Chemical Engineering

Entry requirements

The entry requirement for the MSc Chemical Engineering is a first or a second class honours degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline. You will also need to have an overall mark of at least 55%, however performance in key modules will also be considered. Desirable criteria includes prior experience of Chemical Engineering Design projects.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Our MSc in Chemical Engineering at Swansea provides an advanced education in the principles and practice of chemical engineering, with particular emphasis on water and wastewater treatment, process optimisation, and the behaviour of complex fluids. Building on a strong foundation of research excellence and industrial engagement, the programme develops the deep technical understanding and analytical capabilities needed to tackle contemporary process challenges across a range of sectors.

You will explore key areas of modern process engineering, including separation technologies, mass and heat transfer, fluid systems, and process control and optimisation. The programme is shaped by internationally recognised research in sustainable water processing, complex fluids and rheology, advanced materials, and energy and sustainability.

A substantial research project forms the core of the MSc experience. Working closely with expert academic staff, and often in collaboration with industry, you will apply advanced analytical and experimental methods to real-world problems in chemical and process engineering.

Graduates of the MSc Chemical Engineering programme are well prepared for careers in the water, energy, materials, and chemical industries, as well as further research in fields such as process intensification, clean technologies, and complex fluid systems.

Why Chemical Engineering at Swansea?

• Top 251-300 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
• 100% world-leading and internationally excellent environment (REF 2021)

Swansea offers a vibrant and well‑resourced environment for studying chemical engineering. Our advanced facilities include a modern Pilot Chemical Laboratory with 15 pilot‑scale rigs covering a wide range of unit operations. You will also work with cutting‑edge equipment used in research and industry, such as atomic force microscopy, fermentation systems, surface plasmon resonance, and hydrodynamic shear adhesion rigs.

You’ll study within a dynamic research community where academics are contributing to global advances in areas including water and wastewater treatment, advanced materials, and sustainable process technologies. This research-led environment ensures that your learning is informed by the latest developments across the discipline.

Your Chemical Engineering Experience

Your studies will focus on key process engineering themes such as separation processes, fluid systems, mass transfer, and material properties, areas that are strongly aligned with our established research strengths.

You will progress from structured modules that combine advanced knowledge in core chemical engineering subjects to an individual research project accounting for one-third of the programme.

This project provides an opportunity to apply advanced methodologies, often in collaboration with industry or within one of the faculty’s leading research groups.

Through this structure, you will develop strengths in:

• Advanced process design, simulation, and optimisation
• Sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies
• Characterisation and modelling of complex fluids and materials
• Experimental and analytical methods in modern chemical engineering
• Research design, data interpretation, and scientific communication
• Professional practice, ethics, and sustainability in a global context

As you build your technical knowledge and competencies over two years, you will be well prepared to pursue further research or a career in chemical engineering and related industries. Your studies will be supported by a thriving international community of postgraduate students and research staff within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

You will also benefit from 24hour access to our onsite library, advanced laboratories, a year-round programme of guest lectures, and dedicated postgraduate work rooms.