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Advanced Process Integration and Design at University of Manchester - UCAS

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Course summary

A specialised master's in Chemical Engineering, the MSc Advanced Process Integration and Design started in the Department of Chemical Engineering (UMIST) over twenty years ago. The programme was a result of emerging research from the Centre for Process Integration, initially focused on energy efficiency, but expanded to include efficient use of raw materials and emissions reduction. Much of the content of the course stems from research related to energy production, including oil and gas processing. The MSc Advanced Process Integration and Design aims to enable students with a prior qualification in chemical engineering to acquire a deep and systematic conceptual understanding of the principles of process design and integration in relation to the petroleum, gas and chemicals sectors of the process industries. Overview of course structure and content In the first trimester, all students take course units on energy systems, utility systems and computer-aided process design. Energy Systems develops systematic methods for designing heat recovery systems, while Utility Systems focuses on provision of heat and power in the process industries. Computer Aided Process Design develops skills for modelling and optimisation of chemical processes. In the second trimester, the students choose three elective units from a range covering reaction systems, distillation systems, distributed and renewable energy systems, biorefining, and oil and gas processing. These units focus on design, optimisation and integration of process technologies and their associated heat and power supply systems. In two research-related units, students develop their research skills and prepare a proposal for their research project. These units develop students skills in critical assessment of research literature, group work, written and oral communication, time management and research planning. Students then carry out the research project during the third trimester. In these projects, students apply their knowledge and skills in process design and integration to investigate a wide range of process technologies and design methodologies. Recent projects have addressed modelling, assessment and optimisation of petroleum refinery hydrotreating processes, crude oil distillation systems, power plants, waste heat recovery systems, refrigeration cycles with mixed refrigerants, heat recovery steam generators, biorefining and biocatalytic processes and waste-to-energy technologies. The course also aims to develop students' skills in implementing engineering models, optimisation and process simulation, in the context of chemical processes, using bespoke and commercially available software. Industrial relevance of the course A key feature of the course is the applicability and relevance of the learning to the process industries. The programme is underpinned by research activities in the Centre for Process Integration within the School. This research focuses on energy efficiency, the efficient use of raw materials, the reduction of emissions reduction and operability in the process industries. Much of this research has been supported financially by the Process Integration Research Consortium for over 30 years. Course units are updated regularly to reflect emerging research and design technologies developed at the University of Manchester and also from other research groups worldwide contributing to the field. The research results have been transferred to industry via research communications, training and software leading to successful industrial application of the new methodologies. The Research Consortium continues to support research in process integration and design in Manchester, identifying industrial needs and challenges requiring further research and investigation and providing valuable feedback on practical application of the methodologies.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Chemical Engineers, Institution of

How to apply

International applicants

This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.

Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Entry requirements

A 2(i) (upper second class honours) first degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent qualifications/experience. Applicants with a high 2(ii) will be considered and are welcome to apply.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-test below 6.0
TOEFL (iBT)90TOFEL iBT: at least 90 overall with 22 in writing and no sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score: IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-test below 6.0. TOFEL iBT: at least 90 overall with 22 in writing and no sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. Pearson PTE: at least 70 overall with 70 in writing and no other sub-test less than 64. Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For fees for entry in 2025, please view the course listing on our website.

Sponsorship information

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate-taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year. The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups. For more information, see the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for masters courses website for more information.

Advanced Process Integration and Design at University of Manchester - UCAS