COURSE CURRICULUM

The taught stage of the MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering programme at Aston University provides a structured 120-credit curriculum designed to integrate core chemical engineering principles with advanced sustainability, biotechnology and decarbonisation concepts. Students begin with Aston Global Advantage, which supports professional development, employability and leadership skills, alongside Engineering Project Management, which focuses on planning, executing and managing complex engineering projects within industrial and sustainability contexts. Life Cycle Analysis and Circular Economy introduces methods for evaluating the environmental impact of products and processes across their entire lifecycle, promoting resource efficiency and sustainable system design. The Interdisciplinary Design Project encourages collaborative, problem-solving approaches to real-world sustainability challenges, integrating knowledge from multiple engineering and scientific disciplines. Sustainable Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Design develops the ability to design efficient and environmentally responsible chemical and biochemical processes. Pathways to Net Zero focuses on strategies for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning industrial systems towards sustainable, low-carbon operations. Downstream Processing for Biotechnology Products explores techniques used to separate, purify and refine biological products in industrial biotechnology, while Advanced Bioenergy Technologies examines renewable energy production from biological sources and their role in sustainable energy systems. Together, these modules provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation combining chemical engineering, biotechnology and environmental sustainability. The programme prepares students to design and manage sustainable industrial processes, contribute to decarbonisation efforts and develop innovative solutions for energy, chemical and bioprocess industries, equipping graduates for careers in sustainability-focused engineering sectors and advanced research roles.