Advanced Chemical Engineering, MSc

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Advanced Chemical Engineering, MSc

Introduction

A flexible, industry-focused programme, delivering advanced skills in chemical and process engineering for multiple industry sectors, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and environmental science.

This programme has January and September start dates. Apply Now.

This programme is also available to study part-time online.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MSc
Duration
12 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
January or September
Location of Study
Aberdeen

Chemical engineering involves changing the chemical state of substances to create many of the products we use today in everyday life, including, for example, petroleum, plastics, and synthetic fibres. Chemical engineers, therefore, work in a wide variety of industry sectors, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, renewable energy and environmental protection.

The MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering is designed for chemical engineering graduates, or graduates of related disciplines, who are looking to advance their specialist knowledge and skills and gain a higher qualification in the field of chemical and process engineering.

You will study the essential areas of chemical engineering in detail, including topics such as separation and product purification and air and water pollution control. You will also learn about catalyst and reactor design, as well as process design, layout and materials. In addition, you will choose further optional courses based on your career interests in subjects such as clean energy, process safety, management and human factors engineering.

The programme also includes an individual research project, which will further hone your independent research skills and develop your expertise in a topic related to your career aspirations.

The School of Engineering is known as a centre of excellence in chemical engineering research, in areas including oil and gas, carbon capture, biofuel, energy storage and pharmaceutical manufacturing. We also have excellent industry links, with national and international chemical, pharmaceuticals and oil & gas companies such as Scottish Water, GSK, Halliburton and Shell giving you the opportunity to benefit from industry-informed teaching and research.

This programme is accredited by IChemE, providing graduates with a pathway to qualification as a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) and registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

Advanced Chemical Engineering

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September More
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.

From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lab Work
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Why Study Advanced Chemical Engineering?

  • Chemical engineers are highly sought after across a wide range of industry sectors, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink renewable energy and environmental protection.
  • Students of this programme will also get the opportunity to visit companies and view their facilities. Recent visits have included GSK, Syngenta, Gaskfarm, SSE and Fred Olsen Renewables.
  • The MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering is designed specifically for chemical engineering graduates, or graduates of related disciplines, including polymer engineering, material engineering, petroleum/ oil & gas engineering, food engineering, bioengineering, materials engineering, etc., who aspire to gain a further qualification, advanced technical skills and knowledge in the field of chemical and process engineering
  • You will study the essential areas of chemical engineering in great detail, with options to specialise through courses Clean Energy, Process Safety, Management and Human Factors Engineering.
  • The most recent survey by the IChemE revealed that the median salary for chemical engineers in 2018 in the UK and Ireland was £54,000. The highest median salary for Chemical Engineers was found in the finance, insurance and risk sector at £90,000 per year. 
  • The School of Engineering has excellent industry links, with national and international chemical, pharmaceuticals and oil & gas companies such as Scottish Water, GSK, Halliburton and Shell. 

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

  • 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Chemical Engineering or other related engineering discipline.
  • Those with a High 2:2 Honours degree in Engineering may also be considered if they can demonstrate 2+ years of relevant experience.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate

The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must to apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

CV
an up-to-date CV/Resumé
Degree Certificate
a degree certificate showing your qualifications
Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.

January 2025 September 2025

Careers

Graduates of this programme will find employment opportunities in research and development as well as in industrial fields including oil and gas processing, petrochemicals, fine chemicals and beverages, clean energy, environmental waste management, materials, agrochemicals, process safety, consultancy, and many technical areas.

Accreditation

This degree holds accreditation from

  • IChemE Accredited Degree
  • IChemE Accredited Degree

Our Experts

Programme Coordinator
Dr Waheed Afzal, The University of Aberdeen

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX