Chemical Engineering Postgraduate FAQs
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions with answers to help you in your decision making.
Advanced Chemical Engineering, Healthcare Technology and Formulation Engineering
For part time courses what are the weekly contact hours?
The MSc programmes here run in an 'intensive timetable' structure. This means that the majority of the contact time (e.g. lectures, tutorials, seminars) in each 10 credit module runs within one week. So a part-time MSc would typically involve around 12 weeks on campus for taught modules over the course of the two years, plus exams. For the research projects, you would need to be on campus for laboratory-based research for around a 12-week period over the summer (June-September). For part-time students, we usually have a chat at the start of the programme to organise which modules are taken in the first and second year of study.
What is the typical structure in a “tutorial”? Are these similar to meetings or seminars?
We have two different types of tutorial. Personal academic tutorials will happen a few times each semester, where you will speak to your personal academic tutor, a member of academic staff who will be assigned to you throughout your time in Birmingham. These sessions will discuss pastoral issues (e.g. any problems you might be having) and also academic work, where each session there will be a topic related to the work in modules you have taken to discuss. Tutorials, seminars and small group teaching sessions will be allied to a specific module, around a specific set of topics.
How can I prepare for the start of my course?
For all topics, I would revise your previous material so that you are up to date with your previous studies. For specific MSc programmes, please email msc-admis-chem-eng@bham.ac.uk
How much time (in weeks) will be spent teaching each module in the block teaching structure?
When we are teaching on-campus, the majority of the contact time for a module is within one week, with some consolidation tutorials a few weeks after so that students can wrap up any questions they might have. Within the week, different modules will have different amounts of contact time, but these are usually between 16-36 hours.
Can we pick and choose our own optional modules?
This depends upon the programme that you are registered on. For MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering, you have free choice as long as there is not a direct clash in timings. My only caution would be to choose modules that provide you with a meaningful group of learning - so you would need to make sure that the modules you choose fit together to provide the skills you need.
What’s the difference between studying the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Healthcare Technology and the MSc Healthcare Technology?
The main differences are if you want Chemical Engineering content in the MSc programme, and what you want to do with the MSc once you have graduated. The MSc ACE + Healthcare Technology has a strong chemical engineering content - with Non-ideal Materials and Measurement, Sensors and DoE modules - with the optional modules having a Healthcare Technology theme. The MSc Healthcare Technology has core modules on healthcare technology topics, with the opportunity to take optional modules in pharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, and business. So you cannot take the Non-ideal Materials and Measurement, Sensors and DoE modules in the MSc Healthcare Technology. In terms of where you want to take the MSc material, then this would also influence your choice. If you are looking for a career in chemical engineering or process engineering with a healthcare focus, then MSc ACE + Healthcare Technology would be a good choice. If you are focusing mainly on healthcare technology without process engineering, the MSc Healthcare Technology would be a good choice. Finally, we have sought accreditation from IChemE for the MSc ACE + Healthcare Technology, but not for MSc Healthcare Technology.
Does the university offer placements after students graduate?
We do not offer or arrange placements after the MSc, because the MSc is a one year course - after you finish you are no longer a student at the university. Any placements would be arranged by graduates.
However, we do run a campus-based internship programme called the MCTI programme. Over the past few years’ teams of students have worked to answer a company brief to solve a real-world problem. Teams then pitch their solution to the company. The scheme helps to develop transferrable and professional skills, as well as giving you an insight with working with industry, and experience of a new sector, all very important skills for engineers! Previous companies have included Severn Trent, a major water and waste treatment company in the UK.
There is also the Masters Consultancy Challenge - run by the Careers Network - which focuses on teamwork, pitching and commercial awareness.
As a chemistry graduate, I do not have any experience in engineering labs. Will there be opportunities for lab practice prior to the final independent research project?
The introductory module, Process Engineering Fundamentals, includes some practical classes looking at chemical engineering topics such as heat transfer, mass transfer and mixing. In terms of the research project, the type of lab work really depends upon your area of interest - many research projects are on the R&D side of things rather than process-focused, so will be at smaller scale and so similar to the sort of thing that would be done in Chemistry. Whatever project you choose, there is full training as part of the project to get you up to speed. So, in previous years, students without much in the way of chemical engineering experience have done projects on pilot-scale equipment.
Food Safety, Hygiene and Management
What percentage of the course consists of lab work?
We have laboratory classes in some modules but not all e.g. Food and Microbes, Applied Food Microbiology, Novel Food Processing, Food Processing and Manufacture. For those modules approximately 20% is comprised of laboratory work.
Will there be lectures from Food Safety Officers for this programme?
Three members of staff on the course are former Food Safety Officers with a wealth of experience in food safety and standards. The regulations are theory based, with a focus on the principles and applied knowledge. The law lectures are delivered by staff with Masters in food law.
How often would you need to be on campus if you were taking the part time option?
Our modules run-in weekly blocks so you would have to travel for a week at a time depending on the modules you are taking that year.
Global Energy Technologies and Systems
Are the lectures spread over the term for each module?
In general we teach in one-week 'blocks', but a couple of modules are spread out over the term - especially those that benefit from background reading.
Do you only consider applicants from a science/engineering background?
The programme content is predominantly around science and engineering, but we will consider other backgrounds on a case-by-case basis - get in touch to discuss.
Will the course have specialised career guidance? What are the employability prospects both in and outside of the UK?
As a student you would have access to the university's excellent careers service, and through the Birmingham Energy Society which has arranged networking events for potential employers alongside the Birmingham Energy Institute.
The programme has been designed with employability in mind - to give a broad appreciation of the technologies and how they fit in the energy system. Given international commitments to reducing carbon emissions, and the role energy can play in that, I think it is a sector that will grow over the next years and decades.
Would you say the course is a 50/50 split in terms of mathematics and written work?
There's much more 'written work' than mathematics. Some modules will focus on quantitative analysis and modelling, but in general we expect mathematical tools to be used as part of discursive analysis rather than as ends in and of themselves. There is more focus on technical concepts, implementation, policy effects and analysis of these impacts, etc.
Is it recommended for students with no chemical engineering background to join this course?
This course is open to anybody from a STEM background, or to those who have been working or studying in a similar area. A background in chemical engineering is not a prerequisite at all. Undergraduate degrees in engineering or physical sciences comprise the backgrounds of most of our students, but we would also consider students with life sciences, earth sciences and economics backgrounds as long as there was an appropriate mathematical component.
Is there a lot of mathematical calculations in this course? If yes, what level of maths understanding is recommended for students to study this course?
There is some mathematical content, but you will be fine with a degree from a numerate discipline, and certainly fine with a science/engineering degree.
How does this course differ in content from the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Energy?
The MSc modules are focused on energy technologies and systems, whilst the chemical engineering courses include a wider range of modules that are specific to chemical engineering processes and not energy related.
How many contact hours occurs in a typical day/week?
Most of the modules for the MSc are delivered in block weeks, i.e. Monday - Friday, with 5 - 6 such weeks in autumn and spring terms. Intervening weeks allow for completion of assignments and independent learning/preparation. Typically there would be timetabled lectures for about 25 hours, with time for group work, visits and other activities - the balance depends somewhat on the module. We have had a very successful energy trading 'game' as part of the energy systems design module, which combines lectures from industry with practical exercises.
Can you please suggest any documents or book we could read prior to starting the course?
Some good documents include those referred to on the International Energy Agency website. For information on policy in the UK, you can read up on the Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget.
Industrial Project Management
Do you only consider applicants from a science/engineering background?
No, this is not a mandatory requirement, though it is 'common'. We do require work experience.
How is the course structured?
The Masters is a three-year, part-time course, combining supported online learning with annual in-person hub workshops. The course is modular in structure with six compulsory taught 20 credit modules and a major project in the third year (60 credits).
How is the course content delivered?
The University of Birmingham's virtual learning platform presents students with a flexible environment for their online studies. We have moved beyond the traditional classroom structure, taking full advantage of digital media with modules that draw on interactivity, active student participation and social connectivity with staff and peers to provide a more dynamic learning experience.
On this programme you will engage with the curriculum directly using:
- Video Lectures: Access content at any time and from any device
- Interactive Assignments: Actively participate in learning exercises
- Real-Life Case Studies: Gain skills you can apply immediately
- Social Interaction: Connect with peers, professors and industry managers online
More information about this course can be found on the Industrial Project Management coursepage.