Chemical Engineering, MSc

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Chemical engineering students

Course Overview

Our MSc in Chemical Engineering at Swansea provides an advanced education in the principles and practice of chemical engineering, with particular emphasis on water and wastewater treatment, process optimisation, and the behaviour of complex fluids. Building on a strong foundation of research excellence and industrial engagement, the programme develops the deep technical understanding and analytical capabilities needed to tackle contemporary process challenges across a range of sectors.

You will explore key areas of modern process engineering, including separation technologies, mass and heat transfer, fluid systems, and process control and optimisation. The programme is shaped by internationally recognised research in sustainable water processing, complex fluids and rheology, advanced materials, and energy and sustainability.

A substantial research project forms the core of the MSc experience. Working closely with expert academic staff, and often in collaboration with industry, you will apply advanced analytical and experimental methods to real-world problems in chemical and process engineering.

Graduates of the MSc Chemical Engineering programme are well prepared for careers in the water, energy, materials, and chemical industries, as well as further research in fields such as process intensification, clean technologies, and complex fluid systems.

Why Chemical Engineering at Swansea?

  • Top 251-300 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • 100% world-leading and internationally excellent environment (REF 2021)

Swansea offers a vibrant and well‑resourced environment for studying chemical engineering. Our advanced facilities include a modern Pilot Chemical Laboratory with 15 pilot‑scale rigs covering a wide range of unit operations. You will also work with cutting‑edge equipment used in research and industry, such as atomic force microscopy, fermentation systems, surface plasmon resonance, and hydrodynamic shear adhesion rigs.

You’ll study within a dynamic research community where academics are contributing to global advances in areas including water and wastewater treatment, advanced materials, and sustainable process technologies. This research-led environment ensures that your learning is informed by the latest developments across the discipline.

Your Chemical Engineering Experience

Your studies will focus on key process engineering themes such as separation processes, fluid systems, mass transfer, and material properties, areas that are strongly aligned with our established research strengths.

You will progress from structured modules that combine advanced knowledge in core chemical engineering subjects to an individual research project accounting for one-third of the programme.

This project provides an opportunity to apply advanced methodologies, often in collaboration with industry or within one of the faculty’s leading research groups.

Through this structure, you will develop strengths in:

  • Advanced process design, simulation, and optimisation
  • Sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies
  • Characterisation and modelling of complex fluids and materials
  • Experimental and analytical methods in modern chemical engineering
  • Research design, data interpretation, and scientific communication
  • Professional practice, ethics, and sustainability in a global context

As you build your technical knowledge and competencies over two years, you will be well prepared to pursue further research or a career in chemical engineering and related industries. Your studies will be supported by a thriving international community of postgraduate students and research staff within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

You will also benefit from 24hour access to our onsite library, advanced laboratories, a year-round programme of guest lectures, and dedicated postgraduate work rooms.

Chemical Engineering Employment Opportunities

The Chemical Engineering Society plays a key role in enhancing employability by offering networking and professional engagement opportunities. Its programme includes industrial site visits to leading engineering facilities and participation in major national events such as the Frank Morton Sports and Networking Day, hosted by Swansea in 2024. These experiences help you build professional connections with peers and industry representatives from across the UK.

 Our department maintains strong links with industry, including the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), ensuring that professional skills development is embedded throughout your studies. Through this collaboration, you can benefit from outreach and engagement activities such as presenting at the Big Bang Fair at IChemE headquarters in Rugby, attending employability talks from senior IChemE members, and contributing to national initiatives like the Technologies to Fight Climate Change showcase organised by GW‑SHIFT and the Climate Action Research Institute.

Graduates of the MSc Chemical Engineering programme are well positioned for stimulating and rewarding careers in a wide range of sectors. Potential roles include:

  • Chemical engineer
  • Energy engineer
  • Petroleum engineer
  • Product/process development scientist
  • Mining engineer
  • Technical plant manager

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.