MSc/PgDip/PgCert Process Technology & Management (Distance Learning)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
Program Overview
Why this course?
The course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) – the global professional membership organisation for chemical engineering professionals.
It's designed specifically for graduates of related science and engineering disciplines who are working in chemical and process industries, with all of the taught content delivered online via our virtual learning environment. The first semester focusses on Chemical Engineering fundamentals, as a refresher for those who have a Chemical Engineering background, and conversion for students of other science and engineering disciplines. Your work based final project will be supervised by one of our world class academics and will give you the opportunity to apply your learning to a real-world problem that is relevant to your employer.
You may choose to exit the course with a postgraduate diploma after two years, or postgraduate certificate at the end of the first year. You may transfer between MSc Chemical Technology and Management and MSc Advanced Chemical and Process Engineering, provided that you do so before the end of the first semester.
What you'll study
The MSc Process Technology & Management, MSc Chemical Technology & Management and MSc Advanced Chemical and Process Engineering are delivered in parallel. All three courses draw from a pool of Advanced Chemical Engineering and Business/Management, but with a slightly different combination of core and optional classes depending on the programme and the professional requirements of the student. The relationship between these three programmes enables you to transfer between, provided that you do so before the end of the first semester.
The modular approach to this course combines a designed core programme, with an element of choice that allows you to choose subjects relevant to you and your industry.
In your first semester, you'll take the 10-credit Process Design and 20-credit Process Analysis for Chemical Engineering. You’ll subsequently follow a programme of core management/business classes, and core and optional classes related to chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical and process technology.
Final project
You’ll normally take on this project in your own workplace allowing you to make practical use of the concepts learned throughout the course. The project is the main focus of the third year of the course. An academic supervisor with experience in your chosen project field will help you with the academic requirements of the project. The management and eventual conclusion of the project will be driven by you.
Program Outline
Course content
This MSc distance learning course has been designed to deliver in-depth knowledge and the skills required for your profession, while allowing you to select classes to suit your requirements and learning objectives.
In your first semester you'll study Process Analysis in Chemical Engineering, and Process Design Principles. These are designed as revision and levelling for those who have a Chemical Engineering background, and conversion for students of other science and engineering disciplines. For the remainder of years 1 and 2 you'll study a mix of Advanced Chemical Engineering and Business/Management classes, with the opportunity to customise your degree with optional classes in the second year.
In the final year you'll complete a project in your workplace, which combines your industry experience with your learning from the previous 2 years.
Classes
The class descriptions are intended as a guide. Please note that although the general content and aim of the classes will remain the same, there may be changes to some content and assessment. Classes on offer may occasionally change.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Semester 1
Process Design Principles
The focus of this module is on the principles of conceptual design and flowsheet development, which often represent the most difficult and challenging aspects of process design. The first stage is to define “design” and the associated terminology, and to show how this can be applied to both equipment and process selection. The second stage is to develop an appreciation of the hierarchical and structural methods of developing conceptual designs including the effective design of utility systems to reduce energy use.
The module will teach the following:
Process Analysis in Chemical Engineering
This module aims to:
Semester 2
Advanced Process Design
The focus of this module is on the wider implications of process design. The first stage is to consider how batch and semi-batch processes are represented and described, including special factors when compared with continuous processes. This will also include start-up and shut-down procedures in continuous processes.
The second stage will provide appreciation of the broader context or macro level in which process design takes place, and in particular looking at the conceptual phase which stakes cognisance of geography, stakeholders, politics, access to infrastructure, economic drivers, logistics, legislation etc., as some of the factors which influence the major process design decisions. The second stage will also provide a framework for how major projects are executed from conceptual to detailed design.
The third stage is to define chemical product design (CPD) and show the similarities/differences between CPD and process design.
Understanding Financial Information
This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of how companies manage and report financial information. On completion of this module you're expected to be able:
Semester 1
Three options to be chosen from below:
Safety Management Practices
This module provides you with an advanced level exposure to the role of management and management systems in safety and loss prevention.
It will involve in-depth analysis of major incidents in recent history pinpointing:
This course will also involve developing site emergency plans and accident investigation skills, as well as a review of legal structure for the UK.
Programming & Optimisation
This module aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of scientific programming. In particular, its application to optimisation in engineering applications.
The module will teach you to:
Molecular & Interfacial Science
This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of surface science and material properties, their underlying molecular origin, and their applications.
The module will teach you to demonstrate:
Molecular Simulation in Chemical Engineering
The educational aims of this module are:
Clean Combustion Technologies
This module aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of combustion engineering, and the concepts and applications of clean combustion technologies.
The module will teach you to:
Petroleum Engineering
This module aims to:
Electrochemical Energy Devices
This module provides an overview of electrochemical energy conversion devices, including batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers for energy storage and generation.
The course will introduce important concepts in electrochemistry as applied to energy devices and will discuss engineering solutions for devices and systems.
On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:
Semester 2
Project Management
This module aims to provide you with knowledge and skills relating to Project Management. The classes introduces methods of frameworks that are commonly used in business and industry, and teaches Project Management principles through this lens. Software relating to construction of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Project scheduling is also introduced.
IT Systems & Strategy
This module aims to provide you with understanding of the range of computerised information systems in contemporary organisations and the strategic use of these. The central theme of the class is not the computer but rather our picture of computers. The computer knowledge of the user is not only about how to use the computer but also when, i.e. for what, it is appropriate using them for. You should get a picture about what is available in terms of computerised IS/ICT, acquiring the basic concepts, using which you can expand your knowledge in the future.
On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:
Business & Technology Strategy
This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of how companies develop their business strategy and the role that technology development plays in that process.
On completion of this module you're expected to be able:
Individual Project
This is the final assessment of MSc and MEng programmes and is only taken by students in their final year of these degrees.
The module extends across the various advanced chemical engineering and business/management subjects taught during the course. You’ll explore an advanced technical issue and a business case within your industrial workplace.
Learning & teaching
The course is delivered via our virtual learning environment, Myplace.
Your lecturers will provide support through:
Classes are taught by our academic staff, external consultants and industry specialists.
You're welcome to attend full-time lectures and tutorials and use the facilities on campus.
Assessment
You'll be assessed using online tests and assignments. Your major project will be assessed by a written project report. You may also be required to attend a written exam.
Students from the UK
Students from the UK students will attend exams on campus, here in Glasgow. Occasionally, we may make an exception in compelling circumstances. This includes staff working in offshore installations. In these circumstances, a suitable examination arrangement can be agreed with the University.
Students from outside the UK
If you're from outside of the UK, you can take the exam at an approved international centre.
Facilities
You'll be based in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. We have state-of-the-art research laboratories that feature a comprehensive suite of experimental facilities including:
As a distance learning student, you'll have access to the University library online. You can borrow online books and download academic papers and journals. The library also offers a postal service for distance learning students.
Course awards
Our staff have been nominated in the annual University of Strathclyde Teaching Excellence Awards, voted for by Strathclyde’s students. Our staff have also received external awards from organisations such as the IChemE and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be an Engineering student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat now!
Careers
Whether you're planning to progress your career into engineering management, redevelop yourself as an engineer or move into a new industry – a Masters degree will expand your career opportunities.
This MSc will also let you validate your skills and competency to employers. Through its accreditation by the Institute of Chemical Engineers, it can provide a route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Where are they now?
Job titles include
Employers and sponsors include
Overview:
- Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
- Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
- Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
- Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)
Student Life:
- Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
- 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
- Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
- Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union
Academics:
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
- Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
- Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
- Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
- Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
- Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
- Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
- Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center with a range of medical services
- Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
- Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
- Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
- Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements |
A first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in chemical engineering or a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline. Entry may be possible with other qualifications provided there is evidence of relevant experience and the ability to study at an advanced level. If in doubt about the entry requirements, please email us at chemeng-online @strath.ac.uk. |
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