Digital Chemical Engineering

Course overview

The MSc Digital Chemical Engineering programme at Aston University is among the first in the UK to focus on digital applications within chemical engineering. Designed for forward-thinking engineers, the course equips you with cutting-edge skills in digital tools, data-driven decision-making and sustainable process design.

Taught by leading academics and industry experts, you will explore advanced topics like digital twins, machine learning and process simulation. You’ll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and benefit from Aston’s strong industry connections.

As a graduate of this programme, you’ll be ready to tackle global challenges in decarbonisation, renewable energy and sustainability. Whether you’re pursuing a career in industry or research, this programme will position you as a leader in the digital future of chemical engineering.

"An MSc in Digital Chemical Engineering is a future-proof investment for those passionate about using digital tools to advance chemical engineering and drive innovation. It meets industry demands, supports personal growth, and unlocks diverse career opportunities."

Dr Amirpiran Amiri

MSc Digital Chemical Engineering

Programme Director

Why Digital Chemical Engineering at Aston University?

Digital-first focus

One of the UK’s first programmes specialising in digital chemical engineering

Industry-driven learning

Designed to meet evolving industry needs in sustainability and digitalisation

Advanced facilities

Access cutting-edge labs, simulators and specialist software like MATLAB and Aspen Plus.

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

3rd in the UK

Ranked 3rd overall in the UK for Chemical Engineering (Guardian, 2025)

We're serious about employability

As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants

Gain a competitive edge

As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market

Course description

MSc Digital Chemical Engineering

Our MSc Digital Chemical Engineering programme equips you with cutting-edge digital skills and knowledge to revolutionise chemical engineering processes sustainably.

What we will provide
We provide top-tier teaching in a vibrant, research-driven environment, supported by expert staff in digital chemical engineering. You’ll have access to cutting-edge labs and simulation tools, engaging in hands-on projects that apply digital techniques to real-world challenges, preparing you for a future in sustainable and innovative engineering.

What you will provide
You should have a reflective nature and resilience, as in chemical engineering, every experiment, calculation, failure and success is a lesson. You should be constantly analysing and improving your approach. It’s all about learning from experiences and using that insight to boost your professional development. You should be self-motivated, enjoy problem-solving challenges and be engaged in practical work.

What skills we teach
You will develop expertise in data-driven decision making, digital tools and techniques, machine learning, systems modelling and sustainable engineering. You will learn to design, simulate and optimise chemical processes while gaining practical skills in research, teamwork, project management and communication in both technical and non-technical settings.

Career prospects
Graduates can pursue careers in digital engineering, process optimisation, data analysis, sustainability and renewable energy. Roles include process engineer, data scientist, sustainability consultant and R&D engineer in industries such as energy, manufacturing and technology. Some may continue their studies with PhD opportunities or industry-focused research.

How you will learn

You will learn through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops and hands-on practical lab sessions. These will equip you with both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills, using industry-relevant software and tools. You will engage in collaborative projects and problem-solving exercises, building your teamwork, critical thinking and adaptability.

You will benefit from guest lectures by industry experts, giving you direct insights into current challenges and opportunities. You will also have the chance to attend industry events, where you can network with professionals and explore potential career paths.

As part of your learning experience, you will complete a research project, applying your knowledge to practical, sustainable solutions. Extra-curricular opportunities, such as the Design Factory and student societies, will further enhance your university experience, connecting you with like-minded peers and industry professionals. Your personal tutor will offer guidance throughout, helping you develop both academically and professionally.

What you will learn

The MSc Digital Chemical Engineering programme offers a unique blend of chemical engineering principles with advanced digital technologies. You will study core topics such as digital process engineering, applied machine learning, smart sensors, and sustainable chemical and biochemical engineering design, equipping you with the skills to lead the transformation of industries toward greater sustainability.

In the taught stage, you will engage with modules such as Engineering Project Management, Life Cycle Analysis and Circular Economy, and the Interdisciplinary Design Project. These modules will give you the opportunity to explore how digital tools, machine learning and smart technologies can optimise chemical processes and contribute to more sustainable engineering practices. You will develop both technical expertise and practical problem-solving skills in interdisciplinary environments, preparing you for the complex challenges of modern chemical engineering.

In the dissertation phase, you will conduct a research project that applies these digital technologies to solve real-world engineering challenges. You will demonstrate your ability to independently analyse problems, design innovative solutions and contribute to advancing the field of digital chemical engineering.

Course objectives

Equips you with highly specialised core chemical engineering knowledge, skills and techniques necessary for critical thinking, digital design and cutting-edge research and development.
Trains you to analyse and learn from data, make data-driven decisions, develop simulators and digital twins, and make sound judgements to improve the economy and sustainability of chemical processes.
Develops you into a self-directed engineer capable of autonomously creating and managing innovative, digital-led, research-driven solutions for complex technical and social problems to advance sustainable development.
Provides you with a deep understanding of societal and environmental issues, how research advances knowledge boundaries, and how to professionally plan, implement and communicate your findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Equips you with the skills to continuously advance your knowledge and understanding, developing the ability to address evolving complex issues within the chemical engineering profession creatively and systematically.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module title	Credits
Aston Global Advantage	15
Engineering Project Management	15
Life Cycle Analysis and Circular Economy	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Applied Machine Learning	15
Smart Sensors and Control Systems	15
Digital Process Engineering	15
Sustainable Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Design	15
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Design and evaluate new sustainable systems, processes, or products by thoroughly understanding the principles and technologies of sustainable chemical and biochemical engineering and applying these principles and technologies.
Propose and/or invent state-of-the-art computational and analytical techniques to offer data-driven, effective solutions to complex challenges, using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete.
Formulate complex problems and offer solutions both systematically and creatively, making sound judgements in the absence of complete data and reaching substantiated conclusions.
Plan, implement, and self-direct a research project to develop new professional and communication skills, practice self-evaluation and independent working, and organise and record self-learning through project work packages.
Plan and manage teamwork, practising peer evaluation, real-life leadership, and communication with diverse audiences.
Design and validate an integrated system or approach to solve comprehensively defined problems that address a combination of societal, user, business, and customer needs, as appropriate.
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to multifaceted problems and reduce undesirable impacts. This will involve consideration of the entire life cycle, health and safety, diversity, inclusion, commercial matters, codes of practice, and industry standards, as well as the application of principles of circular economy and systems thinking.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Facilities

In the MSc Digital Chemical Engineering programme, you will benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories and state-of-the-art simulation software. Our process and computer labs are equipped with advanced tools for digital process engineering, machine learning, and smart sensor applications. You will also have the opportunity to work with pilot-scale equipment, gaining hands-on experience with technologies used in industry to optimise and control chemical processes.

Explore our facilities

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent in engineering or a related science and/or technology discipline
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,000

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.

Career prospects

The MSc Digital Chemical Engineering programme prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in digital and sustainable chemical engineering. With expertise in areas like data-driven decision making, process design and digital tools, you will be well-equipped for roles in sectors such as:

Process design engineer
Data analyst
Sustainability consultant
Research and development engineer
Machine learning engineer
Digital twin specialist

Graduates of this programme will be positioned to work in industries like chemical, energy, technology and manufacturing, contributing to innovations in digital engineering and sustainability. This programme also provides the foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic research or PhD opportunities, focusing on advancing digital applications in chemical engineering.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Digital Chemical Engineering at Aston University?

Aston University offers an academically rigorous and practically relevant MSc Digital Chemical Engineering programme. Our curriculum equips you with the skills required for digitalisation and sustainability in chemical engineering, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as data-driven decision-making, machine learning and sustainable process design.

Ranked among the top for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Aston University integrates advanced digital tools and a focus on real-world applications into your learning experience. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and industry connections, our graduates are prepared to address global challenges, from decarbonisation to resource efficiency.

We’re proud to have been named University of the Year for Student Success by the Daily Mail (2025), ensuring that our students are well-prepared for successful careers. Aston’s commitment to social mobility, alongside our extensive network of industry partners, provides students with the resources and opportunities to thrive in their professional journeys.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham