Ranking
5th
Complete University Guide 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Help global industries create a healthier and more sustainable future. Our Advanced Chemical Engineering Masters prepares you for a challenging career in modern process engineering.
You’ll explore concepts and processes in advanced chemical engineering. Learn how to find solutions to the issues faced by many sectors from food and pharmaceuticals to healthcare and energy.
Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
IChemE accreditation provides benchmarking of academic programmes against high, internationally recognised standards. This is increasingly important as the globalisation of engineering products and services demands greater confidence by employers in the skills and professionalism of the engineers they recruit.
Msc Advanced Chemical Engineering offers thematic pathway modules which enable me to develop and extend my knowledge in areas of Chemical Engineering in which I am interested.
Course structure
The MSc is a 1 year full-time advanced course which can also be taken on a part-time basis over 2-3 years. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) lasts for eight months and does not include the research project. Modules are also available individually to fulfil continuing professional development needs.
This term focusses on fundamental engineering and scientific principles. You'll complete core modules which underpin the accreditation requirements of an MSc in chemical engineering. In addition, you'll have a choice of specialised optional modules. Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures and tutorials, with assessment provided using a comprehensive mix of coursework and examination.
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Course highlights
Choose from specialisms including energy, healthcare technology, formulation or bioprocessing. You could develop new techniques for medical treatments or discover clean energy solutions. Study with us and you’ll be well prepared for a career in a range of industries that need chemical engineers.
- Explore important aspects of modern chemical engineering, addressing the design and development of key formulated products, energy systems, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare technologies.
- Benefit from our collaborations with world-class industry partners, and international, leading engineering and science departments.
- Specialise in areas that interest you, from the formulation of structured food products, to efficient energy systems, and the development of healthcare technologies, to the business surrounding chemical and process engineering.
- Your research project will allow you to undertake independent research with world-leading research teams within the School.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
We are ranked 5th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers
Course delivery
Teaching is led by our world-leading researchers in chemical engineering and comprises lectures, laboratory work and short experimental projects. During your research work within research groups on an original research project.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
- Engage in seminars that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning.
- Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work.
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
Laboratory
Module information
The course comprises of a series of taught core and optional modules plus a 60 credit research project. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in experimental design, analysis, and scientific writing.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Applied Synthetic Biology | 10 |
| Measurement, Sensors and Design of Experiments | 20 |
| Non Ideal Materials | 20 |
| Research Project | 60 |
Choose one of the following. You may attend both if required, but will be formally assessed on only one.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Bioscience for Graduates from Other Scientific Disciplines | 10 |
| Process Engineering Fundamentals | 10 |
Optional modules
Choose 60 credits from the following:
Teaching staff
Dr Tim Overton
Programme Director
Dr Tim Overton staff profile, Chemical Engineering
Dr Matt Keith
Assistant Professor
Profile of Matt Keith, Chemical Engineering, Univeristy of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a relevant subject (eg, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with sufficient Mathematics)
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
- £5,870
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering you'll be well prepared to begin your career in a variety of related industries, ready to capitalise on the growing global demand for chemical engineers worldwide.
Our graduates are highly targeted by major global companies such as GSK, Mondelez, and Pepsico
You may also go on to work outside the process industries, in sectors such as finance, patent law, and project management
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.