Modules):
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation across core process‑engineering disciplines. You’ll study Transport Phenomena, where you explore momentum, heat, and mass transfer in real-world systems, alongside Process Design, learning how to develop efficient industrial processes. You’ll also dive into Desalination Technology, gaining practical knowledge about designing systems to purify water — a critical area for sustainable development.

Year 2 (Advanced & Optional Modules + Project):
The second year is more flexible and project-focused. Here, you’ll pick from a range of option modules like Oil & Gas Management, Polymer & Materials Engineering, or Risk Assessment & Management, depending on your interests. At the same time, you’ll work on your MSc Project — applying simulation, analytical tools, and laboratory work to a real engineering challenge, whether in petroleum, clean water, or industrial processing.

Focus Areas

Process engineering, petroleum production and refining, sustainable chemical technology, water treatment, polymer engineering, risk management.

Learning Outcomes

You will master advanced chemical‑engineering principles, develop practical skills in process design and simulation, gain problem‑solving experience through a major research or design project, and understand how to develop sustainable industrial systems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a recognized pathway toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Graduates from this programme are highly employable in global energy, manufacturing, and water sectors. The University of Bradford has a solid track record for industry engagement, and its chemical‑engineering programmes benefit from well-established links with companies like Unilever, SUEZ UK, IMI Precision Engineering, and more.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bradford, this MSc isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — you’ll dive straight into hands‑on engineering from day one. You’ll use advanced analytical instruments, run real simulations in our specialist centres, and tackle real‑world problems in team-based projects. You’ll also carry out a substantial research-led MSc project, working side by side with faculty on cutting-edge topics in chemical and petroleum engineering.

Here’s how you’ll build practical skills throughout the programme:

State‑of‑the‑art laboratory access: Through the Centre for Chemical & Biological Analysis (Analytical Centre) in the Norcroft Building, you’ll use NMR (400 & 600 MHz), GC‑MS, HPLC‑MS/MS, X-ray diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM/TEM electron microscopy, and thermal analysis tools like DSC, TGA, DMA.
Research‑led MSc project: From Semester 2, you’ll operate analytical instruments under supervision and carry out your own research, giving you real problem-solving experience.
Simulation and design work: You’ll use Bradford’s industry-leading simulation centres to model processes, optimise designs, and test engineering solutions in a virtual—but very realistic—environment.
Team-based projects: Through project modules, you’ll work in groups to tackle case studies, design challenges, and process optimisation — mirroring how engineers collaborate in real companies.
Access to cutting-edge research strengths: You can engage in areas such as water treatment, energy, advanced materials, desalination, and coating technologies — all supported by Bradford’s active research in these fields.
Industry-relevant analytical techniques: Thanks to the Analytical Centre’s team (with expertise in GLP, high‑performance instrumentation, and quality management), you gain hands-on exposure to methods used in industry.
Interdisciplinary labs: You’ll have the option to work in labs connected to the Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre, benefiting from Bradford’s expertise in polymer engineering and materials.
Supporting facilities for pharmaceutical applications: If you're interested in pharma processes, you’ll also have access to clean rooms, melt extrusion, injection moulding equipment, thermal and chromatographic analysis, and particle characterisation labs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this MSc often go on to roles such as Process Engineer, Design Engineer, Operations Engineer, or R&D Engineer, drawing on Bradford’s strong technical and analytical training to drive innovation in chemical, energy, water, and pharmaceutical industries. By completing this programme, you'll be well equipped to contribute both immediately in industry and in the long term as a Chartered Engineer.

Here’s how studying this course at Bradford sets you up for success:

University Services That Support Your Career
- The Career & Employability Service offers specialist advisers, early‑stage support, and workshops to help you secure part‑time work, placements, or graduate roles.
- You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor who provides regular contact hours and guidance throughout your studies.
- The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) supports your learning outside class — giving 24/7 access to resources, group work, and submission tools.
Employment & Salary Statistics
- According to DiscoverUni, a large portion of chemical engineering and related graduates from Bradford move into highly skilled roles: ~ 75% report being in professional/managerial or technical engineering roles within 15 months after graduation.
- Salary data (via Longitudinal Education Outcomes) suggest that engineering graduates from Bradford can earn around £28,500 to £45,000 in their early career, depending on the job and sector.
University–Industry Partnerships
- Graduates have secured roles at top-tier and diverse organisations — including Unilever, SUEZ UK, IMI Precision Engineering, British Sugar, KPMG, and more.
- The department’s research strengths (e.g., energy, water, polymers) mean you’ll be exposed to cutting‑edge projects and can potentially collaborate with industrial partners.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value
- The MSc is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
- This accreditation aligns with Further Learning requirements toward becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) — a highly respected and valuable professional status in engineering.
Graduation Outcomes
- Because of the technical depth, the professional accreditation, and the employability support from Bradford, you’ll be well placed to enter industry directly or move into leadership and specialist roles over time.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your studies in several directions:

PhD (Doctorate) — Expand into research, working on topics such as advanced materials, energy systems, or water treatment.
Postgraduate Diploma / Certificate — If you want to specialise in a niche (e.g., polymer engineering, environmental risk), you could take additional qualifications.
Professional Development Courses — Use the course as a stepping stone into IChemE‑approved training, technical leadership programmes, or continued professional learning aligned with chartership.