Driven by curiosity. Driving changeMPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering (ACE)
A one-year postgraduate course offering advanced technical training in chemical engineering, alongside teaching in areas such as economics, technology policy and sustainable processes.
About the programme
Chemical engineering is increasingly applied beyond its traditional boundaries, across areas such as life sciences, materials, energy, environmental systems and advanced manufacturing. This creates a demand for graduates with strong technical foundations who can also work effectively across disciplines and in rapidly changing research and industrial contexts.
The MPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering is designed for students who want to deepen their technical expertise while developing the broader skills needed to operate at these interfaces. The course combines advanced taught material with an individual research project, providing preparation for research-led careers in industry, government or academia.
The programme brings together three strands:
- advanced chemical engineering taught at postgraduate level
- exposure to business, policy and management topics relevant to technology-led organisations
- a substantial research project carried out within the University
Together, these elements are intended to equip students with the technical depth, analytical capability and professional skills required to work on complex engineering problems.
Programme content
The MPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering is a full-time, one-year course.
Michaelmas and Lent terms
Students take ten taught modules across the two terms, drawn from a combination of core chemical engineering topics and electives. Teaching is delivered through lectures, discussion classes and example-based problem solving, supported by independent study and coursework.
Research project (March-August)
Students undertake a full-time research project supervised by a member of University staff. Students plan and execute their own work, with support from their supervisor, and may involve collaboration with industry. The project is submitted as a written dissertation.
Assessment of taught modules is by a combination of coursework and written examination. The research project is assessed through a dissertation and seminar.
Module options
Modules are drawn from chemical engineering, related scientific disciplines and business-focused areas. Examples of modules offered include:
Chemical Engineering and applied science
- Biophysics
- Bionanotechnology
- Bioelectronics
- Computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis
- Electrochemical engineering
- Interface engineering
- Nuclear power engineering
- Optical microscopy
- Pharmaceutical engineering
- Rheology and complex fluids
Electives and broader context
- Materials and molecules: modelling, simulation and machine learning
- Electricity and environment
- Climate change mitigation
- Water management under climate change
- Innovation and strategic management of intellectual property
- Strategic management
- International business
Module availability may vary from year to year.
Entry requirements
The course is academically demanding and is primarily intended for applicants with a very strong background in chemical engineering. Successful candidates typically hold a first-class honours degree and demonstrate consistent academic performance.
Applicants should be highly motivated and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. Shortlisted applicants are normally interviewed as part of the admissions process.
How to apply
Applications are made through the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Applicants are required to complete a statement explaining why the MPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering is an appropriate course of study for them. This should be distinct from other parts of the application and may indicate areas of research interest, although a specific proposal is not required.
Details on colleges, fees, funding and deadlines are provided through the central Postgraduate Admissions website.
Contact us
For course-specific questions about the MPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering, please contact M.Phil. ACE Programme Manager, Dr Sarah Rough
Studying at CEB
For information on student life, facilities and studying at Cambridge, see the Why Cambridge pages.
More information
For information on admissions requirements, deadlines, fees or funding, please refer to the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions website.
