Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc

Course overview

This course has been specifically designed to provide greater depth in aspects of advanced chemical engineering and a range of up-to-date process technologies. These will enable you to design, operate and manage processes and associated manufacturing plants, whilst providing leadership in innovation, research and development and technology transfer.

You’ll study in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering which is actively involved in ‘internationally excellent’ research that has impacted the world. This gives us first-hand insight into the latest trends and practices in modern chemical engineering — much of which is fed directly into the course.

This means that, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the forward-thinking, relevant and topical knowledge sought after by global companies in industry. Plus, your extensive skill set will open the door to many different career paths — including developing sustainable chemical products, functional materials and pharmaceuticals, and their manufacturing processes.

During your studies, you’ll also have access to specialist facilities that will complement your curriculum requirements and be taught by expert lecturers who are leaders in their fields.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as sustainable systems and processes.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as reaction engineering, multi-scale modelling and product design and development.
• Tailor the course to specialise in your career interests through a variety of optional modules including energy management and conservation, fuel processing and nanomaterials.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in planning, executing and reporting.
• Access UK-leading research laboratories and specialist facilities, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) for modelling and simulation of a wide range of processes and facilities for particle science and engineering, nanotechnology and colloid science and technology.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and experience across many chemical and process engineering disciplines.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have pursued exciting careers in global companies including P&G, Pfizer, Syngenta and Origin Energy.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Industrial Advisory Board.

Accreditation

Institution of Chemical Engineers

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning to Masters Level if you have an IChemE-accredited bachelor's degree (or have the academic equivalent assessed through the IChemE Individual Case Procedure). This provides the fast-track route to professional Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and ensures the quality of the education provided.

Course details

The compulsory modules on the course include industry-relevant topics surrounding smarter product development through the digitalisation of processes. This includes recent advances in chemical engineering, multi-scale modelling and simulation (including CFD and DEM), advanced reaction engineering and product design and development. Alongside the core modules, you’ll also have a choice of optional modules, as well as research project topics, allowing you to gain specialist knowledge in a topic that suits your career plans or personal interests. Optional module topics include energy management and conservation, fuel processing and nanomaterials.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Chemical Products Design and Development – 15 credits

This module introduces the challenges faced in bringing a new product to market. Basic skills, linking product benefits and performance to market need, will be developed along with aspects of new product design and the selection processes needed to refine a concept.

Multi-Scale Modelling and Simulation – 30 credits

You'll be provided with an overview of modelling techniques at the microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic length scales, e.g. molecular modelling, discrete element methods, computational fluid dynamics and process systems modelling. You’ll cover how multi-scale modelling can be applied to solve practical problems via a number of case studies.

Advanced Reaction Engineering – 15 credits

This module covers advanced topics in reaction engineering, including non-isothermal operation and stability of reactors, non-ideal flow reactors, reactions catalysed by solids and design of packed and fluidised bed reactors, multi-phase reactions and reactor design, and recent advances in reaction engineering.

Advances in Chemical Engineering – 15 credits

This module introduces the most recent developments in chemical engineering science and technology, covering topics such digital process design and manufacturing, sustainable chemical processes and advanced materials.

Research Project (MSc) – 60 credits

The independent research project gives you the opportunity to explore a topic of interest to you related to one of our globally-renowned research areas. You’ll also gain invaluable experience planning and executing a real-world project while immersed in one of our research groups, working alongside postgraduate researchers. You'll gain experience reporting research data to various a broad range of audiences, preparing you for the next steps in your career.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Nuclear Operations – 15 credits

You’ll be provided with a clear understanding of operations in the nuclear industry and the role of reactors as a component of an integrated engineered system. This includes a clear understanding of the safety culture and regulatory environment of the nuclear industry and how this is manifested in design, operation, waste management and decommissioning.

Energy Management and Conservation – 15 credits

You will gain the skills for efficient utilisation and management of energy services in industrial and commercial applications. Additionally, you will learn about the role of energy management and conservation and apply the essential theories and methodologies for energy auditing, analysis and economic evaluation.

Fuel Processing – 15 credits

This module gives an introduction to refinery processes, composition of crude oil, final fuels and fuel properties. It includes petroleum refining, natural gas processing and health and safety aspects of fuel processing operations.

Materials Structures and Characterisation – 15 credits

This module provides an understanding of the range of techniques available to investigate the morphology, structure and chemistry of materials and how these link into resultant materials properties.

Nanomaterials – 15 credits

You'll be provided with an understanding of the properties and processing of inorganic nanomaterials, nanoparticles and thin films and how this leads to their potential applications in electronic, biomedical and structural applications.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, practicals, tutorials and seminars. Independent study is also an important element of the course, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Specialist facilities

We have UK-leading facilities for carrying out research in manufacturing (including crystallisation and spray drying), processing and characterising particulate systems for a wide range of technological materials, as well as facilities for nanotechnology and colloid engineering.

We also have high-performance computing facilities and state-of-the-art computer software, including molecular modelling, CFD and DEM, for modelling and simulation of a wide range of processes. This provides students with strong background knowledge in industrial process and equipment design and optimisation.

Programme team

The wider programme team has broad and extensive experience across a range of chemical and process engineering disciplines.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including problem sheets, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessments.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in chemical engineering. Applicants must have strong marks across a breadth of relevant modules, including mathematics and physical sciences.

Applicants with a high 2:2 (hons) in chemical engineering will be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate competence in specific core chemical engineering modules and/or with relevant professional qualifications or experience.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study this course at the University of Leeds.

To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-01-09 and the descriptor is Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering. Your supervisor will be Dr Tariq Mahmud.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Chemical and Process Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team – Masters courses

Email: pgchemical@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Chemical engineering is an ever-evolving discipline which is constantly moving with the times — and the career opportunities are far-reaching in the chemical and allied industries.

As we move toward a more technologically advanced and sustainable future, the demand for skilled engineers will continue to grow — which is why studying an IChemE-accredited MSc in advanced chemical engineering will give you the specialist skills and knowledge sought after by a wide range of employers in industry.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.

Our graduates from this course have secured positions at companies such as:

• Manufacturing Engineer, Akzo Nobel India
• Senior Process Engineer, Evonik Industries
• Commissioning Inspection Engineer, Origin Energy
• Chemical Engineer, Methode Electronics
• Process Engineer, Syngenta
• Support Engineer, Heineken
• Project Manager, Procter & Gamble
• Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) Consultant, Tilone Subsea Limited
• Process Engineer, NNPC
• Project Planning Engineer, Hyundai Heavy Industries

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support through the whole job application process, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds:

Find out more about career support.