Prepare to tackle the most urgent sustainability challenges we face. Our Sustainable Chemistry Masters course provides the skills and knowledge you need to boost your career prospects in this growing global field.
Chemistry has a key role in helping us find a sustainable future. You’ll learn how to measure the sustainability of products and processes, and develop transferable skills for roles in a sustainability-focused chemical sector.
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.
The MSc is a 1 year full-time advanced course. 120 credits of modules assessed through coursework, short reports and presentations and a 60 credit research project.
This semester focuses on developing a fundamental knowledge of Circular Economy and Life Cycle Assessment. These modules will underpin the material to be taught in term 2 and the research projects.
In addition, you'll have a research skills module that will develop your skills in developing literature reviews and critiquing different presentation styles. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in some engaging assessments including Dragon's Den pitches.
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You’ll deepen your understanding with options for specialist study and find solutions to global challenges. Explore how chemistry can help develop carbon-free fuels, create materials for energy storage and discover innovative plastic recycling methods.
Study with us and learn how to implement greener, energy-efficient production techniques in high demand.
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.
Benefit from teaching led by world-leading researchers and engage in original research projects within collaborative research groups, continuing Birmingham's tradition of groundbreaking innovation and impactful research.
Teaching is led by our world-leading researchers in the School of Chemistry, complemented by seminars from international sustainability experts. Research projects will be carried out in the groups of our sustainable chemistry experts.
This programme is a 1 year full time taught masters degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit research project.
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 | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Storage and Conversion 1 | 03 39177 | 10 |
| Green Chemistry 1 | 03 39179 | 10 |
| Life Cycle Assessment | 03 39181 | 20 |
| Project Management | 03 40681 | 20 |
| Research Project | 03 39187 | 60 |
| Research Skills | 03 39184 | 20 |
| The Circular Economy | 03 39186 | 20 |
Select 20 credits from the following list of examole options. Module 39178 may only be taken in combination with 39177 and Module 39178 may only be taken in combination with 39177.
| Module Title | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Storage and Conversion 2 | 03 39178 | 10 |
| Green Chemistry 2 | 03 39180 | 10 |
| Materials for Sustainable Chemistry | 03 39183 | 10 |
| Sustainable Polymer Chemistry | 03 39185 | 10 |
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr Deborah Crawford
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.
in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
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 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
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.
Full-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sustainable chemistry is a global growth area, with experts in demand across energy, manufacturing, and recycling sectors. This course is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities you need to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
