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Process engineering often involves close collaboration between engineers and scientists from a variety of disciplines. The MSc in Chemical Process Engineering at UCL is specifically designed to facilitate this collaboration and provides graduates from a variety of engineering and science disciplines with the advanced training required to enter the chemical or biochemical industries.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Fee deposit: All full time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £2,000 for this programme. All part-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £1,000.
The programme offers two routes with different compulsory and optional modules. The routes are 1) Advanced Chemical Engineering Route, 2) Research Route. Route 1 is accredited by the IChemE.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a cognate discipline (such as Mechanical or Environmental Engineering, Chemistry and Physics) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
Students will develop knowledge of core chemical engineering principles and applications as well as teamworking and communication skills. Moreover, they will learn how to 1) be creative and innovative in solving problems and in designing processes, 2) use appropriate mathematical methods and scientific principles as a tool for solving complex problems, 3) analyse and interpret data and, when necessary, designing experiments to gain new data, and 4) retrieve, analyse and use information from a wide range of sources.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme offers two routes with different compulsory and optional modules:
• Advanced Chemical Engineering Route (accredited by the IChemE at F-Standard)
• Research Route
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Chemical Process Engineering.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Chemical Engineering Route: Three compulsory taught modules (45 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
- Research Route: Two compulsory taught modules (30 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
Optional modules
- Advanced Chemical Engineering Route: Five optional taught modules (75 credits).
- Research Route: Six optional taught modules (90 credits).
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake a research project, which culminates in a project report and an oral examination.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lecture-based courses, individual and group activities, assessed coursework and tutorial sessions. Research projects are provided to extend knowledge and understanding of the topics studied and to encourage critical thinking. Creativity and innovation is encouraged on the demonstration of sound judgement and assumptions. Assessment is mainly through examinations, coursework and reports.
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Upon completion, our graduates can expect to play a major role in developing the technologies that make available most of the things that we use in everyday life and provide the expertise and technology to enhance our health and standard of living. These activities may involve the development of new materials, food processing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, transport and energy resources as well as being at the frontline, addressing present environmental issues such as climate change.
Typical destinations of recent graduates include: Amec Process and Energy, British Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, National Grid, Health & Safety Executive. Career profiles of some of our recent MSc graduates are available on our website.
Employability
Students gain in-depth knowledge of core chemical engineering subjects and of the advanced use of computers in process design, operation and management. They are trained in hazard identification, quantification and mitigation, as well as in risk management and loss prevention, and also learn how to design advanced energy systems, with emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. Students learn how to make decisions under uncertain scenarios and with limited available data and receive training on how to plan, conduct and manage a complex (design or research) project.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL Chemical Engineering, situated in the heart of London, is one of the top-rated departments in the UK, being internationally renowned for its outstanding research.
The programme is the first of its kind in the UK and is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) as meeting the IChemE's requirements for Further Learning to Master's Level. This recognition fulfils an important academic qualification for MSc graduates with suitable first degrees in eventually becoming Chartered Chemical Engineer or Incorporated Chemical Engineer (see further information on the IChemE website).
Accreditation:
The programme offers two routes with different compulsory and optional modules. The routes are 1) Advanced Chemical Engineering Route, 2) Research Route. Route 1 is accredited by the IChemE.
Department: Chemical Engineering
What our students and staff say
"At UCL students can expect independence, attractive laboratory spaces and academic freedom with a long-term perspective. "
Stefan Guldin
Chemical Process Engineering MSc
UCL Chemical Engineering
"I wanted to continue my study and enhance my chemical knowledge with a postgraduate programme in Chemical Engineering in a top-class university."
Xuyang Zhang
Chemical Process Engineering MSc (2014)
UCL Chemical Engineering
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
The programme is suitable for graduates in disciplines such as chemical engineering, material science, chemistry and their allied fields. The multidisciplinary nature of the programme coupled with extensive industrial input and the emphasis on safety and environmental issues has attracted outstanding students from many countries across the globe.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 1 April 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Chemical Process Engineering at graduate level
- why you want to study Chemical Process Engineering at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to this programme
- how your academic, professional and personal background meets the demands of this programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 11 June 2021
