Overview
This Master’s is for those who already have an engineering or other science based degree. You’ll apply your industry knowledge to:
- improve sustainability
- reduce the environmental impact of systems, processes and products
You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of sustainable engineering and learn about cleaner and more innovative environmental technologies.
Our aim is to give you an appreciation for energy generation and the motivation behind energy management.
We’ll introduce you to:
- the principles of cleaner design and manufacture
- the concepts and methodology used in environmental design
- the need for a holistic view of product and service sustainability
There is a growing demand for graduates in this industry. You’ll benefit from our strong links with industrial partners in the North East and beyond. You’ll also be able to connect with and learn from our previous graduates.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
During this course, you’ll gain specialist knowledge in:
- sustainability principles and challenges in a business and industrial context
- sustainable processing through industrial symbiosis
- low-carbon technologies
- renewable energy options
- energy management principles
- new and innovative materials and recycling
- waste and resource minimisation
Core skills you’ll learn include:
- sustainable design and manufacture
- recycling and life cycle assessment for sustainable materials
- environmental auditing
- carbon accounting
- regulations and legislation around sustainable industry
- energy management
- research and communication skills
- problem solving, teamwork and time management
You’ll also learn about:
- environmental, economic and social issues
- climate justice and cliamte policy
- the impact of industrial processes
- the societal requirements for sustainable development and corporate responsibility in industry
- the limited availability of raw materials and the importance of recycling in a circular economy
- the critical raw materials, novel materials and factors affecting recycling
- the embedded energy and CO2 footprint associated with extraction, processing and recycling of materials
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Sustainable Chemical Engineering MSc modules
Specialist routes
You’ll discuss your optional module selection with the Degree Programme Director. They will advise on the following specialist routes:
- Sustainable Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Materials
How you’ll learn
Our degree programmes are shaped by the needs of industry and government policy. You’ll benefit from our strong industrial engagement through:
- industry guest lectures
- site visits
- projects
- industrial project placements
- employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching.
Our teaching methods typically consist of:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical lab sessions
- group work
- personal supervision
Modules take a block delivery approach, allowing you to immerse yourself in the subject and the material.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
During this course, you’ll complete an individual research project and a written dissertation. This will be your opportunity to put your specialist skills, knowledge and understanding into practice. You’ll apply the theory you’ve learnt to a project of your choice.
Research themes include:
- resource recycling
- soil and water remediation
- electrochemistry
- fuel cells
- advanced materials and low-carbon technologies
- process intensification
Your research project will be on a specialism of your choice, and your dissertation will give you the opportunity to work with a variety of supervisors. Our research groups include:
- Advanced Materials and Electrochemical Engineering
- Materials, Concepts and Reaction Engineering
- Process Intensification
During your thesis, you’ll also have the chance to join the research teams.
If you prefer a more industrial orientated project, we have companies who can provide topics and the relevant data.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Position: Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- sustainable energy management
- renewable energy
- environmental auditing
Position: Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- materials and fabrication
- material, corrosion and flow assurance aspects
- advanced manufacturing technology
- mechanisms and processes of oxidation
- nanomaterials
Position: Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- Sustainable materials for improving food-energy-water security
- Thermochemical conversion of biomass, specialising in pyrolysis
- Biochar production and applications
- Industrial and community-scale deployment of biochar for soil-water applications
Your development
You’ll be taught by academics working on world-leading chemical engineering research, and have access to cutting-edge facilities.
Your future
Graduate destinations
We will prepare you for a wide range of careers across the globe in a variety of sectors. Some graduate destinations include:
- process engineers
- sustainability managers
- waste or energy managers
- waste minimisation specialists
- energy monitoring specialists
- environmental officers
- environmental or carbon management consultants
- government advisors
Our degree programme also provides a route into further study at PhD level.
Depending on which modules you wish to specialise in, you will also boost your career prospects gaining key skills in:
- sustainable design
- environmental auditing
- energy management
- sustainable materials
Our close links with industry and graduates provide you with access to a network of former graduates allowing you to enhance your employability.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Engineering – Chemical – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Ranked 56th in the world and 19th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Engineering has a wide range of Chemical Engineering facilities for teaching and research.
You’ll have access to some of these facilities, depending on your specialist stream and project topic:
- Bioprocessing Laboratory: Managed through the Biopharmaceutical Bioprocessing Technology Centre.
- Merz Court Analytical Suite: A wide range of analytical and materials characterisation techniques are available in this suite.
- Stu Brew: Europe’s first student-run brewery, operating commercially. You’ll be able to develop your practical and research skills in sustainable brewing processes.
- Advanced Chemical and Materials Analysis
- Analytical services: These services are available to staff and students at Newcastle University, other academic institutions, and the industry.
- Automated Control Laboratory: This space operates in parallel with the Pilot Plant space and is used for both teaching and research.
Stephenson Building
The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.
