Sustainable Chemical Engineering MSc

Overview

Would you like to help tackle urgent challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource scarcity through sustainable design, green technologies, and cleaner production? Do you aspire to lead engineering innovation and create real-world impact through new sustainable approaches?

We designed this course for those with backgrounds in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related subjects. This programme combines advanced technical experience with practical skills in sustainable technologies.

You’ll build expertise in green chemistry, clean engineering, and circular economy principles You'll gain experience in major growth areas such as:

• bio-renewable chemicals
• catalysis
• carbon capture
• hydrogen and fuel cells
• process intensification
• renewable energy
• industrial electrification

This research-led programme is linked to world-leading initiatives such as the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Processes Industries: Net Zero - PINZ.

You will tailor your learning through elective modules in:

• Net Zero Technologies
• Circular Economy
• Sustainable Materials
• Renewable Energy
• Environmental Management

Through a strong network of alumni and industry partners, you will gain real-world insights and access to valuable career opportunities in the evolving sustainability landscape.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation review and recognition of professional qualifications in Europe

Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.

If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.

This official resource provides essential details on:

• whether your profession is regulated in another country.
• the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
• which organisations you should contact to begin the process.

What you'll learn

During this course, you’ll develop expertise in:

• core concepts of sustainable chemical engineering, including life cycle assessment and sustainability frameworks
• design of sustainable industrial processes and systems, including green chemistry and clean engineering technologies
• the drive to net zero and its implications for industry
• the role of chemical engineers in society, including professional and ethical responsibilities

You’ll have the option to choose elective courses across key themes, including:

• Net Zero Technologies
• Circular Economy
• Sustainable Materials
• Renewable Energy
• Environmental Management

You’ll also learn about:

• communicating complex engineering topics to technical and non-technical audiences
• working effectively as an individual and in teams, including leading teams and evaluating team performance
• approaching independent learning with open-mindedness and critical enquiry
• continuing professional development throughout your career

Modules

The module information on our course pages is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Sustainable Chemical Engineering MSc modules

Specialist routes

You'll discuss your optional module selection with the Degree Programme Director. They will advise on the following specialist routes:

• Sustainable Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Management
• Materials

 

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Chemical Engineering Dissertation	60
Sustainable Industry I: Assessment, Assurance and Strategy	20
Green Chemistry and Complementary Chemistry/Chemical Engineering Skills	20
Sustainable Industry II: Business and Environmental Management	20
Advanced Design Project in Sustainable Chemical Engineering	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage	20
Recycling Technologies and Sustainable Materials	20
Process Intensification and Catalysis	20
Big Data and AI for Sustainable Engineering	20
Light Activated Process Technologies: Photovoltaics and Photocatalytic Reactors	20
Environmental Technology for Advanced Conversion of Emissions and Effluents	20
Biorefining and Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage	20

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

Our degree programmes are shaped by the needs of industry and government policy. You'll benefit from our strong industrial engagement through:

• industry guest lectures
• site visits
• projects
• industrial project placements
• employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service

We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. Our teaching methods typically consist of:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical lab sessions
• group work
• personal supervision

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• Poster
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

If you prefer a more industrial orientated project, we have companies who can provide topics and the relevant data.

During this course, you’ll complete an individual research project and a written dissertation. This will be your opportunity to put your specialist skills, knowledge and understanding into practice. You’ll apply the theory you’ve learnt to a project of your choice.

Your research project will be on a specialism of your choice, and your dissertation will give you the opportunity to work with a variety of supervisors. Research themes can be aligned with the core or optional modules you’ve studied and with the specialisms of our research groups and/or industrial partners. Our research groups include:

• Advanced Materials and Electrochemical Engineering
• Materials, Concepts and Reaction Engineering
• Process Intensification

During your thesis, you’ll also have the chance to join the research teams. If you prefer a more industrial orientated project, we have companies who can provide topics and the relevant data, subject to industrial sponsorship availability.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• academic advisers and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your academic adviser throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Our staff

Sharon Joyce

Position: Senior Lecturer

Areas of expertise:

• sustainable energy management
• renewable energy
• environmental auditing

Dr Anjali Jayakumar

Position: Lecturer

Areas of expertise:

• Sustainable materials for improving food-energy-water security
• Thermochemical conversion of biomass, specialising in pyrolysis
• Biochar production and applications
• Industrial and community-scale deployment of biochar for soil-water applications 

You may also learn with some of our many other Chemical Engineering staff.

Your development

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

You’ll build core skills in Advanced Chemical Engineering and Sustainability, including:

• solving engineering problems with sustainable solutions
• selecting and applying scientific principles, mathematical and computer-based methods for modelling and analysing
• analysis of systems, processes and components requiring engineering solutions
• researching and using scientific literature to develop concepts effectively
• assessing cost, safety, quality, reliability and environmental impact across a product or process life cycle
• evaluating design solutions against sustainability frameworks

You'll also develop essential professional skills, including communication, project management, and a mindset for lifelong learning.

Your future

Graduate destinations

We offer more than just a degree. Through our strong ties with industry and a thriving alumni network, you’ll gain:

• real-world insights from professionals and former graduates
• opportunities for collaboration and mentorship
• enhanced employability and career readiness

You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to lead sustainability efforts across a wide range of industries and sectors. Students have secured a variety roles for different employers including:

• Alpek Polyestor Project Engineer at Biogen Ltd Project Manager
• Analytical Scientist
• Area Fuel Engineer
• Atkins Plant Operator
• British Steel Management Consultant
• Demeter Ltd
• Elmhurst Energy Water Consultant
• Green Acre Sustainability Consultant
• Quotient Sciences
• Stroma Technical Consultant
• Waha Oil Company Process Engineer

You’ll also be well-prepared to pursue PhD-level research and academic careers.

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

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, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2027 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

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:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

How to apply

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