2025-26 entry

Environmental and Energy Engineering MSc(Eng)

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

This course blends theory and practice to equip you with the skills you need to work in the environment and energy sectors. You’ll be taught by experts and can tailor the course to suit your needs.
  • Start date
    September 2025
  • Duration
    1 year
  • Attendance
    Full-time

Explore this course:

    Apply now for 2025 entry or register your interest to find out about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.

    Chemical and Biological Engineering postgraduate in lab wearing goggles

    Course description

    Going green is more than just a fashionable phase. In a world of finite resources going through a population explosion, much effort is being made to change the way in which developed societies consume energy and materials and dispose of waste.

    This MSc was born from the necessity for the next generation of engineers and scientists to be aware of the issues surrounding this sensitive and often controversial field.

    You’ll be taught by staff that are actively involved with and working in this field. You’ll become a member of a leading research-active school and part of one of the largest and most successful engineering facilities in the UK.

    You’ll earn a degree that commands respect nationally and internationally from industry and academia alike.

    Accreditation

    We are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

    Modules

    A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Core modules:

    Introduction to Fuels and Energy

    The module covers the following topics:- Introduction to energy: sources, history, classifications, units

    - Primary energy - Introduction to coal

    - Primary energy - Introduction to oil and natural gas

    - Primary energy conversion - heat to power

    - Introduction to electrical systems and energy carriers

    - Primary electricity - nuclear

    - Energy end use - transport

    - Introduction to combustion processes I

    - Introduction to combustion processes II

    - Energy futures

    15 credits
    Applied Energy Engineering

    Applied Energy Engineering comprises three experiments: coal characterisation, gas boiler efficiency and renewable energy. The main objectives of this module are (a) experimental studies of some of the energy principles that chemical engineering is relying on and (b) development of skills for collecting and interpreting data and draw conclusions. In addition, collecting and reviewing literature concerning a particular experiment is also essential for this module. After each experiment you will write a laboratory report, which is guided by these principles and finally apply the data and knowledge to suggest an open-ended design for an energy system for an urban scenario.

    15 credits
    Environmental Engineering

    The module will have three main focus areas: air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. The module will prepare you for tackling pollution problems, both in terms of methods for preventing the pollution from occurring in the first place and with methods for remediation of polluted sites in the environment.

    15 credits
    Energy Systems and Management

    The module provides a broad study of conventional and renewable Energy Systems and an advanced knowledge of selected emerging energy technologies. It develops practical skills and confidence in carrying out energy management tasks such as conducting an energy audit.

    15 credits
    Systems for Sustainability

    This module introduces sustainability relevant to the environmental impact of chemical processes and industry. The module covers the concepts of systems analysis by introducing systems-level thinking. Tools to examine process sustainability will be included such as life cycle analysis and circular economy.

    15 credits
    Research Project

    The application of scientific and engineering principles to a solution for practical problems of engineering systems and processes is developed throughout the course and demonstrated in particular by the research project. Each student registered for the Masters degree in 'Energy and Environmental Engineering' and in 'Energy Engineering with Industrial Management' is required to complete a research-based portfolio. The research project is worth 60 credits. This is the most important individual module in the course, assessing the student's ability to conduct research on an individual level, also including group aspects when applicable. The topic for study is selected in consultation with appropriate members of the teaching staff, from a list of projects offered alongside the research interests of academic supervisors in the department. You will choose a research project that best fits your own interests and conduct unique and original research in that area. Projects vary from industrially-based problem solving to laboratory- or computational-based research and development of new processes or ideas. The research portfolio is a major part of the degree and you will be allocated an academic supervisor who provides advice and guidance throughout the period of study. Opportunities exist for research studies to be carried out in collaboration with other university research centres, as well as industrial organisations. Furthermore, you will have the chance to conduct your research project as part of a team of other students on your course, where each student will focus on different aspects of the project. You will present your project as portfolio consisting of a Technical Review (submitted individually or as a team if working on a team project) and a Dissertation (submitted individually in every case). The dissertation will include a lay summary to communicate to a variety of audiences. You will also be required to present your research work as a poster presentation during the academic year.

    60 credits

    Optional modules - examples include:

    Petroleum Engineering

    This module gives an overview of current and future technology for the oil and gas industry. It includes the origins of petroleum and its refining, as well as introduction to biofuels.
    This module covers:
    - the origins, types and quality of refinery feedstock and products
    - detailed analysis of various sections of petroleum processing in refineries
    - introduction to advanced topics in petrochemical engineering such as catalyst development, desulphurisation, pollution control and hydrogen production
    - details on key biofuels and their strategic importance and the technological challenges of viable large scale production

    15 credits
    Low Carbon Energy Science and Technology

    Low carbon technologies are an essential requirement if the world's energy needs are to be met without causing irreversible changes to the planet's climate. This module will cover why there is a need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world's energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies that aim to meet this need will be introduced and then a select number will be studied in more detail. The aim of the module is to enable the student to make critical assessments of the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages.

    15 credits
    Nuclear Reactor Engineering

    The module provides an introduction to the theory and practical aspects of nuclear reactors for power (electricity) production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release, as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The module aims to provide students with a clear grasp of the aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The module will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.

    15 credits
    Bioresources and Bioprocessing (PGT)

    This module provides an overview of bioresources and their applications in the bioeconomy. The different types of bioresources, their characteristics and how that affects their applications will be discussed. Technologies, including chemical and biochemical methods, that are used for processing bioresources will be explored. Production of bioenergy from bioresources will be discussed.

    15 credits
    Electrochemical Engineering

    This module covers three key topics:
    1.Fundamentals of electrochemical kinetics and thermodynamics
    2. Electrical and mass transport and electrochemical characterisation
    3. Energy storage and conversion – fuel cells, batteries & supercapacitors

    15 credits

    ATAS applicants: copy module titles to clipboard

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    Interested in postgraduate taught study? Register your interest in studying at Sheffield or attend an event throughout the year to find out what makes studying at here special.

    Duration

    1 year full-time

    Teaching

    We use lectures, tutorials and project work. All your tutors are actively involved in research and consultancy in their field.

    Assessment

    Assessment is by formal examinations, continuous assessment and a research project.

    School

    School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

    World-leading research and teaching underpin everything in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. Our academic teams tackle global challenges across chemical, materials, energy and biological engineering, from sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing to pharmaceuticals, bioprocessing and process safety.

    Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, including analytics labs, thermodynamics labs and bioprocessing suites. The industry-scale pilot plant – the first continuous powder processing plant of its kind in the UK – provides invaluable hands-on experience with processes and equipment used in industry.

    Our research-led approach ensures students learn alongside academics conducting world-class work in areas such as sustainable energy, environment, biomanufacturing, process safety and pharmaceutical engineering. Strong collaborations with leading global companies, including Siemens, Pfizer, Nestlé, Lonza, AstraZeneca, Syngenta, and Unilever - ensure our programmes remain at the forefront of industrial practice and emerging technologies.

    Our work spans sustainability priorities, including decarbonising industrial processes, pioneering low-energy manufacturing, and advancing bioprocessing and pharmaceutical production. The University leads in areas such as industrial-scale pilot plant operations, bioprocessing, additive manufacturing and advanced materials development, making tangible impact through collaborations with industry and global research partners.

    Graduates leave Sheffield equipped with the technical expertise, analytical skills and practical experience needed to innovate, lead and deliver solutions. Across all our courses, we nurture creative, forward-looking engineers ready to make a tangible impact on industries and communities worldwide.

    Student profiles

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.

    Subject requirements

    We accept degrees in the following subject areas: 

    Any Engineering, Science or Technology discipline.

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

    The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only.  Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Funding

    SSE Richard Walton Postgraduate Scholarships

    We're offering two scholarships worth £10,000 each for home fee-paying students starting this course in 2025.

    Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply for a Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) Richard Walton scholarship

    Alumni discount

    Save up to £2,500 on your course fees

    Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Contact

    Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

    Contacts for prospective students

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.