Sustainable Chemical Engineering

Course overview

The MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme at Aston University prepares you to address the critical challenges of sustainability, net zero and decarbonisation. Combining core chemical engineering expertise with advanced sustainability principles, this course focuses on creating innovative solutions for a greener future.

Through interdisciplinary learning, you’ll explore life cycle analysis, the circular economy and pathways to net zero. Taught by research-active academics, you’ll gain practical experience using industry-relevant tools in our world-class labs and research facilities.

Graduates will be well-equipped for diverse roles in industries advancing sustainability agendas or further academic research. Join a programme designed to empower you with the skills to transform chemical engineering and drive positive environmental and societal impact.

“An MSc in Sustainable Chemical Engineering equips students to advance eco-friendly processes, drive innovation, and pursue careers in sustainable industries."

Dr Amirpiran Amiri

MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering

Programme Director

Why Sustainable Chemical Engineering at Aston University?

Sustainability expertise

Gain critical skills for achieving net zero and decarbonisation goals

Interdisciplinary programme

Tackle complex challenges through collaboration across departments and research institutes

Real-world impact

Prepare for impactful careers in renewable energy, waste management and sustainable technology.

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 Sustainable Chemical Engineering

Our MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme prepares you to tackle climate change challenges through innovative, sustainable design and interdisciplinary approaches.

What we will provide
We offer exceptional teaching in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art labs and research facilities. You’ll gain practical experience through industry-relevant projects, focusing on sustainability, decarbonisation and green energy. Our experts will guide you as you develop the skills to drive impactful solutions in the chemical engineering sector.

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 skills in life cycle analysis, circular economy and project management. You will learn to design sustainable processes, analyse data and apply engineering judgement to solve complex problems. You will also gain expertise in sustainable technologies, decarbonisation and bioenergy, preparing you for a career in green energy and sustainability.

Career prospects
Graduates can work in industries such as bioenergy, environmental consultancy, waste management and sustainable manufacturing. Roles include process engineer, sustainability consultant, R&D engineer and project manager. Graduates may also pursue further research through PhD opportunities or work in organisations focused on decarbonisation and net-zero initiatives.

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 Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme focuses on the application of chemical engineering principles to sustainability, with an emphasis on decarbonisation and the transition to net zero. You will gain deep knowledge in areas like life cycle analysis, pathways to net zero, sustainable chemical and biochemical engineering design, and bioenergy technologies, positioning you to lead the development of sustainable solutions across industries.

In the taught stage, you will explore modules such as Engineering Project Management, Sustainable Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Design, and Downstream Processing for Biotechnology Products. These modules will enable you to integrate sustainable practices into chemical engineering, from energy-efficient process design to waste minimisation and bioengineering solutions. You will also gain insight into the global challenges of achieving net zero and learn how to apply engineering knowledge to make a tangible impact on climate change and sustainability.

In the dissertation phase, you will conduct independent research, applying your knowledge to a sustainable engineering challenge. This will allow you to refine your research skills and demonstrate your ability to develop solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future in chemical engineering.

Course objectives

Equips you with highly specialised core chemical engineering knowledge, skills and techniques required for critical thinking, sustainable design, and cutting-edge research and development.
Trains you to analyse and learn from data, make data-driven decisions, and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data to improve the economy and sustainability of chemical processes.
Develops you into a self-directed engineer capable of autonomously creating and managing innovative, research-led, and holistic solutions for complex technical and social challenges to advance sustainable development.
Equips you with a deep understanding of climate change issues, how research advances knowledge boundaries, and how to professionally plan, implement and communicate your findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Trains you to continuously advance your knowledge and skills, enabling you to systematically and creatively address complex issues in the evolving chemical engineering profession, demonstrating originality in solving problems.

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
Sustainable Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Design	15
Pathways to Net Zero	15
Downstream Processing for Biotechnology Products	15
Advanced Bioenergy Technologies	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

Our MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme offers access to top-tier laboratories and facilities focused on sustainable process design. You will work with advanced equipment for bioengineering, energy production, and environmental monitoring, all aimed at reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, you will use industry-standard software for process simulation and life cycle analysis to enhance your practical understanding of sustainable engineering solutions.

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 Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme offers graduates a variety of career paths in the growing fields of sustainability, environmental impact and renewable energy. Potential roles include:

Chemical process engineer
Sustainability consultant
Environmental impact analyst
Research and development engineer
Biotech product developer

Graduates will have the skills to pursue roles in industries such as chemical engineering, energy, biotechnology and environmental consultancy. Many may also choose to continue their academic journey, furthering their research in sustainable practices and innovations. This programme ensures that you will be well-equipped to address global sustainability challenges in both the public and private sectors.

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 Sustainable Chemical Engineering at Aston University?

Aston University offers an academically challenging and practically oriented MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme. Our curriculum focuses on sustainable practices, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to address challenges in decarbonisation, life cycle analysis, and the circular economy, preparing you to drive change in the chemical engineering sector.

Ranked highly for our research and commitment to sustainable development, Aston University provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and real-world applications to complement your learning. Our emphasis on interdisciplinary projects and strong industry links ensures you are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to environmental and societal issues.

We’re proud to have been named University of the Year for Student Success by the Daily Mail (2025), highlighting our commitment to ensuring graduate success. With a strong track record of supporting social mobility, Aston University is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment that fosters success for all students.

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