Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and their Applications MRes

While immersing you in the field of hydrogen technology, our course will help you deal with complex issues, make sound judgements and communicate conclusions to different audiences.

Course structure

This is a 1 year full-time advanced course. The programme can also be taken on a part-time basis over two years.

• Be part of the largest academic research community in fuel cell technology in the UK.
• This course is within the Sustainable Power Generation and Supply of the Research Councils’ Energy Programme, the first of its kind in the UK.
• Learn from leading experts how fuel cells can contribute to global energy sustainability, benefiting humanity.
• Develop highly transferable skills and knowledge, supported by industry connections, enhancing employability across diverse career paths.
• Foster your entrepreneurial spirit with insights from our three spin-out companies in hydrogen and fuel cells.

• Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
• Engage in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning.
• Experience increased engagement and motivation with 1:1 supervision, held in a supportive environment where you feel valued throughout your academic journey.
• Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work.
• Enjoy the flexibility and accessibility of online on-demand and live classes, allowing you to access lectures and course materials at your convenience, accommodating various schedules and preferences.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

 2026/27

Choose 60 credits of modules. Examples of options:

The Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research, nationally and internationally recognised for expertise in fuel cells, the Centre focuses on research and development, applications and demonstrations of fuel cell and hydrogen systems and technologies.

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in for Fuel Cells and their Fuels builds on the success of the 'Hydrogen, Fuels Cells and Their Applications' centre, which was established in 2009 in collaboration with the Midlands Energy Consortium (MEC.) Drawing upon expertise and research facilities at the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham, Imperial College London and University College London, the CDT is a flagship collaboration undertaking research in a breadth of fuel cell related fields.

By exploring global energy problems, our aim is to train a new generation of scientists and engineers to address interdisciplinary challenges involved in the transition to a sustainable energy future. To achieve this, within the CDT we are investigating the wide range of fuels used in fuel cells today. This includes direct use of natural gas, ethanol, gasification syn-gas and other biomass products in addition to hydrogen.

The School of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham is one of the three largest centres for the postgraduate education of chemical engineers in the UK. We have pioneered development and research in rapidly expanding new areas such as pharmaceuticals and bioproducts, food processing, hydrogen fuel cells and energy research.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

If you are unsure if you meet our entry requirements, you can also contact the admissions department to discuss whether your application would be considered.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Applications are accepted all year round but if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

Find a supervisor

To apply for an MRes, you'll need to find supervisor for your research. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the research programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Chemical Engineering staff

Research proposal

When you apply for an MRes, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

Careers Network

At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.