MSc Chemical Engineering with Sustainability
Lincoln, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Informed by the needs of a decarbonised industry, this course provides the opportunity to develop the strong communication and leadership skills in sustainability and net-zero that employers are looking for today. It aims to provide an extension beyond undergraduate study for those embarking on, changing, or advancing their chosen career in the chemical industry.
The programme has been developed around the key strands of advanced process simulation, renewable and green energy, biofuels, heat integration, and carbon capture. You will have the chance to develop the necessary knowledge and skills required to work on the engineering challenges of the 21st century through project-based learning.
You can become part of a thriving hub of research and development close to the Humber Industrial Cluster, the nation's largest of its type, which includes CATCH's National Centre for Process Manufacturing (NCPM). You can learn from our experienced and talented academic team, have the chance to work on industrially relevant projects, and gain exposure to real-world training facilities that aim to develop technical skills in the control room, process maintenance, and field operations in a fully emulated process operations environment.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (October 2024)"
How You Study
On this course you are able to study a range of topics to develop a critical understanding of engineering and management theory. The course incorporates chemical and green technology-based modules as core modules. You can also choose from optional modules, enabling you to tailor your learning to your individual background and career ambitions. Teaching is informed by real-world examples and you will be expected to participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops to examine, research, discuss, and debate topics.
The Engineering Research Project provides the chance to complete an in-depth investigation of a specific topic within industry or academia, enabling you to apply new knowledge in a real-life setting.
Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of study. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Course composition and delivery is different for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, practicals, research, and one-to-one learning.
The programme is delivered on both a full-time (1-year) and part-time (2-year) basis. The delivery of the modules for this MSc programme run over a full academic year in a block structure. Students will complete a series of taught modules comprising 120 credits of study and an engineering-based project making up the remaining 60 credits.
In support of part-time delivery, where possible, each teaching contact takes over a minimum four hour period, with a minimum of 12 contacts expected across a single term.
An Introduction to Your Modules
Master's Level
Energy Integration, Carbon Capture and Sustainability (Core)
This module will focus on process integration, carbon capture technology, and their simulation. Process integration will be carried out using the standardised 'problem table' algorithm, composite curves, and energy targeting techniques, using a spreadsheet package. Various carbon capture methods and their integration to process, and power plants will be explored. This module will also develop students' ability in directed group work to synthesising and designing sustainable chemical processes. Students can learn through examples and exercises. Additionally, students will be introduced to solve these problems using the Aspen ONE software suite and similar open-source software tools.
Engineering Research Project (Core)
Students will undertake a major research or industrially based project, applying the management methods taught in their elective management module. Students are expected to solve an industrially relevant problem using a combination of analytical, experimental, and modelling skills.
The specific content of each project will vary, but in general, the projects will contain both research and design components. Research will involve analytical, computational, and experimental aspects. Design work will contain specification, design, analysis, manufacture and test work. All project must be conducted with reference to environmental and sustainability issues, and account for commercial, strategic, and risk issues that would be involved in implementing their design solution within an engineering business.
Green Fuel and Engines (Core)
The use of fuels as the major source of energy production is examined in some detail, with particular emphasis on combustion mechanisms and emissions formation processes from a fundamental standpoint. The barriers and opportunities to the use of alternative fuels within power generation applications are considered as well as the environmental impact of different fuel sources.
Power Systems (Core)
The aim of this module is to provide the students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the machinery used in power generation applications. The module builds on fundamental thermodynamics, discussing the technicalities of power generation from a series of recognised energy source viewpoints.
Process Systems Design, Modelling and Simulation (Core)
This module aims to equip students with the principles and skills related to the design and integration of chemical processes, emphasising the conceptual issues that are fundamental to the creation of the process. The module is intended to provide a practical guide to chemical process design and integration. It is envisaged that it will be useful for practicing process designers and chemical engineers and applied chemists working in process development. Students will learn through examples and exercises that will do not require specialist software and can be performed on spreadsheet software. However, for efficiency, students will be encouraged to solve these problems using Aspen ONE software suite and similar open-source software tools.
Research Methods and Engineering Innovation (Core)
This research methods module aims to prepare students for undertaking the research for their Independent Study. It reviews core principles of the research methods that students are likely to utilise in their research. The chosen method should form the basis of their research design, and the structure of the of Independent Study submission.
Sustainable Energy and Climate Change (Core)
This module deals with current and potential future energy systems, covering resources, extraction, conversion, and end-use technologies, with emphasis on meeting regional and global energy needs in the 21st century in a sustainable manner. The course includes the review of various renewable and conventional energy production technologies, energy end-use practices and alternatives, and consumption practices in different countries. Students are given the opportunity to learn a quali-quantitative framework to aid in evaluation and analysis of energy technology system proposals in the context of engineering, political, social, economic, and environmental goals.
Applied Thermo-fluids Systems (Option)†
In this module, students will have the opportunity to develop and expand their fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics, and apply this to further their understanding of energy systems. It is expected that students will be able to better identify the opportunities that exist to increase the efficiency of energy machines, systems and devices. Students will have the chance to build models of mass and energy flow through existing and proposed machines. These models are then used to pinpoint the most efficient and least efficient steps of device operation.
Laser Materials Processing (Option)†
This module can be divided into four topics: fundamentals, safety, processes, and novel laser applications. The fundamentals element introduces the theory, principles, and techniques used in Laser-materials Processing (LMP) required before more advanced understanding can be achieved. This includes knowledge of the stimulated emission phenomenon, techniques used to generate laser light, laser delivery methods, and a detailed understanding of optics, including thin lens theory and the ability to identify the range of optics needed for laser beam transmission and manipulation.
The safety aspect introduces the principles of safe use of laser sources; covering the risk classification system, the relevance of wavelength, prevention and mitigation techniques, as well as a wide range of associated considerations.
Processes introduces students to the importance of wavelength in laser interactions with materials. Industrial processes are classified by wavelength and detailed description of each process including modelling techniques are covered. These principles are reinforced by two laboratory sessions: one for short (UV) wavelength radiation and another for long (NIR, IR) wavelength radiation.
In the Novel Laser Applications section, students have the opportunity to learn how to identify and describe the potential benefits to manufacturing processes offered by the application of lasers as a result of their unique characteristics. This knowledge requires advanced application of the multidisciplinary content of a mechanical engineering degree in areas such as materials science, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and electronics.
Sensors, Actuators and Controllers (Option)†
This module aims to provide a thorough introduction to key concepts underlying the options available and the issues related to selection of sensors and actuators for control. Emphasis will be placed on systems of electro-mechanical nature but reference will be made to the much wider applicability of the techniques.
Teams and Leadership (Option)†
This module provides students with an understanding of how to create high-performing teams. Through a review of theories and models of leadership, team formation, motivation, communication, power, and diversity, students will gain a theoretically sound understanding of team behaviour and effectiveness. Practical class exercises will enable students to develop their skills as team leaders and members.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
The assessment strategy adopted within the MSc Chemical Engineering with Sustainability reflects the programme's emphasis on applied practice and the development of a range of skills. These will tackle both traditional chemical engineering and those that will enable you solve problems related to a decarbonised chemical industry, net-zero emissions, and sustainability.
Assessment methods will vary from module to module, and this will include both coursework and examinations. Students will also be expected to complete a major research project following the taught modules.
How You Study
On this course you are able to study a range of topics to develop a critical understanding of engineering and management theory. The course incorporates chemical and green technology-based modules as core modules. You can also choose from optional modules, enabling you to tailor your learning to your individual background and career ambitions. Teaching is informed by real-world examples and you will be expected to participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops to examine, research, discuss, and debate topics.
The Engineering Research Project provides the chance to complete an in-depth investigation of a specific topic within industry or academia, enabling you to apply new knowledge in a real-life setting.
Weekly contact hours on this Program may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of study. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Highly skilled chemical engineers are in demand in the UK and overseas especially in this era of heightened awareness about climate change and sustainability. Through teaching methods and high levels of employer collaboration, this programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in the power, energy, and chemical process industries.
Course composition and delivery is different for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, practicals, research, and one-to-one learning.
The Program is delivered on both a full-time (1-year) and part-time (2-year) basis. The delivery of the modules for this MSc Program run over a full academic year in a block structure. Students will complete a series of taught modules comprising 120 credits of study and an engineering-based project making up the remaining 60 credits.
In support of part-time delivery, where possible, each teaching contact takes over a minimum four hour period, with a minimum of 12 contacts expected across a single term.
