Develop novel solutions for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, and food sectors. Immerse yourself in advanced research with our Chemical Engineering Science MRes.
Help global industries create a healthier and more sustainable future. This course will give you the skills and knowledge for a research career in industry and academia.
The MRes is a 1 year full-time advanced course, comprising lectures and a major research project. The course can also be taken on a part-time basis over two or three years.
This term focusses on fundamental engineering and scientific principles. You will complete compulsory modules which underpin the accreditation requirements of an MRes in chemical engineering.
In addition, you will have a choice of specialised optional modules. Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures and tutorials, with assessment provided using a comprehensive mix of coursework and examination.
This term is primarily for assessment. Deadlines for many coursework-based modules fall within this period (although they could be earlier). Exams also typically take place from the first week of May to the first week of June.
You will work closely with your supervisor on your research project throughout the year. You will be required to complete a 15,000 word thesis.
Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with our latest events, scholarships and subject news.
in the UK for Chemical Engineering
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027
in the UK for Chemical Engineering
Complete University Guide 2027
Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us in the top 10 amongst UK universities.
You’ll explore concepts and processes in advanced chemical engineering. Learn how to find solutions to the issues faced by many sectors from food and pharmaceuticals to healthcare and energy. You could be developing new techniques for medical treatments or discovering clean energy solutions. Deepen your knowledge and expand your research skills with a major project.
The Birmingham Doctoral Programme is a structured research experience co-ordinated by the University Doctoral School. It offers world-class supervision, a tailored development framework, and real-world engagement opportunities that prepare you to flourish, whatever your future holds.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
This is a one year, full-time programme comprising a major research project and six taught modules which are taken intermittently throughout the year (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time).
This course consists of 180 credits, one- third from compulsory and optional taught modules and two- thirds from your research project. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which will give you the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.
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.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Measurement, Sensors and Design of Experiments | 20 |
| Research project | 120 |
Select 40 credits of options. Examples of modules:
Our mission is to carry out research of the highest academic quality, which is novel, challenging and relevant to users.
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, as well as having leading-edge groups in healthcare technologies
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a relevant subject plus substantial relevant industrial experience or a lower degree plus an MSc
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.
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:
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.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 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.
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.
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.
To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
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.
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 out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
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.
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.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
This is a strongly research-orientated qualification and provides excellent training for further research in industry or academia.
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, 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.
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
Student
Chemical Engineering
Emma's research focuses on the development of developing a Point-of-Care test (POCT) for detection of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Student
Chemical Engineering
Pablo is studying a PhD with integrated studies as part of the Formulation CDT.
Student
Chemical Engineering
Mohammed is a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, focused on early-stage diagnosis of dermatological diseases and cancers using DERMATech.
