MSc — 2026 entry Process Systems Engineering

Designers and managers in technology-intensive industries continually encounter complex, novel problems that demand robust, evidence-based solutions. Research is therefore an integral part of their professional practice, undertaken routinely to inform decision-making, innovation and strategic development. One of the most effective ways to understand these challenges is through first-hand insights from experts who have successfully addressed them in industrial and research settings.This module introduces the core principles and practices of planning, conducting and communicating research in engineering and the physical sciences. It covers the research process from problem definition, literature review, sources of research support through experimental design, error analysis, uncertainty quantification and ethical considerations, to effective written and oral communication of results. The module also addresses intellectual property and patent searching, as well as the protection and commercial exploitation of research, including the fundamentals of establishing a technology-based company. A series of seminars by academics and industrial practitioners from sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, information systems and renewable energy technologies will provide case-based perspectives on contemporary research and innovation challenges.

The chemical industry can be divided into commodity chemical production, where the volume of production is high and the commercial margins are low and speciality chemicals production, where the volume of production is low but the commercial margins are high.  The oil and gas industry and petrochemicals production can be regarded as being in the former category whereas pharmaceutical production falls into the latter.  The purpose of this module is to provide students with the information that will prepare them for work in the speciality sector (hence the lectures) and then to give them an opportunity to use their total chemical engineering knowledge in project work related to several examples from the speciality chemicals industries.  This can involve products that are made for only small groups of people to use and as such may require a consumer related approach.

Knowledge is the most critical part of any decision making process, being it the process of design, management or general business. Last several decades have witnessed numerous attempts to present knowledge in the form processable by computers, starting with descriptive logic, through the production rules and ending with ontologies as the last and the latest form known today, the process known as artificial intelligence. The module will help students in consolidating all of these technologies and using them in supporting decision making in the area of student’ interest, primarily in the process of design for processing industry.

Biomass processing technologies or biorefineries include a wide range of options, including biochemical, thermochemical and catalytic reaction technologies. Starting from the core reaction technologies, a biorefinery flowsheet includes separation and purification to multi-products, and utility and reagent recovery systems. This module aims to develop conceptual design skills from unit operations through to integrated flowsheets and techno-economic analysis, using leading innovations in the field and spreadsheet-based models

 A teaching and learning module that covers all aspects of safety and reliability in the design and operation of process plant and equipment. Although generally applicable to the full range of business operations, the main focus is on offshore oil and gas platforms, refinery and petrochemical operations where knowledge and understanding will be gained in maintaining the highest standards of process safety and operations integrity.

Energy use and the systems put in place to supply it are responsible for the majority of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide and hence much climate change policy is directed towards the energy sector. Energy is also central to economic development and social welfare and thus energy security and cost minimisation are high on national policy agendas. Energy markets throughout the world are also evolving rapidly, with privatisation, competition, market structure and regulation remaining prominent issues in the UK, Europe and internationally. The range of challenges for energy policy is diverse and exciting. This Module focuses on the transitions needed from the current situations in energy use, supply, markets and policy to those required as part of a long term, sustainable, low carbon energy system. The sessions will introduce the range of low carbon energy options including energy efficiency, energy storge, renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage. The module will explore different low-carbon scenarios and policies and how these could fit with the Sustainable Development Goals, and what barriers maybe encountered along the route to a just transition, in both the global North and South. 

Designers and managers in technology-intensive industries continually encounter complex, novel problems that demand robust, evidence-based solutions. Research is therefore an integral part of their professional practice, undertaken routinely to inform decision-making, innovation and strategic development. One of the most effective ways to understand these challenges is through first-hand insights from experts who have successfully addressed them in industrial and research settings.This module introduces the core principles and practices of planning, conducting and communicating research in engineering and the physical sciences. It covers the research process from problem definition, literature review, sources of research support through experimental design, error analysis, uncertainty quantification and ethical considerations, to effective written and oral communication of results. The module also addresses intellectual property and patent searching, as well as the protection and commercial exploitation of research, including the fundamentals of establishing a technology-based company. A series of seminars by academics and industrial practitioners from sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, information systems and renewable energy technologies will provide case-based perspectives on contemporary research and innovation challenges.

The chemical industry can be divided into commodity chemical production, where the volume of production is high and the commercial margins are low and speciality chemicals production, where the volume of production is low but the commercial margins are high.  The oil and gas industry and petrochemicals production can be regarded as being in the former category whereas pharmaceutical production falls into the latter.  The purpose of this module is to provide students with the information that will prepare them for work in the speciality sector (hence the lectures) and then to give them an opportunity to use their total chemical engineering knowledge in project work related to several examples from the speciality chemicals industries.  This can involve products that are made for only small groups of people to use and as such may require a consumer related approach.

Knowledge is the most critical part of any decision making process, being it the process of design, management or general business. Last several decades have witnessed numerous attempts to present knowledge in the form processable by computers, starting with descriptive logic, through the production rules and ending with ontologies as the last and the latest form known today, the process known as artificial intelligence. The module will help students in consolidating all of these technologies and using them in supporting decision making in the area of student’ interest, primarily in the process of design for processing industry.

Biomass processing technologies or biorefineries include a wide range of options, including biochemical, thermochemical and catalytic reaction technologies. Starting from the core reaction technologies, a biorefinery flowsheet includes separation and purification to multi-products, and utility and reagent recovery systems. This module aims to develop conceptual design skills from unit operations through to integrated flowsheets and techno-economic analysis, using leading innovations in the field and spreadsheet-based models

 A teaching and learning module that covers all aspects of safety and reliability in the design and operation of process plant and equipment. Although generally applicable to the full range of business operations, the main focus is on offshore oil and gas platforms, refinery and petrochemical operations where knowledge and understanding will be gained in maintaining the highest standards of process safety and operations integrity.

Energy use and the systems put in place to supply it are responsible for the majority of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide and hence much climate change policy is directed towards the energy sector. Energy is also central to economic development and social welfare and thus energy security and cost minimisation are high on national policy agendas. Energy markets throughout the world are also evolving rapidly, with privatisation, competition, market structure and regulation remaining prominent issues in the UK, Europe and internationally. The range of challenges for energy policy is diverse and exciting. This Module focuses on the transitions needed from the current situations in energy use, supply, markets and policy to those required as part of a long term, sustainable, low carbon energy system. The sessions will introduce the range of low carbon energy options including energy efficiency, energy storge, renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage. The module will explore different low-carbon scenarios and policies and how these could fit with the Sustainable Development Goals, and what barriers maybe encountered along the route to a just transition, in both the global North and South. 

Designers and managers in technology-intensive industries continually encounter complex, novel problems that demand robust, evidence-based solutions. Research is therefore an integral part of their professional practice, undertaken routinely to inform decision-making, innovation and strategic development. One of the most effective ways to understand these challenges is through first-hand insights from experts who have successfully addressed them in industrial and research settings.This module introduces the core principles and practices of planning, conducting and communicating research in engineering and the physical sciences. It covers the research process from problem definition, literature review, sources of research support through experimental design, error analysis, uncertainty quantification and ethical considerations, to effective written and oral communication of results. The module also addresses intellectual property and patent searching, as well as the protection and commercial exploitation of research, including the fundamentals of establishing a technology-based company. A series of seminars by academics and industrial practitioners from sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, information systems and renewable energy technologies will provide case-based perspectives on contemporary research and innovation challenges.

The chemical industry can be divided into commodity chemical production, where the volume of production is high and the commercial margins are low and speciality chemicals production, where the volume of production is low but the commercial margins are high.  The oil and gas industry and petrochemicals production can be regarded as being in the former category whereas pharmaceutical production falls into the latter.  The purpose of this module is to provide students with the information that will prepare them for work in the speciality sector (hence the lectures) and then to give them an opportunity to use their total chemical engineering knowledge in project work related to several examples from the speciality chemicals industries.  This can involve products that are made for only small groups of people to use and as such may require a consumer related approach.

Knowledge is the most critical part of any decision making process, being it the process of design, management or general business. Last several decades have witnessed numerous attempts to present knowledge in the form processable by computers, starting with descriptive logic, through the production rules and ending with ontologies as the last and the latest form known today, the process known as artificial intelligence. The module will help students in consolidating all of these technologies and using them in supporting decision making in the area of student’ interest, primarily in the process of design for processing industry.

Biomass processing technologies or biorefineries include a wide range of options, including biochemical, thermochemical and catalytic reaction technologies. Starting from the core reaction technologies, a biorefinery flowsheet includes separation and purification to multi-products, and utility and reagent recovery systems. This module aims to develop conceptual design skills from unit operations through to integrated flowsheets and techno-economic analysis, using leading innovations in the field and spreadsheet-based models

 A teaching and learning module that covers all aspects of safety and reliability in the design and operation of process plant and equipment. Although generally applicable to the full range of business operations, the main focus is on offshore oil and gas platforms, refinery and petrochemical operations where knowledge and understanding will be gained in maintaining the highest standards of process safety and operations integrity.

Energy use and the systems put in place to supply it are responsible for the majority of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide and hence much climate change policy is directed towards the energy sector. Energy is also central to economic development and social welfare and thus energy security and cost minimisation are high on national policy agendas. Energy markets throughout the world are also evolving rapidly, with privatisation, competition, market structure and regulation remaining prominent issues in the UK, Europe and internationally. The range of challenges for energy policy is diverse and exciting. This Module focuses on the transitions needed from the current situations in energy use, supply, markets and policy to those required as part of a long term, sustainable, low carbon energy system. The sessions will introduce the range of low carbon energy options including energy efficiency, energy storge, renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage. The module will explore different low-carbon scenarios and policies and how these could fit with the Sustainable Development Goals, and what barriers maybe encountered along the route to a just transition, in both the global North and South.