Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To develop an understanding of particular aspects of process engineering beyond existing knowledge, by studying advanced modules that are relevant to the changing priorities and requirements of the modern process industries. 

• 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 and report-writing skills. 

• To emphasise the practical, work-related aspects of the subjects.  

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

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

QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering

IChemE draft matching section guidelines

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, risk and safety, health and environment.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

• plan, conduct and report research into an aspect of Process Engineering;
• apply academic theory and knowledge together with work experience to the solution of a real-life research, plant operational or management problem;
• reason critically, collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesise data, gather and use information, apply concepts and methodologies.

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 discuss advanced process and chemical engineering issues related to the modules chosen. They should be able to demonstrate the ability to qualitatively and quantitatively address specific areas of their discipline. Through their substantive research project, students will have learnt, how to conduct meaningful experiments, analyse and quantify data and present them in a scientific fashion. Through an extensive literature survey, they will be familiar with the latest research in the area of the project.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

discuss process engineering and other matters relating to the modules with colleagues, contractors, operators, regulators and management.  Students will have integrated the programme with their own personal and professional needs and those of their employer or sponsor.

The student transferable skills will be enhanced in these areas: capacity to learn, IT, project management, effective presentation, numerical ability, critical appraisal and problem solving and report writing.

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 FOUR modules with a total modular weight of 60 credits

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

A Project Completion Form forms part of the MSc project. Marks for the MSc project can only be awarded upon completion of the form.

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