MSc/PgDip/PgCert Chemical Technology & Management (Distance Learning)
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: Institute of Chemical Engineers
- Study mode and duration: MSc: 36 months, part-time
PgDip: 24 months part-time
PgCert: 12 months part-time Part-time study: the course is designed specifically for part-time distance learning
4th in the UK (1st in Scotland) for Chemical Engineering (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
Study with us
- part-time online/distance learning course designed specifically for engineers working full time in industry
- meets the technical and business development needs of engineers working in the chemical, pharmaceutical, process and other related sectors
- work based project in final year gives payback to employer and demonstrates real world applicability of learning
Why this course?
The MSc Chemical Technology & Management designed specifically for graduates of related science and engineering disciplines who are working in chemical and process industries, with all the taught content delivered online via our virtual learning environment. The first semester focusses on Chemical Engineering fundamentals, as a refresher for those who have a Chemical Engineering background, and conversion for students of other science and engineering disciplines. Your work based final project will be supervised by one of our world-class academics and will give you the opportunity to apply your learning to a real-world problem that is relevant to your employer.
You may choose to exit the course with a postgraduate diploma after two years, or postgraduate certificate at the end of the first year. You may transfer between MSc Process Technology & Management, MSc Chemical Technology & Management and MSc Advanced Chemical & Process Engineering, provided that you do so before the end of the first semester.
What you'll study
The MSc Process Technology & Management, MSc Chemical Technology & Management and MSc Advanced Chemical and Process Engineering are delivered in parallel. All three courses draw from a pool of Advanced Chemical Engineering and Business/Management, but with a slightly different combination of core and optional classes depending on the programme and the professional requirements of the student. The relationship between these three programmes enables you to transfer between, provided that you do so before the end of the first semester.
The modular approach to this course combines a designed core programme, with an element of choice that allows you to choose subjects relevant to you and your industry.
In your first semester, you'll take the 10-credit Process Design and 20-credit Process Analysis for Chemical Engineering. You’ll subsequently follow a programme of core management/business classes, and core and optional classes related to chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical and process technology.
Final project
You’ll normally take on this project in your own workplace allowing you to make practical use of the concepts learned throughout the course. The project is the main focus of the third year of the course. An academic supervisor with experience in your chosen project field will help you with the academic requirements of the project. The management and eventual conclusion of the project will be driven by you.
This course gave me the chance to continue my professional development while broadening my knowledge in a variety of subjects, and more importantly, applying what I learnt from the industry-based dissertation project to my job. The ease of learning via web lectures and study material provided, together with the readily available assistance from lecturers and administration staff made the journey all worthwhile.
Lara Scerri, Quality Affairs Engineer at Actavis Malta,
MSc Chemical Technology & Management (distance learning) graduate
Course content
This MSc distance learning course has been designed to deliver in-depth knowledge and the skills required for your profession, while allowing you to select classes to suit your requirements and learning objectives.
In your first semester, you'll study Process Analysis in Chemical Engineering, and Process Design Principles. These are designed as revision and levelling for those who have a Chemical Engineering background, and conversion for students of other science and engineering disciplines. For the remainder of years 1 and 2 you'll study a mix of Advanced Chemical Engineering and Business/Management classes, with the opportunity to customise your degree with optional classes in the second year.
In the final year, you'll complete a project in your workplace, which combines your industry experience with your learning from the previous 2 years.
Classes
The class descriptions are intended as a guide. Please note that although the general content and aim of the classes will remain the same, there may be changes to some content and assessment. Classes on offer may occasionally change.
Semester 1
Process Design Principles
The focus of this module is on the principles of conceptual design and flowsheet development, which often represent the most challenging aspects of process design. The first stage is to define “design” and the associated terminology and to show how this can be applied to both equipment and process selection. The second stage is to develop an appreciation of the hierarchical and structural methods of developing conceptual designs including the effective design of utility systems to reduce energy use.
The module will teach the following: terminology of design; hierarchy of process design: block flow diagrams (BFDs), process flow diagrams (PFDs); input-output structures of flowsheets; choice of reactors and separators; reaction, separation and recycle systems; hot and cold utility systems; energy utilisation to minimise utility and overall capital costs; retrofit design; batch process design.
On completion of this module, the student is expected to be able to:
- carry out a systematic approach to design selection according to the chosen assessment criteria
- undertake a structured approach to designing the reaction, separation and recycle aspects of a flow sheet
- employ “Pinch Technology” methods to the overall targeting of hot and cold utility requirements and to heat exchanger capital costs, which would then involve the design of a simple heat exchanger network (HEN)
- apply a methodical approach to “retrofit” designs as well as to "new" designs (including an understanding of the special features of batch processes)
Process Analysis in Chemical Engineering
This module aims to:
- consolidate and enhance your ability to understand and manipulate information in flow diagrams and stream tables
- provide the conceptual framework for design principles in chemical engineering
- build a comprehensive background for unsteady state processes
Semester 2
Advanced Process Design
The focus of this module is on the wider implications of process design. The first stage is to consider how batch and semi-batch processes are represented and described, including special factors when compared with continuous processes. This will also include start-up and shut-down procedures in continuous processes.
The second stage will provide appreciation of the broader context or macro level in which process design takes place, and in particular looking at the conceptual phase which stakes cognisance of geography, stakeholders, politics, access to infrastructure, economic drivers, logistics, legislation etc., as some of the factors which influence the major process design decisions. The second stage will also provide a framework for how major projects are executed from conceptual to detailed design.
The third stage is to define chemical product design (CPD) and show the similarities/differences between CPD and process design.
Finance for Engineers
This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of how companies manage and report financial information. On completion of this module you're expected to be able:
- read and interpret the financial reports that are published by companies and understand the links between the cash flow, expenditure and the profit reported
- be aware of the implications of budgets and budgeting in order to exercise control within the organisation and understand the issues involved in determining the cost of a product or service
- be familiar with the techniques that are used in the decision making process in respect of both short-term and capital investment decisions
Semester 1 (3 options to be chosen from below)
Safety Management Practices
This module provides you with an advanced level exposure to the role of management and management systems in safety and loss prevention.
It will involve in-depth analysis of major incidents in recent history pinpointing:
- the structure of safety management systems
- the approach to auditing safety management
- the role of human factors
- the process and concept of safe design
This course will also involve developing site emergency plans and accident investigation skills, as well as a review of legal structure for the UK.
Programming & Optimisation
This module aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of scientific programming. In particular, its application to optimisation in engineering applications.
The module will teach you to:
- develop algorithms to solve optimisation tasks
- present working Excel spreadsheets tackling optimisation tasks in a form suitable for other engineers to use
Molecular & Interfacial Science
This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of surface science and material properties, their underlying molecular origin, and their applications.
The module will teach you to demonstrate:
- knowledge and quantitative understanding of the processes that take place at interfaces and their applications
- knowledge of experimental techniques used to study and engineer interfaces
- a quantitative understanding of the link between molecular-scale structure and interactions and the macroscopic properties of a material
- knowledge of how the microscopic properties of a material are exploited in applications
Molecular Simulation in Chemical Engineering
The educational aims of this module are:
- how chemical engineering processes operate at a molecular scale and how the molecular scale eventually determines what happens at the process scale
- the usefulness of Molecular Simulation in a chemical engineering context
- the theoretical framework that underlies molecular simulations, thermodynamics and most of chemeng, namely basic statistical mechanics
- molecular simulation conventions
- transferable skills useful for obtaining measurements from simulations, analysing data, and communication of technical data and ideas
Clean Combustion Technologies
This module aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of combustion engineering, and the concepts and applications of clean combustion technologies.
The module will teach you to:
- calculate key parameters of gaseous flames and analyse solid fuel combustion processes
- analyse the mechanism of pollutants formation along with combustion process control methods
- evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of combustion technologies
Petroleum Engineering
This module aims to:
- introduce to the students the concepts of origin and formation of petroleum, types and quality of refinery feedstock and natural gas
- provide detailed understanding of petroleum production processes from reservoir to export
- introduce field development planning and economic assessment
- introduce advanced topics in multiphase flow, flow assurance, and carbon capture and storage
Electrochemical Energy Devices
This module provides an overview of electrochemical energy conversion devices, including batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers for energy storage and generation.
The course will introduce important concepts in electrochemistry as applied to energy devices and will discuss engineering solutions for devices and systems.
On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:
- describe the main devices for electrochemical energy conversion and their uses in industries, transport and energy systems.
- describe the half cell reactions involved in fuel cells, electrolysers and redox flow batteries
- understand basic diagnostic tools used in electrochemical device development
Semester 2
Project Management
This module aims to provide you with knowledge and skills relating to Project Management. The classes introduces methods of frameworks that are commonly used in business and industry, and teaches Project Management principles through this lens. Software relating to construction of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Project scheduling is also introduced.
IT Systems and Strategy
This module aims to provide you with understanding of the range of computerised information systems in contemporary organisations and the strategic use of these. The central theme of the class in not the computer but rather our picture of computers. The computer knowledge of the user is not only about how to use the computer but also when, i.e. for what, it is appropriate using them for. You should get a picture about what is available in terms of computerised IS/ICT, acquiring the basic concepts, using which you can expand your knowledge in the future.
On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:
- distinguish databases from knowledge bases and understand when is one needed and when the other
- build and use knowledge bases
- acquire the basic techniques of IS/ICT design including practical experience using structured methods
- explore some implications of the strategic view of IS/ICT
Business & Technology Strategy
This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of how companies develop their business strategy and the role that technology development plays in that process.
On completion of this module you're expected to be able:
- gain an overview of the competitive environment and wider external environment
- understand how technology development has influenced company’s strategy
- be able to carry out analysis of technology strategic development using international strategy models
Individual Project
This is the final assessment of the MSc programmes and is only taken by students in their final year of these degrees.
The module extends across the various advanced chemistry and business/management subjects taught during the course. You’ll explore an advanced technical issue and a business case within your industrial workplace.
Learning & teaching
The course is delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Myplace. Lecturers provide support through online tutorials, forums, email, telephone, and, if demand is sufficient, face-to-face on campus tutorials.
Assessment
Assessment is normally by assignment, project and occasionally online group work. Occasionally some classes will be assessed by a formal exam, but if you're not in the UK you can normally arrange an exam centre in your own country.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant degree subject. Other qualifications will be considered if they meet the same standard. Please note that due to the large variety of qualifications, a definite answer can only be given once a full application has been received. |
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Fees & funding
Fees listed below are per 60 credits. This course is over three years and requires 180 credits, so the fee below is an annual fee.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
Scotland | £5,100 |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £5,100 |
Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
International | £5,100 |
Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Additional costs | Course materials: we do not charge students for course notes. All course notes are uploaded to myplace and students have the facility to print if required (costs would be incurred by the student). Recommended texts are communicated to the library - students may wish to purchase their own copies. Examinations: there may be in person exams as part of your course. We don’t charge for examinations on campus, but if you are unable to come to Glasgow to sit exams, you will need to arrange a local examination centre, and it is likely that you will incur local invigilation costs. Please contact us if you would like more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Careers
A Masters degree will expand your career opportunities whether you're planning to progress your career into management, move into industrial or research chemistry, or move into a new industry. It will also provide you with a means to validate your skills and competency to your peers and employers.
A degree in Chemical Technology and Management is flexible and relevant to many industries. Our modular structure enables you to tailor your degree to your needs.
Relevant industries include food and drink, pharmaceutical, water treatment, among others.
Apply
During the application process, you must upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we will not be able to process your application:
- certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications. If you're still studying, please provide your individual semester mark sheets to date
- certified degree certificate for all qualification. If youre still studying, please provide this after completing your qualification
- provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
- if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
- a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
- a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
- names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees
Start date: Sep 2025
Chemical Technology and Management
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