MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering at Nottingham is perfect if you want to take your chemical engineering skills to the next level and work on solutions that really matter from sustainable energy to water treatment, food processing, and advanced materials. This one-year master’s combines hands-on design work with research-led learning, giving you the confidence to tackle real-world industrial challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Taught Modules and Team Design

The course starts with a mix of engaging taught modules and team-based design projects. In Accelerated Design Training, you’ll work in teams on real industrial-style process design tasks, balancing technical requirements, safety, cost, and sustainability. Meanwhile, modules like Advanced Rheology and Materials and Food Processing give you a deep understanding of how materials behave in complex processes, from non-Newtonian fluids to industrial-scale food production. You’ll also explore Renewable Energy from Wastes, learning how to turn waste streams into energy while considering environmental and economic factors.

Spring Semester Learning

In the spring, you’ll deepen your technical skills with modules such as Multiphase Systems, looking at fluid and heat flow in industrial systems, and Advanced Reaction Engineering, covering kinetics, reactors, and catalysts. You’ll also get hands-on experience with Advanced Computational Methods, using software like HYSYS and MATLAB to simulate and optimise processes. At the same time, Research Planning helps you develop the skills to design and manage your own research project successfully.

Summer Project

Finally, you’ll spend the summer on your MSc project, working closely with a supervisor on a research or simulation-based challenge. This is your chance to apply everything you’ve learned to a real problem and produce work that’s relevant to industry.

Focus Areas

Sustainable energy, waste-to-energy, food processing, reactor and process design, multiphase systems, materials and rheology, process simulation, research-led engineering solutions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to design advanced chemical processes, model and optimise complex systems, manage projects with safety and sustainability in mind, and carry out independent research that addresses real industrial challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is accredited by IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) and IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining), giving you a strong foundation if you want to pursue Chartered Engineer status in the future.

Reputation / Employability

Nottingham ranks 4th in the UK for Chemical Engineering in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Globally, it’s top 100 for the subject in the QS World University Rankings.
Graduates go on to work in sectors such as oil & gas, food, environmental protection, and consultancy, with strong career prospects in both the UK and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Joining the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering at Nottingham is all about getting your hands dirty in the best way! You won’t just sit in lectures; you’ll be designing processes, running experiments, and solving real-world engineering problems from day one. The course is built so you gain practical skills, confidence, and experience that employers really value.

Here’s what life on the programme looks like:

Team Design Projects – You’ll collaborate with classmates on realistic industrial challenges. You’ll make decisions about safety, sustainability, and cost, and see how your designs actually work.
Hands-On Lab Work – Get experience with fluid mechanics rigs, pilot-scale reactors, distillation units, and more. It’s your chance to turn theory into action.
Software & Simulation – Learn to use industry tools like HYSYS and MATLAB to model chemical processes, test designs, and explore control systems.
Independent Research Project – Over the summer, you’ll pick a topic that excites you whether it’s sustainable energy, water treatment, or materials science and carry out a full research project.
Cutting-Edge Facilities – Access labs with advanced analytical equipment and even the Carbon Neutral Laboratory, a sustainable, state-of-the-art research space.
Pilot-Scale Equipment – Work with larger, industrial-like equipment that gives you a real feel for how chemical plants operate.
Team & Professional Skills – Group projects help you build collaboration, leadership, and communication skills things that make you stand out to employers.
Library & Research Support – The George Green Library and other resources are at your fingertips to support your learning and projects.

In short, Nottingham makes sure you leave not just with knowledge, but with hands-on experience, practical skills, and a portfolio of projects that show you’re ready to hit the ground running in your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing Nottingham’s MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering gives you the skills and confidence to step straight into exciting careers in chemical and process industries. Graduates often take on roles like process engineers, R&D specialists, or environmental consultants, working in industries from pharmaceuticals to sustainable energy.

Future Progression & Opportunities:
Here’s why this degree can really boost your career:

Support from the University:
- Nottingham’s Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, and regular events with employers.
- The department works closely with students to help secure internships and graduate roles.
- You also get access to Nottingham’s graduate vacancy platform, where hundreds of employers advertise roles each year.
Employment & Earnings:
- Around 95% of engineering graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduating.
- Starting salaries typically range from £30,000–£34,500, with strong potential for growth as you gain experience.
Industry Connections & Experience:
- The program includes Capstone and Cornerstone projects, where you tackle real-world industrial challenges — from process design to sustainability.
- You’ll benefit from department links to sectors like pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and water treatment.
- Academic staff bring cutting-edge industrial research into the classroom, giving you exposure to the latest technologies and practices.
Long-Term Value:
- The MSc is accredited by IChemE and IOM3, helping you take the first steps towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.
- The advanced technical and problem-solving skills you develop make you highly employable in a wide range of industries.
Typical Roles Graduates Take On:
1. Process Engineer – optimising chemical processes in industry
2. R&D Engineer – developing new products or sustainable technologies
3. Environmental / Water Treatment Engineer – designing systems for sustainability
4. Consultant / Project Engineer – advising on efficiency, safety, or lifecycle improvements

Further Academic Progression:
Once you finish the MSc, you could continue with a PhD in areas such as sustainable chemical processing, reactor design, or process systems engineering. You might also explore research roles funded by industry or pursue professional accreditation like Chartered Engineer status through IChemE, which opens doors to long-term career growth.