MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Energy

16 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

The MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham is designed to give you the skills and confidence to tackle complex challenges in industries from energy to healthcare and pharmaceuticals. It’s perfect for students with a background in chemical engineering, chemistry, or other numerate sciences who want to specialise in advanced process systems, product design, or bioprocessing.

Curriculum Structure

Taught Modules (Autumn & Spring Terms)
In the first part of the year, you’ll dive into the core principles of advanced chemical engineering through modules like Introduction to Advanced Chemical Engineering and Introduction to Biochemical Engineering. These courses will strengthen your understanding of process design, experimental methods, and modelling, while optional modules let you tailor your learning to areas such as energy, healthcare, formulation, or bioprocessing.

Research Project (Summer Term)
Your summer is all about putting theory into practice. You’ll work on a substantial research project, either in the lab, through modelling, or both, under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors. This is your chance to tackle a real-world problem, develop your independent research skills, and produce a dissertation that showcases your expertise.

Focus Areas

Energy systems, healthcare technology, formulation engineering, bioprocessing, modelling, sustainability, and process design.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll be confident designing and analysing advanced chemical processes, applying statistical methods and experimental techniques, leading research into products like pharmaceuticals or food, and using modelling to predict system behaviour in real-world settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a recognised professional qualification that supports your career development.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Chemical Engineering at Birmingham is ranked 6th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
The University of Birmingham is ranked 76th globally (QS World University Rankings 2026).
Graduates have gone on to work with leading companies such as Unilever, AstraZeneca, GSK, BP, Arup, Mondelez, and Johnson Matthey.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering at Birmingham, learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks it’s about getting hands-on with the kind of work chemical engineers actually do. You’ll spend time in real laboratories, run experiments, design projects, and even carry out your own research in the summer term. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and guidance from leading academics, you’ll build the practical skills and confidence that employers really value.

Here’s what your experiential learning journey looks like:

Summer Research Project: A full-scale independent project where you can explore experimental work, modelling, or a combination all under the guidance of expert supervisors.
Laboratory Work & Experimental Design: Develop practical skills by designing and running experiments, collecting data, and interpreting results.
Core Module – Measurement, Sensors & Design of Experiments: Gain solid foundations in designing experiments and analysing results skills you’ll use throughout your career.
Seminars & Tutorials: Engage in problem-solving discussions, data critique, and group work to deepen your understanding beyond theory.
Access to Advanced Research Facilities:
- Science City Laboratory: For material testing, imaging, and particle analysis.
- Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Research Facility: Hands-on work with fuel cells, nanoparticles, and energy conversion technologies.
- Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES): Explore cutting-edge energy storage research.
- Facility for Chemical & Materials Analysis: Use advanced instruments like NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and chromatography.
Industry Collaboration & Real-World Projects: Work on projects linked to industry, such as flow processing, giving you insight into practical engineering challenges.
Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL): A space designed for real-world problem-solving, encouraging teamwork across different disciplines.
Modelling & Analytical Software: Apply data analysis and simulation tools as part of your modules and projects, preparing you for modern engineering roles.
Expert Supervision: Learn directly from research-active staff who bring real-world experience into your learning.
Career Support: The University’s Careers Network helps you connect with top employers like Unilever, GSK, AstraZeneca, and BP.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham leave with the skills and confidence to take on challenging roles in a variety of industries. Many go on to become technical leaders or project managers, shaping the future of chemical, energy, and healthcare engineering. Typical roles include:

Process Engineer
Formulation Engineer
Bioprocess / Biochemical Engineer
Project Manager in engineering or R&D

Here’s how the program and the university support your career journey:

University Services for Employability:
- The Careers Network provides personalised guidance, one-to-one career coaching, and events connecting you with top employers.
- Dedicated careers consultants within the School of Chemical Engineering help you target roles that match your skills.
- Birmingham is among the UK’s most sought-after universities for graduate recruiters, opening doors to top employers.
Employment Stats & Salary:
- Around 79% of postgraduates in Chemical Engineering secure work or further study within six months of graduating.
- Average earnings for graduates are roughly £29,000–£35,000, with potential for rapid growth as you gain experience.
University–Industry Connections:
- Strong ties with global companies like Unilever, AstraZeneca, GSK, BP, Arup, and Johnson Matthey offer networking, internships, and career opportunities.
- Exposure to real-world projects during your MSc builds practical skills and industry-ready experience.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value:
- The degree is globally recognised and backed by Birmingham’s reputation as a leading UK chemical engineering school, giving your CV strong credibility.
- Specialised pathways in energy, healthcare, and bioprocessing keep you highly competitive in your field.
Graduate Outcomes:
- Many go into highly skilled roles in engineering, R&D, or project management.
- The MSc project experience strengthens your technical portfolio and prepares you for complex, real-world challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your studies with:

A PhD in Chemical Engineering or related fields, diving deeper into research and innovation.
An EngD (Engineering Doctorate) for a more industry-focused research career.
Specialist postgraduate certificates or executive programmes to gain expertise in niche areas or emerging technologies.