Advanced Chemical Engineering with Formulation Masters/MSc/PGDip
Program Overview
The Advanced Chemical Engineering with Formulation program at the University of Birmingham focuses on advanced engineering topics applicable to industries like food, energy, and healthcare. The program concludes with an original research project, providing practical experience and research expertise.
Program Outline
Our three major research areas – formulation engineering, energy, and healthcare technology – guide the programme. We explore concepts and processes that are applicable to multiple sectors, such as food, fuel, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. The school of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham focuses on research in three areas, answering three major questions of global importance: Formulation Engineering – How can we develop and produce formulated products such as food or pharmaceuticals with novel properties in a sustainable manner? Healthcare Technology – How can we maintain a healthy aging population? Energy – How can we reshape energy supply and storage in a sustainable way?
Outline:
The MSc programme is a one-year full time course or can be taken part-time over two or more years. Taught modules are delivered in semesters 1 and 2. The programme starts with an introductory 10-credit module to introduce material that will be encountered in the programme. Depending upon your academic background, you will begin by studying the fundamental principles of either chemical engineering or the relevant biological science. This is followed by 50 credits of multidisciplinary core modules that cover advanced concepts in chemical engineering that are relevant to multiple sectors. The properties of colloidal and other non-ideal systems, commonplace in formulated products such as food, are studied with a view to processing and characterisation. Use of biological systems for production of novel products is also covered. The pathway modules are on the theme of formulation engineering. You must choose 40-50 credits on formulation of food and industry 4.0 and big data. The above modules are complimented by a wide range of optional modules, enabling you to gain specific knowledge relating to topics such as bioprocessing, energy, engineering business, healthcare technology, fuel cells, and pharmaceutical product development and manufacture. Safety, regulatory and quality issues applicable across the relevant industries are also considered. You will have the freedom to pick and choose modules from each theme (providing timetabling allows for this). Finally, in the summer, Masters students undertake an original research project, working closely with a research group within the school. This allows you to consolidate your knowledge in a practical setting and develop practical research expertise. This brings the total credits for the MSc to 180.
Assessment:
The modules are taught in a variety of ways, and encourage enquiry based learning and problem solving, enabling graduates to think laterally and make complex decisions when entering the world of work or further study. Modules are assessed by a mixture of written exam and coursework, including written essays and reports and presentations. Some modules include group work to develop and discuss ideas. The MSc research project is assessed in part by the submission of a dissertation.
Teaching:
Teaching is led by our world-leading research in chemical engineering, and during the research project students work within research groups on an original research project.
Careers:
There is a great demand for chemical engineers in industry worldwide. This course gives you a professional basis for a career in a variety of industries.
Other:
The topics studied on this course are aligned with the research strengths of the school, so you will be learning about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest.
Tuition Fees Tuition fees for UK students 2024/25 MSc: Full-time £11,340. Part-time £5,670. Tuition fees for International students 2024/25 MSc: Full-time £29,340.
