Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To enable students to develop their education in particular aspects of process engineering beyond their existing qualifications or update their knowledge, by studying advanced modules that are relevant to the changing priorities and skills requirements of the modern process industries. The multi-disciplinary approach will be the distinctive feature. 

• To develop skills, especially in investigating and drawing rational conclusions; in information technology, this includes the use of design packages, computer graphics and word processing; in communication, both oral and writing skills are extended. 

• To plan, conduct and report research into an aspect of Chemical Engineering. Apply academic theory and knowledge together with work experience to the solution of a real-life research, plant operational or management problem. 

• To apply existing and new knowledge to solving or furthering knowledge of a real-life research, plant operational or management problem and in so doing develop their organisational, critical appraisal, problem-solving, IT, presentational, communication and report-writing skills. 

• To develop the students’ ability to: reason critically, collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesise data, gather and use information, apply concepts and methodologies. 

• To deepen understanding of process principles through problem solving, projects and design exercises. 

• To provide an in-depth understanding of the IT skills required for advanced chemical processes. 

• To make the students aware of key management and/or entrepreneurship concepts. 

• To encourage professional attitudes through the study of human, safety, environmental and economic implications of technology, through team work and through working with established professionals. 

• To share experiences with other module attendees and presenters and/or workshop/case-study leaders and take part in workshops/case studies to give the students an appreciation of the practical work-related aspects of the subjects studied. Students will have integrated the programme with their own personal and professional needs and those of their employer or sponsor. 

• To foster networking and transfer of ideas and experience between students from different backgrounds.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation guidance, February 2019.

QAA subject Benchmark Statement Engineering (Master’s) 2015.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of currently topical and newly emerging aspects of process engineering, such as product design and manufacture, batch processing, bio-processing;
• Apply information technology for the design of modern operator interfaces for advanced process plants;
• Derive mathematical models and mathematically analyse systems to enable engineering solutions to practical problems using specialised software tools;
• Understand the practical aspects of operating engineering equipment to improve handling of safety, health and environmental issues such as chemical hazards and risks associated with different unit operations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Formulate, analyse and solve complex chemical engineering problems to support substantiated conclusions;
• Apply theoretical and technical knowledge to solve real-life research, plant operational or management problems;
• Develop an effective and achievable plan in the context of the chemical industrie
• Critically evaluate solutions of numerical and practical chemical engineering problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

The choice of modules will determine the specific practical skills acquired.

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Use experimental or numerical methods to generate data and solve complex chemical engineering problems;
• Demonstrate the ability to qualitatively and quantitatively address specific areas of their discipline, ranging from process systems engineering to management or entrepreneurship;
• Generate meaningful results, analyse and quantify data and present them in a scientific fashion;
• Find and assess relevant chemical engineering literature, and use it effectively.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Communicate effectively in verbal, written and visual forms;
• Integrate and critically evaluate information from a range of sources;
• Formulate and solve practical and IT problems which may be complex;
• Organise and manage a programme of work independently;
• Work effectively as part of a team.

4. Programme structure

4.1         The Programme comprises study of a combination of compulsory and optional taught modules.

4.2 Compulsory Modules

4.3 Optional Modules –choice of modules with a total modular weight of 45 credits (30 credits semester one, 15 credits semester two)

Module participation is provided on a first come first served basis. Students must register for the number of credits before the start of the programme.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Provision will be made in Accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to be reassessed in the University’s Special Assessment Period where modules allow

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To develop thorough knowledge and leading edge technical expertise in the application of advanced chemical engineering concepts to complex engineering problems.
• To deepen knowledge in specialist areas of chemical engineering, particularly process and product design, optimisation and key industrial techniques to prepare graduates for professional careers in the process and related industries that enhance our health, standard of living and the use of resources.
• To equip graduates with advanced knowledge of optimal process design, sustainability, and research and development methodologies.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation guidance, February 2019.

QAA subject Benchmark Statement Engineering (Master’s) 2015.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

K1 Process design, operation, mathematic modelling and optimisation of chemical engineering processes

K2 Research techniques including information retrieval, project planning and experimental design

K3 Appropriate analytical/theoretical, experimental and numerical methods to solve and critically evaluate problems in chemical engineering and related areas

K4 Management and decision-making concepts to help address practical engineering problems

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1 Formulate, analyse and solve complex chemical engineering problems to support substantiated conclusions

C2 Develop an effective and achievable engineering design plan in the context of the chemical industries

C3 Critically evaluate solutions to numerical and practical chemical engineering problems

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1 Apply experimental or numerical methods to generate data and solve complex chemical engineering problems

P2 Apply technical knowledge to interpret and evaluate alternative options to balance costs, benefits, safety and environmental impact

P3 Plan, design and execute a chemical engineering project and communicate the results

P4 Source, analyse and apply relevant chemical engineering literature to solve complex technical problems

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1 Communicate effectively in verbal, written and visual forms

T2 Integrate and evaluate information from a range of sources

T3 Formulate and solve complex practical and numerical problems using qualitative and quantitative methods informed by appropriate sources

T4 Plan and optimise the use of resources and time for project planning and self-learning

T5 Work effectively as part of a team

T6 Undertake safe and effective laboratory practice

4. Programme structure

The Programme comprises study of a combination of compulsory and optional taught modules.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (45 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select modules up to a total of 30 credits) 

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (15 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select modules totalling either 45 or 30 credits) 

Semester 3

Compulsory modules (60 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To develop thorough knowledge and leading edge technical expertise in the application of advanced chemical engineering concepts to complex engineering problems.
• To deepen knowledge in specialist areas of chemical engineering, particularly process and product design, optimisation and key industrial techniques to prepare graduates for professional careers in the process and related industries that enhance our health, standard of living and the use of resources.
• To equip graduates with advanced knowledge of optimal process design, sustainability, and research and development methodologies.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation guidance, February 2019.

QAA subject Benchmark Statement Engineering (Master’s) 2015.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

K1 Process design, operation, mathematic modelling and optimisation of chemical engineering processes

K2 Research techniques including information retrieval, project planning and experimental design

K3 Appropriate analytical/theoretical, experimental and numerical methods to solve and critically evaluate problems in chemical engineering and related areas

K4 Management and decision-making concepts to help address practical engineering problems

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1 Formulate, analyse and solve complex chemical engineering problems to support substantiated conclusions

C2 Develop an effective and achievable engineering design plan in the context of the chemical industries

C3 Critically evaluate solutions to numerical and practical chemical engineering problems

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1 Apply experimental or numerical methods to generate data and solve complex chemical engineering problems

P2 Apply technical knowledge to interpret and evaluate alternative options to balance costs, benefits, safety and environmental impact

P3 Plan, design and execute a chemical engineering project and communicate the results

P4 Source, analyse and apply relevant chemical engineering literature to solve complex technical problems

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1 Communicate effectively in verbal, written and visual forms

T2 Integrate and evaluate information from a range of sources

T3 Formulate and solve complex practical and numerical problems using qualitative and quantitative methods informed by appropriate sources

T4 Plan and optimise the use of resources and time for project planning and self-learning

T5 Work effectively as part of a team

T6 Undertake safe and effective laboratory practice

4. Programme structure

Semester 1 and 2, 2020/2021 (January/February 2021)

Compulsory modules (30 credits) 

Semester 2, 2020/2021 (February to June 2021)

Compulsory module (15 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select either two or three modules totalling 30 or 45 credits) 

Semester 3, 2020/2021 (June to September 2021)

Compulsory module (60 credits) 

Semester 1, 2021/2022 (October 2021 to January 2022)

Compulsory module (15 credits) 

Optional modules (If students selected three optional modules in Semester 2, 2020/2021 they should select one module from the list below, totalling 15 credits. If students selected two optional modules in Semester 2, 2020/2021, they should select two modules from the list below, totalling 30 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To enable students to develop their education in particular aspects of process engineering beyond their existing qualifications or update their knowledge, by studying advanced modules that are relevant to the changing priorities and skills requirements of the modern process industries. The multi-disciplinary approach will be the distinctive feature. 

• To develop skills, especially in investigating and drawing rational conclusions; in information technology, this includes the use of design packages, computer graphics and word processing; in communication, both oral and writing skills are extended. 

• To plan, conduct and report research into an aspect of Chemical Engineering. Apply academic theory and knowledge together with work experience to the solution of a real-life research, plant operational or management problem. 

• To apply existing and new knowledge to solving or furthering knowledge of a real-life research, plant operational or management problem and in so doing develop their organisational, critical appraisal, problem-solving, IT, presentational, communication and report-writing skills. 

• To develop the students’ ability to: reason critically, collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesise data, gather and use information, apply concepts and methodologies. 

• To deepen understanding of process principles through problem solving, projects and design exercises. 

• To provide an in-depth understanding of the IT skills required for advanced chemical processes. 

• To make the students aware of key management and/or entrepreneurship concepts. 

• To encourage professional attitudes through the study of human, safety, environmental and economic implications of technology, through team work and through working with established professionals. 

• To share experiences with other module attendees and presenters and/or workshop/case-study leaders and take part in workshops/case studies to give the students an appreciation of the practical work-related aspects of the subjects studied. Students will have integrated the programme with their own personal and professional needs and those of their employer or sponsor. 

• To foster networking and transfer of ideas and experience between students from different backgrounds.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation guidance, February 2019.

QAA subject Benchmark Statement Engineering (Master’s) 2015.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of currently topical and newly emerging aspects of process engineering, such as product design and manufacture, batch processing, bio-processing;
• Apply information technology for the design of modern operator interfaces for advanced process plants;
• Derive mathematical models and mathematically analyse systems to enable engineering solutions to practical problems using specialised software tools;
• Understand the practical aspects of operating engineering equipment to improve handling of safety, health and environmental issues such as chemical hazards and risks associated with different unit operations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Formulate, analyse and solve complex chemical engineering problems to support substantiated conclusions;
• Apply theoretical and technical knowledge to solve real-life research, plant operational or management problems;
• Develop an effective and achievable plan in the context of the chemical industrie
• Critically evaluate solutions of numerical and practical chemical engineering problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

The choice of modules will determine the specific practical skills acquired.

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Use experimental or numerical methods to generate data and solve complex chemical engineering problems;
• Demonstrate the ability to qualitatively and quantitatively address specific areas of their discipline, ranging from process systems engineering to management or entrepreneurship;
• Generate meaningful results, analyse and quantify data and present them in a scientific fashion;
• Find and assess relevant chemical engineering literature, and use it effectively.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Communicate effectively in verbal, written and visual forms;
• Integrate and critically evaluate information from a range of sources;
• Formulate and solve practical and IT problems which may be complex;
• Organise and manage a programme of work independently;
• Work effectively as part of a team.

4. Programme structure

Semester 1 and 2, 2020/2021 (January/February 2021)

Compulsory modules (30 credits) 

Semester 2, 2020/2021 (February to June 2021)

Compulsory modules (45 credits) 

Optional modules Students should select one module (15 credits) 

Semester 3, 2020/2021 (June to September 2021)

Compulsory module (60 credits) 

Semester 1, 2021/2022 (October 2021 to January 2022)

Optional modules Students should select two modules (Totalling 30 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Provision will be made in Accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to be reassessed in the University’s Special Assessment Period where modules allow

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification