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Sustainable Chemical Engineering MSc

The MSc in Sustainable Chemical Engineering will provide you with the tools to create a more sustainable future through innovative processes, materials and technologies.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
On campus Postgraduate Open Day. Wednesday 5 February, 12pm to 5pm. Sign up now

Overview

This Master's is for those who already have an engineering or other science based degree. You'll apply your industry knowledge to:

  • improve sustainability
  • reduce the environmental impact of systems, processes and products

You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of sustainable engineering and learn about cleaner and more innovative environmental technologies.

Our aim is to give you an appreciation for energy generation and the motivation behind energy management.

We’ll introduce you to:

  • the principles of cleaner design and manufacture
  • the concepts and methodology used in environmental design
  • the need for a holistic view of product and service sustainability

There is a growing demand for graduates in this industry. You’ll benefit from our strong links with industrial partners in the North East and beyond. You'll also be able to connect with and learn from our previous graduates.

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Important information

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What you'll learn

During this course, you’ll gain specialist knowledge in:

  • sustainability principles and challenges in a business and industrial context
  • sustainable processing through industrial symbiosis
  • low-carbon technologies
  • renewable energy options
  • energy management principles
  • new and innovative materials and recycling
  • waste and resource minimisation

Core skills you’ll learn include:

  • sustainable design and manufacture
  • recycling and life cycle assessment for sustainable materials
  • environmental auditing
  • carbon accounting
  • regulations and legislation around sustainable industry
  • energy management
  • research and communication skills
  • problem solving, teamwork and time management

You’ll also learn about:

  • environmental, economic and social issues
  • climate justice and cliamte policy
  • the impact of industrial processes
  • the societal requirements for sustainable development and corporate responsibility in industry
  • the limited availability of raw materials and the importance of recycling in a circular economy
  • the critical raw materials, novel materials and factors affecting recycling
  • the embedded energy and CO2 footprint associated with extraction, processing and recycling of materials

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

You'll be taught by academics working on world-leading chemical engineering research, and have access to cutting-edge facilities.

Your future

Graduate destinations

We will prepare you for a wide range of careers across the globe in a variety of sectors. Some graduate destinations include:

  • process engineers
  • sustainability managers
  • waste or energy managers
  • waste minimisation specialists
  • energy monitoring specialists
  • environmental officers
  • environmental or carbon management consultants
  • government advisors

Our degree programme also provides a route into further study at PhD level.

Depending on which modules you wish to specialise in, you will also boost your career prospects gaining key skills in:

  • sustainable design
  • environmental auditing
  • energy management
  • sustainable materials

Our close links with industry and graduates provide you with access to a network of former graduates allowing you to enhance your employability.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

The School of Engineering has a wide range of Chemical Engineering facilities for teaching and research.

You'll have access to some of these facilities, depending on your specialist stream and project topic:

  • Bioprocessing Laboratory: Managed through the Biopharmaceutical Bioprocessing Technology Centre.
  • Merz Court Analytical Suite: A wide range of analytical and materials characterisation techniques are available in this suite.
  • Stu Brew: Europe's first student-run brewery, operating commercially. You'll be able to develop your practical and research skills in sustainable brewing processes.
  • Advanced Chemical and Materials Analysis
  • Analytical services: These services are available to staff and students at Newcastle University, other academic institutions, and the industry.
  • Automated Control Laboratory: This space operates in parallel with the Pilot Plant space and is used for both teaching and research.

Stephenson Building

The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

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If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Engineering
School Admissions Team
Email: soe.admissions@ncl.ac.uk

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