University of Bradford
School of Engineering and Informatics
School of Engineering
Programme title: MSc/ PG Diploma Chemical and Petroleum
Engineering
Awarding and teaching institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim award(s):
MSc/ Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)/
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
[Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level 7]
Programme title:
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Programme accredited by:
To be accredited by IChemE
Duration:
1 year full time
UCAS code:
n/a
Subject benchmark statement:
Engineering
Date produced:
December 2011
Last updated:
June 2014
Introduction
Engineers are responsible for the creation of all material objects and systems
necessary for modern life, from concept to customer to decommissioning. The
economic and social prosperity of the UK and the world depend greatly on
engineering activities. The Technical Roadmap for 21st century chemical engineering
published by the IChemE (the Institution of Chemical Engineers, UK) in 2007 has
identified six broad areas of critical global importance where chemical engineers will
have enormous influence. These are (i) health, safety, environment, (ii) sustainable
technology, (iii) energy, (iv) food and drink, (v) water and (vi) bio-systems.
Chemical Engineers develop and design the processes to make everything the
modern society needs: from advanced polymeric materials (packaging, electrical
goods, electronics, automotive, aircrafts) to health care products (face creams,
shampoo, perfume, drugs) to food (dairy products, cereals, agro-chemicals) and
water (desalination for freshwater) to energy (petroleum to nuclear fuels). They do
this by efficient use and management of resources including oil & gas, water and
energy while controlling health and safety procedures and protecting the
environment.
Chemical engineers are concerned with small and large-scale chemical and
biochemical processes in which materials undergo change. In practice, this may
mean anything from a relatively small batch production of a drug to the massive
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scale of equipment needed to turn seawater to freshwater, natural gas to
agrochemicals etc. by applying advanced reaction and separation processes. The
complexity of the oil and gas industry offers a wide variety of opportunities for career
development in the petrochemical industries. Further, engineering new materials with
advanced properties is at the heart of the new technological drive of this century.
Electronic Polymers, Biomaterials, Nanocomposites, and "Smart" Materials are
examples of new material developments where the technological applications and
impact on society are enormous.
Your study at MSc level at Bradford will be a foundation for life aimed at developing
a deep understanding of advanced technical principles, analytical tools and
competence in their application together with a wide range of management, personal
and professional skills. The Programme will provide you with essential tools based
on the concept of sustainability and maintaining a low carbon footprint for changing
raw materials into useful products in a safe and cost effective way.
The MSc in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering programme is designed smartly
and provides balanced in-depth exposures to help you to find your career in three
distinct areas: traditional chemical engineering, petroleum engineering and polymer
engineering. The programme gives you the flexibility to choose the right combination
of taught and research modules to train you for the career you have in mind.
Your choice of traditional chemical engineering route will expose you to advanced
chemical engineering and process technology skills for exciting and challenging
careers in the chemical and process industries. It also enables graduates in
chemistry or other science/engineering disciplines to convert to a specialisation in
chemical engineering.
Your choice of petroleum engineering route will enable you to match the needs in
different areas of oil and gas production and in small as well as large operating and
consulting companies.
With the choice of polymer engineering route you will be exposed to the design and
operation of processes to engineer materials with advanced properties and will lead
you to careers in many manufacturing industries e.g. automotive, aerospace etc.
Upon completion of the Programme you will have the capacity for meaningful
interdisciplinary interaction, leadership roles, and professional growth. The School
places emphasis on both teaching and research. We have particular research
strengths in chemical and petrochemical engineering, polymers, energy, water,
pharmaceutical engineering, coating and materials engineering. We have state of the
art research facilities in these areas. We aim to produce MSc graduates who are
imaginative, innovative, versatile and competitive. These graduates will be able to
progress rapidly to professional positions of responsibility with minimal additional
training and who will be able to provide technical, managerial and entrepreneurial
leadership in specialist/interdisciplinary projects.
Upon completion you will be able to work as: (a) Project Engineer (b) Design
Engineer (c) Operations Engineer or (d) Research and Development Engineer (R&D)
in Chemical/Petroleum/Polymer/Food and Pharmaceutical Industries. You will have
Page 2 of 12
the capacity, potential and opportunity for professional growth to continue the path to
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. The ability of an engineer to think clearly and
logically is widely appreciated by many other professions and your studies may well
be a stepping stone to many alternative careers other than Engineering – a real
foundation for life and for a lifetime of learning.
Programme Aims
The aims of the MSc programme are:
 To equip the students with the theoretical knowledge, concepts and skills
necessary for original thought and problems analysis related to core
chemical/petroleum/polymer engineering.
 To equip the students with the organisational, practical and computational
skills necessary to carry out research in chemical/petroleum/polymer
engineering fields.
 To enable the student to engage in research by carrying out, under expert
supervision, a specific project in chemical/petroleum/polymer engineering.
 To provide bridging information to non-specialists enabling them to extend
their career opportunities.
The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma is:
 To equip students with a broad base of theoretical knowledge, concepts and
skills in the area of chemical/petroleum/polymer engineering.
 To equip the students with a broad base of organisational, practical and
computational
skills
necessary
to
carry
out
research
in
chemical/petroleum/polymer engineering.
 To provide bridging information to non-specialists enabling them to extend
their career opportunities.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On completion of this award at PG Certificate and/or PG Diploma level, you will be
able to:
LO1.1 have depth and systematic understanding of knowledge in advanced chemical
engineering and in a range of state of the art process technologies to design,
operate and manage complex processes and associated manufacturing
plants A, B
LO1.2 have depth and systematic understanding of knowledge in advanced
petroleum engineering and in a range of state of the art process technologies
to design, operate and manage complex
processes and relevant
A,
B
manufacturing plants
LO1.3 have a comprehensive understanding of knowledge in advanced materials
and production technology and have a practical understanding of
techniques/methodologies applicable to characterisation of materials structure
and properties A, B
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LO2.1 be able with critical awareness to identify an area for further detailed
investigation, design an experimental programme and be able to utilise
research skills to critically evaluate and interpret newly developed data A, B
LO2.2 have the ability to integrate engineering understanding and apply critical
insight to the solution of real problems A, B
LO2.3 be able to act autonomously in planning, conducting and reporting a
programme of original research A, B
LO2.5 have the ability to take a holistic approach in solving problems and designing
systems A, B
LO2.6 be able to apply professional judgements to balance risks, cost, benefits,
safety and reliability A, B
LO3: Practical Skills
LO3.1 be able to plan and carry out optimal operation of reaction, separation, heat
transfer and mixing processes (lab & simulation based) and critically evaluate
the outcomes B
LO3.2 be able to plan and carry out optimal design and operation of
chemical/petroleum products/polymeric materials (simulation based) and
critically evaluate the outcomes B
LO3.3 have the ability to design and operate processes efficiently to manufacture
advanced polymeric materials A, B
LO3.4 be able to critically interpret design, experimental and computational data A, B
LO4: Personal and Transferable Skills
LO4.1 be able to work effectively in a team in order to meet shared objectives A, B
LO4.2 have the ability to use complex problem solving strategies to develop, monitor
and update a plan for the solution of both technical and personnel
contributions to meeting organisational need B
LO4.4 have acquired skills to learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations
with open mindedness and in the spirit of critical enquiry A, B
LO4.5 have acquired skills to learn effectively for the purpose of continuing
professional development and in a wider context throughout your career A, B
On completion of the award at MSc level, and including all of the above, you will be
able to:
LO1.4 have a thorough understanding of optimisation, design, mathematical
modelling and risk management practices that are at the forefront of chemical
engineering.
LO2.4 have conceptual understanding to integrate and critically evaluate information
from a variety of sources and to propose new hypothesis.
LO3.5 use wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes
to complete a substantial work of independent study.
LO4.3 demonstrate effective independent learning and the ability to use complex
problem solving strategies to develop innovative solutions.
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Curriculum
The curriculum map shows the core (C) and optional (O) units for this programme,
which extends over 12 months. It is made up of a taught element of 120 credits and
an individual research project element of 60 credits. The taught element is structured
in the form of modules carrying 10 or 20 credits arranged within the two semesters
forming the academic session. The 60 credits MSc research project is carried out
throughout the year. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's
Programme approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements are
made each year. More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit.
The MSc curriculum is summarised in Tables A & B.
For candidates with bachelor degree in chemical engineering will follow the
curriculum in Table A.
For candidates with a bachelor degree in non-chemical engineering, there will be a
pre-requisite, and will follow a slightly different programme (Table B). As a prerequisite, they will have to complete (with assessment) either one of the Short
Programmes run by IChemE or the pre-sessional Programme at Bradford. The presessional programme will cover introductory chemical engineering topics and will
include mass & energy balances, separation process, chemical reaction engineering,
heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mixing, distillation, extraction, absorption.
In the Programme, instead of studying Materials Failure Analysis and Design
Optimisation, students will study Reaction Engineering and Chemical Eng Practice –
2 modules in semester 1. Also in Semester 2, students will study Separation Science
module. In addition, the MSc project (60 credits) will include 40 credit equivalent of
process design leading to a full plant design and 20 credit equivalent of research (lab
or simulation based) on a specific unit operation of the process.
Table A. Curriculum for candidates with bachelor degree in Chemical
Engineering
Module Code
Module Title
ENG4105D
ENG4057D
ENG4060M
ENG4029M
Desalination Technology
Polymer Engineering
Transport Process Modelling
Design Optimisation
Upstream
Production
&
Refinery Operation
Sustainable Energy
Food and Pharmaceutical
Process Engineering
Risk Management
Finite Element Methods
Thermal Analysis
MSc Project
ENG4127D
ENG4064M
ENG4125M
ENG4072M
ENG4025M
LIF4010M
ENG 4013Z*
MSc
Type
C
C
C
C
PG Dip
Type
C
C
C
C
Credits
Level
20
20
10
10
7
7
7
7
Study
period
1
1
1
1
C
C
20
7
2
C
C
10
7
2
C
C
10
7
2
O
O
O
-
O
O
O
C
10
10
10
60
7
7
7
7
2
2
2
1,2,3
* Note: Students registering for PG Diploma will not carry out the 60 credit research projects.
Page 5 of 12
Table B. Curriculum for candidates with bachelor degree in non-Chemical
Engineering
Module Code
ENG4105D
ENG4057D
ENG3101M
ENG3001M
ENG4127D
ENG4064M
ENG4125M
ENG4072M
ENG4025M
LIF4010M
ENG 4013Z*
Module Title
Desalination Technology
Polymer Engineering
Reaction Engineering
Chemical Eng Practice - 2
Upstream
Production
&
Refinery Operation
Sustainable Energy
Food and Pharmaceutical
Process Engineering
Risk Management
Finite Element Methods
Thermal Analysis
MSc Project
MSc
Type
C
C
C
C
C
PG Dip
Type
C
C
C
C
C
Credits
Level
20
20
10
10
20
7
7
6
6
7
Study
period
1
1
1
1
2
C
C
C
C
10
10
7
7
2
2
O
O
C
C
O
O
C
C
10
10
10
60
7
7
7
7
2
2
2
1,2,3
*Note: Students registering for PG Diploma will not carry out the 60 credit research projects.
Note, for students with a non-chemical engineering background, the concepts of process
design are introduced in the MSc project leading to a full plant design.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Notes:
 Students interested in petroleum engineering career will take the petroleum
engineering related modules (Upstream Production Operation, Refinery
Operation) in Semester 2 (10+10 = 20 credits) and may want to pursue 60
credit research project in Petroleum Engineering area.
 Students interested in Polymer Engineering career will take the polymer
engineering module in Semester 1 (20 credit) and may want to pursue 60
credit research project in Polymer Processing area.
 Students interested in Food & Pharmaceutical Engineering career will study
Food and Pharmaceutical module in Semester 2 (10 credit) may want to
pursue 60 credit research project in Food & Pharmaceutical Engineering area.
 ENG 4013Z*: 60 Credit Projects must be related to either core Chemical
Engineering or Petroleum Engineering or Polymer Engineering or
Pharmaceutical Engineering.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes,
progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student
intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as
you progress through the Programme. The strategies and methods implemented are:
 The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage students in
developing their knowledge and understanding of the Programme include
formal lectures (including those from Visiting Lecturers), case studies, tutorial
exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning and individual work.
Page 6 of 12



The method of assessment is by written examination and both analytical and
experimental Programme work.
The methods implemented in developing the students’ intellectual skills
include engaging with them during tutorial exercises, case studies, practical
demonstration and supervised research or project work. The methods of
assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations,
analytical and experimental Programme work and more particularly in their
MSc dissertations.
The methods implemented in developing the students’ practical skills include
demonstrations and practicals linked with the taught modules. The MSc
students will also design and operate equipment and use control and
measuring instruments, under supervision, during the initial phase of their
research project. The PG/Dip students will operate analytical instruments,
under supervision, during the initial phase of their research project. The
methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work
linked with the taught modules. Also, a large proportion of the mark for the
MSc dissertation and the PG/Dip will be attributed to Experimental Methods
and Equipment and Presentation & Discussion of Results.
The methods implemented in developing the students’ transferable skills are
implicit in the programme. The University of Bradford is well known for
attracting students from a wide variety of background, experiences and
countries. This and the learning facilities available to all students provide the
conditions for students to develop and manage their learning. The University
of Bradford modus operandi, Making Knowledge Work, is embedded in the
philosophy of this Programme, particularly in the area of Engineering, Design
and Technology. The School is well equipped with practical and
computational facilities. The methods of assessment of transferable skills are
built in the structure of the examinations, case studies, laboratory
demonstrations and research or project work.
Assessment Regulations
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard
University Assessment Regulations which are available at the link below,
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/, the following
exception(s) apply to these regulations:
1. The MSc project must be passed at 1st attempt
2. To gain an accredited MSc award, 160 credits must have a minimum mark of
50% with the remaining 20 credits with marks at a minimum of 40%.
This requirement can be met with supplementary assessment (on one
occasion only) in any number of taught subjects. You may therefore re-sit a
module that has a mark in the 40% to 50% range for the purpose of remaining
on the accredited award.
If the above requirement is not met, but the University’s postgraduate regulations are
complied with, then a non-accredited MSc will be awarded.
Page 7 of 12
Admissions Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the
University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some
adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to
contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
This Programme is open to candidates with bachelor’s degree in Chemical
Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental
Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Control
Engineering.
In addition to satisfying the general admissions requirements of the University of
Bradford, the candidates must have:
 2.2 equivalent bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering.
 Applicants with 2.1 equivalent bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biology,
Physics, Environmental Science and who have completed the Chemical
Engineering for Scientistsa Programme run by the Institution of Chemical
Engineers or a pre-sessional Programme* at the university of Bradford will
also be eligible to apply.
 Applicants with 2.1 equivalent bachelors degree in Civil Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering,
Control Engineering, and who have completed the Chemical Engineering for
Other Engineersb Programmes or a pre-sessional Programme* at the
university of Bradford run by the Institution of Chemical Engineers will also be
eligible to apply.
* All Programmes will be assessed via a written Programme work (Equivalent 4000 words). The
candidates will have to pass at 50%. The pre-sessional Programme at the University of Bradford is
only available for September entry candidates and will take place 3 weeks prior to the start of the MSc
Programme.
a
Chemical Engineering for Scientists
http://www.icheme.org/sitecore/content/icheme_home/shop/search%20results.aspx?keywords=scientists&product=
b
Chemical Engineering for Other Engineers
http://www.icheme.org/sitecore/content/icheme_home/shop/search%20results.aspx?keywords=other+engineers&product=
Page 8 of 12
Note: The candidates wishing to attend the Programmes run by IChemE will have to
organise themselves (including fees). The candidates wishing to attend the presessional Programme run by the university will have to pay an additional fee set by
the university.
The candidates with bachelor degrees in chemical engineering can enrol into the
Programme in September or January. However, the candidates with bachelor
degrees in non-chemical engineering will have to enrol into the Programme in
September only.
English Language Requirements
All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as
described in http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/english-prepare.php. If your native
language is not English, you will have to pass a test in English approved by the
University before you can be admitted. The following qualifications are acceptable as
satisfying this requirement, both are available internationally:The International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS) administered
by the British Council is the test which is preferred by the University. You will
need to achieve an Overall Band of at least 6, with at least 5 in each of the four
sub-tests. Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas
offices. When you take your test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report
Form to be sent to the University.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by
Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. You
need to score at least 550 (220 on the computer-based test). If you take
test, you should enter the University's code 0828, on your answer sheet.
Should you not be able to offer these grades then you should contact
admissions Tutor for further advice.
the
will
this
the
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School
of Health and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and
electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want
to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss
work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training
sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your
assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and Programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Page 9 of 12
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your Programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
Programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
The School has a Women’s Engineering Society named FAIRER (Females Actively
Involved in Rewarding Engineering Roles). It provides a social network support to all
students.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The
Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing
a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes
and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive
seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their
programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development
Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources
available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to
find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
Page 10 of 12
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
Learner Development Unit
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where
you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need,
whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues.
For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via
email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
The Admissions Office
School of Engineering and Informatics
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
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UK
Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 234567
http://www.brad.ac.uk/Programmes/ http://www.eng.brad.ac.uk/home
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and Programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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