Chemical Engineering

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge offers a rigorous and comprehensive postgraduate research experience designed to advance knowledge in the field of chemical engineering. This programme provides students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of leading experts, focusing on areas such as process engineering, materials synthesis, energy systems, and environmental technology. The MPhil is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of chemical engineering principles and to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges faced by industries and society. Students enrolled in this programme will undertake a substantial research project, culminating in a thesis that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent, original research. The course combines advanced coursework with practical laboratory work, ensuring that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills essential for a successful career in academia, industry, or research organizations. Additionally, the MPhil provides excellent networking opportunities through collaborations with industrial partners and participation in conferences and seminars. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Cambridge boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic community committed to fostering innovation and sustainability. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue further academic research, including PhD studies, or to move directly into professional roles in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, environmental management, and materials development. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and multidisciplinary approaches to solve complex chemical engineering problems, preparing students to contribute effectively to technological advancements and societal progress. Overall, the MPhil in Chemical Engineering at Cambridge combines academic excellence, research innovation, and professional development to cultivate the next generation of engineering leaders.

You’re taught primarily through lectures, which are supported by projects, laboratory classes, supervisions and coursework.

In a typical week, you attend 10 lectures and have two supervisions. You also undertake fortnightly projects.

Assessment is by written exams during the final term of each year, and coursework which makes an increasing contribution to your marks each year.

Year 1 (Part IA)

Your choice of route

Chemical engineers spend their first year studying either Engineering or Natural Sciences. These routes provide equally good preparation for becoming a chemical engineer, and are taken up by a similar number of students.

Year 2 (Part IB)

Introduction to core chemical engineering

From Year 2, you’re based within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. You study compulsory topics within five themes:

• fundamentals – fluid mechanics, mass and heat transfer, thermodynamics
• process operations – reactors, separators, biotechnology
• process systems – safety, economics
• mathematical methods – mathematics
• enabling topics – depending on your first-year subject, you have additional lectures and practicals on either chemistry or mechanical engineering

You also take laboratory classes and undertake regular assessed project work. Towards the end of the year, you perform the mechanical design of an item of process equipment such as  a heat exchanger.

Year 3 (Part IIA)

The third year includes further compulsory topics within four themes:

• fundamentals – fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics
• process operations – reactors, separators, bioprocessing, particle processing
• process systems – process dynamics and control, process synthesis, safety
• enabling topics – materials, statistics

After the written exams in the third term, you undertake a group project that lasts five weeks of full-time work to design a modern industrial process. You consider all aspects of engineering design

(including specification of equipment and control procedures), safety, environmental impact and economic assessment. The design project brings together all the taught subject matter whilst giving you the opportunity to work in a team on an open-ended problem..

Year 4 (Part IIB)

Choice of advanced topics

You undertake a project on chemical product design and take a compulsory paper on environmental aspects of chemical engineering.

You choose six further topics from a list of optional papers which changes every year to reflect the research interests of academic staff. Some are advanced chemical engineering topics - past examples have included:

• pharmaceutical engineering
• rheology and processing
• electrochemical engineering
• computational fluid dynamics

Some are broadening material topics from outside the discipline (past examples have included healthcare biotechnology, a foreign language, and entrepreneurship).In addition, you undertake a research project. This might involve experimental, theoretical and/or computational work. Some projects support ongoing Department research, while others are ‘blue sky’ investigations leading to new research programmes. Successful projects sometimes lead to students becoming authors of publications in scientific literature.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

The financing of the Chemical Engineering program at the University of Cambridge is structured primarily through a combination of university-funded scholarships, government bursaries, external awards, and personal funds. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries specifically designed for domestic and international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering disciplines, including Chemical Engineering. These financial support options are intended to cover tuition fees, living costs, and other academic expenses, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and enabling access to high-quality education.

For undergraduate students, the University of Cambridge provides several scholarship schemes, such as the Cambridge Trust Scholarships, which are highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit and financial need. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition fees, and some include a stipend for living expenses. Additionally, there are college-specific bursaries and grants that students can apply for through their respective colleges. Postgraduate students in Chemical Engineering may also have access to scholarships from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), as well as external industry-funded scholarships and fellowships designed to support research and innovation.

Students are encouraged to explore multiple sources of funding, including national loan schemes and private sponsorships. The university provides comprehensive guidance and support sessions to assist students in identifying suitable funding options and completing application processes. For international students, financial support is sometimes limited, but the university's outreach programs and external partnerships facilitate access to scholarships tailored for international applicants.

The university emphasizes the importance of financial planning and encourages applicants to consider all available financial aid options well in advance of their course start date. The overall goal of the university’s financing programs is to ensure that talented students from diverse backgrounds can access and complete their Chemical Engineering degrees without undue financial hardship. Consequently, the university continually reviews and enhances its funding strategies to meet the evolving needs of its student body, aiming to foster inclusivity and academic excellence in the field of chemical engineering education.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).