Chemical Process Engineering MSc
London, Bloomsbury
Chemical and process engineers play a major role in developing the expertise and technologies behind products we desire or depend on in everyday life; thereby enhancing our standard of living. This programme facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration between scientists and engineers, providing graduates with the advanced training necessary to enter the chemical and related process industries and become independent, self-directed engineers.
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
Duration
Programme starts
Applications accepted
Applications open
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.
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The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
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.
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If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance. This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place.
Equivalent qualifications
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. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.
About this degree
Modern society relies on the work of chemical, and in particular process, engineers.
Process engineering is multidisciplinary and often involves close collaboration between engineers and scientists with different backgrounds. Building on the students’ first degrees, the programme allows developing the in-depth knowledge and transferable skills required for highly skilled jobs in the process engineering sector. Relying on an integrated approach to chemical engineering that encourages the application of core principles to problems of current and future industrial relevance, this programme aims to form engineers aware of the context of their work and able to have a positive impact in their future profession.
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.
Students will learn core chemical engineering principles and applications, as well as team-working and communication skills. They will learn how to 1) be creative and innovative in solving problems and designing processes, 2) use appropriate mathematical methods and scientific principles as tools for solving complex problems, 3) analyse and interpret data and, when necessary, design experiments to gain new data, and 4) retrieve, analyse and use information from a wide range of sources.
The programme offers two routes with different compulsory and optional modules. The routes are:
- Advanced Chemical Engineering Route (accredited by the IChemE at F Standard)
- Research Route
The different routes have been designed to cater for students with different backgrounds and aspirations. Both routes include depth chemical engineering modules that cover core chemical engineering topics, breadth chemical engineering modules related to more specific chemical engineering topics, as well as non-chemical engineering modules.
The research projects offer a balanced mix of theory and practice, helping to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. The students work on real and open-ended problems, coordinating the knowledge acquired in taught modules to solve complex, multi-dimensional problems.
The combination of taught modules and research projects is designed to form well-rounded graduates with a strong grasp of the technical fundamentals of chemical engineering and a broad understanding of the complexity and context of chemical process engineering problems.
1. Advanced Chemical Engineering Route
The Advanced Chemical Engineering Route comprises 180 UCL credits and is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) at F-standard, which, combined with an IChemE accredited qualification at B-Standard, meets in full the academic requirements for Chartered Chemical Engineer (see further information on the IChemE website.
Each student takes a total of nine modules comprising a major project (60 credits) and eight taught modules (120 credits) selected from the list below.
Compulsory Modules
CENG0057-Chemical Process Engineering Research Project
CENG0053-Process Engineering Modelling and Design
CENG0044-Research Skills: Qualitative
CENG0045-Research Methods: Quantitative
Optional Modules
Chemical Engineering Optional Depth Modules
Select at least two modules from the list below.
CENG0018-Chemical Reaction Engineering II
CENG0019-Transport Phenomena II
CENG0020-Advanced Safety and Loss Prevention
CENG0023-Advanced Process Optimisation
CENG0024-Fluid-Particle Systems
CENG0027-Molecular Thermodynamics
CENG0033-Advanced Separation Processes
CENG0063 Data Driven Engineering (Taking CENG0023 Advanced Process Optimisation is a prerequisite to enrol onto this module)
Chemical Engineering Optional Breadth Modules
Select at least two modules from the list below.
CENG0026-Energy Systems and Sustainability
CENG0028-Electrochemical Engineering and Power Sources
CENG0029-Nature Inspired Chemical Engineering
CENG0030-Advanced Materials Processes and Nanotechnology
CENG0059 Renewable Energy in the Resources Sector
CENG0060 Integrated Hydrogeology and Sustainable Water Management
Non-Chemical Engineering Optional Modules
Select maximum one module from the list below.
BENG0090-Advanced Bioreactor Engineering
CEGE0015-Environmental Systems
CEGE0016-Financial Aspect of Project Engineering and Contracting
CEGE0022-Water and Wastewater Treatment
MSIN0053-Mastering Entrepreneurship
MSIN0144-Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
MSIN0179-Project Management for Engineers
DISCLAIMER: 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. Also, not all module combinations may be possible due to timetable clashes.
2. Research Route
The Research Route comprises 180 UCL credits and is suitable for students with a first degree in Chemical Engineering or in a cognate discipline such as Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Each student takes a total of nine modules comprising a major project (60 credits) and eight taught modules (120 credits) selected from the list below.
Compulsory Modules
CENG0057-Chemical Process Engineering Research Project
CENG0044-Research Skills: Qualitative
CENG0045-Research Methods: Quantitative
Optional Modules
Chemical Engineering Optional Modules
Select at least four modules from the list below. The maximum number of modules you can select is six.
CENG0018-Chemical Reaction Engineering II
CENG0019-Transport Phenomena II
CENG0020-Advanced Safety and Loss Prevention
CENG0023-Advanced Process Optimisation
CENG0024-Fluid-Particle Systems
CENG0026-Energy Systems and Sustainability
CENG0027-Molecular Thermodynamics
CENG0028-Electrochemical Engineering and Power Sources
CENG0029-Nature Inspired Chemical Engineering
CENG0030-Advanced Materials Processes and Nanotechnology
CENG0033-Advanced Separation Processes
CENG0053-Process Engineering Modelling and Design
CENG0059 Renewable Energy in the Resources Sector
CENG0060 Integrated Hydrogeology and Sustainable Water Management
CENG0063 Data Driven Engineering (Taking CENG0023 Advanced Process Optimisation is a prerequisite to enrol onto this module)
Non-Chemical Engineering Optional Modules
Select maximum two modules from the list below. From the modules offered by the School of Management - i.e., those starting by MSIN - only one can be selected. The minimum number of modules you can select is zero.
BENG0090-Advanced Bioreactor Engineering
CEGE0015-Environmental Systems
CEGE0016-Financial Aspect of Project Engineering and Contracting
CEGE0022-Water and Wastewater Treatment
MSIN0053-Mastering Entrepreneurship
MSIN0144-Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
MSIN0179-Project Management for Engineers
DISCLAIMER: 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. Also, not all module combinations may be possible due to timetable clashes.
Who this course is for
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 industrial input and the emphasis on safety and environmental issues has attracted outstanding students from many countries across the globe.
What this course will give you
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).
The foundation of your career
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 research project.
Employability
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.
Accreditation
The programme offers two routes with different compulsory and optional modules. The routes are 1) Advanced Chemical Engineering Route and 2) Research Route. Route 1 is accredited by the IChemE.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lecture-based courses, individual and group activities, quizzes, 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, quizzes, coursework and reports.
All full time students are expected to study 40 hours per week during term time. This time is made up of formal learning and teaching events such as lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as independent study. You are expected to read around the subject matter given in lectures. Your lecturers will not prescribe exactly what you should do in your private study time.
Some modules may have asynchronous content in Moodle (resources for you to study at your own pace) as well as weekly face-to-face sessions on campus to give you the chance to learn in real time with your lecturers and this will be a chance to ask questions.
Normal teaching hours are Mon – Fri 9am to 6pm, and all sessions will take place during these hours. There may be additional events, e.g. careers sessions, which may take place outside of these hours. Wednesday afternoons are normally kept free to allow time for sports and other activities.
Modules
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Refer to 'About this degree'.
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 are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Chemical Process Engineering.
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.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £18,000 |
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £35,000 |
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Additional costs
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.
Students may be required to cover costs of printing of final project reports and/or posters, as well as for minor laboratory equipment such as a laboratory logbook.
Moreover, any additional costs associated with, for instance, travel to exam venues within London, will be met by the student.
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Funding your studies
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
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Brown Family Bursary
Deadline: 8 June 2023Value: £15,000 (1 year)Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial needEligibility: UK
Next steps
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.
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 Application fees.
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.
Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.
Choose your programme
Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.
Got questions? Get in touch
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