Top jobs with a masters in chemical and process systems engineering

Find out how studying for a masters qualification in our School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Surrey opens the door to a wide range of careers and industries.

The jobs market

Masters graduates in chemical and process engineering are in demand for roles across a wide range of sectors including energy, renewables, chemicals, healthcare, water and waste management, food and drink, oil and gas and sustainable manufacturing.

Demand is being driven in particular by “green” engineering and low-carbon technologies. A 2023 UK report found that vacancies for “green engineering” roles rose by 55% over five years. In the same report, then-President of the Institution for Chemical Engineers, David Bogle, said: “Chemical engineers are central to the sustainability challenge, holding critical skills to help address the climate emergency".

Employment location can vary depending on employer sector and their focus area: manufacturing and process plants are often located in industrial or remote zones, while city-based roles may focus more on design, consulting or technology.

Regional demand can broadly be summarised as:

Africa - resource processing, manufacturing, green technologies
Asia - manufacturing/process industries
Europe - sustainable processes, pharmaceuticals, energy transition, circular economy industries
Middle East - petrochemicals, process plants
North America - chemicals, pharmaceuticals, renewable processes

Gaining relevant industrial experience through placements and internships can improve your employability further.

There are many opportunities to meet people from all over the world, which makes learning even more exciting. The staff are always supportive, and the overall environment helps you balance studies, career goals, and personal growth. Surrey really gives you the feeling of being part of a global and caring community. Syed Yousaf Munib, Sustainable Energy MSc

What Surrey offers

Our faculty has strong connections to industry with links to a range of partners including Fluor, ExxonMobil, BAE Systems, Cres Power, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the National Physical Laboratory.

You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year if you choose our placement pathway - employers greatly value site or plant experience and placements/internships can improve your employability further.

As an advanced level student, you'll also be learning in our on-campus, award-winning fully operational chemical pilot plant. This gives you invaluable hands-on experience running a pilot-scale industrial plant, learning every aspect from site manager, to shift leader, to performing checks and filling out paperwork.

Work as part of an engineering team to plan, operate, and manage plant activities. Collaborate, lead, and communicate in high-pressure situations, developing the essential skills that employers look for. You’ll troubleshoot process issues, adapt to unexpected scenarios and make critical decisions, just like
professional engineers do every day.

A masters in chemical and process engineering from Surrey gives you excellent employment prospects, with 94% of our postgraduate students within employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).

As a postgraduate student at Surrey, one of the best things about life here is the strong emphasis on personal and professional development. The university offers various career services, including workshops and networking events that are designed for postgraduate students and very useful to make connections in your field. Lea Pierrat, Process Systems Engineering MSc