Triangle

Course overview

Grow your future here with us

This is the place that gives you the skills to work for global companies, an exciting growing industry, and a vital cog in the steps towards stemming the climate crisis.

Who is this course for?

The possibilities and potential going forward for food engineering is incredible. Major food companies are all global companies, this is a course that opens doors to a growing and impactful industry. For engineers with an interest in the food and drink industry, global employment opportunities, and a background in process engineering.

What knowledge will I gain?

This course will give you the theoretical and practical knowledge needed in the food industry. Your learning will combine relevant industrial training and experience. This will help you on the path towards becoming a chartered engineer. The course offers you access to an accredited masters level degree, which is an educational requirement for Chartered Engineer status.

Why should I choose University of Nottingham?

Food Process Engineering at Nottingham has a long history of collaboration with industry. Our graduates consistently gain top jobs with major companies. This course equips students with a solid understanding of food process engineering. Providing transferable skills for the development of food processes and products.

Our graduates have gone on to work for the following companies: Nestle, Protolan, May Park, Cargill, Mars, Quorn, Coca-Cola, Pepsi.

We are the 2nd most targeted university by top employers in the UK and have been in the top 10 since 2013. We offer many industry visits with this course. We are top 10 in the UK for Chemical and Environmental engineering.

Why choose this course?

2nd

most targeted university by top employers in the UK, and have been in the top 10 since 2013

2nd

highest in the UK for female engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation.

UK's new student visa

also known as the post study work visa scheme allows international students, post MSc qualification, to work in the UK for a period of two years. Three years for PHD students.

10th

in The Guardian University Guide 2023 for Chemical and Environmental Engineering

The Guardian University Guide 2023

8th

in the Complete University Guide for Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Complete University Guide 2024

Top 10

in the UK for Chemical and Environmental Engineering

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide

Course content

This course follows a modular structure, with students completing 180 credits over a 12-month period. Students will complete:

  • 90 credits of core modules
  • 30 credit development project providing skills in advanced design practice
  • 60 credit summer project which develops skills in research

The course utilises an integrated approach in which lectures, seminars, laboratories and information technology form key elements.

We provide English-language support from the Centre for English Language Education (CELE), including: in-class support, a technical writing course designed specifically to support our summer project, and one-to-one English tuition on request.  CELE are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

Modules

All students must take the following core modules:

Accelerated Design Training (Autumn & Spring) 30 credits

The aim of this module is to help our graduates gain the necessary skills-set required for process engineering design and project management skills for future career development; be it Chemical, Environmental or Food. Student-led under the guidance of an academics who are all industrial specialists with extensive experience working for chemical, environmental and food manufacturing companies. Workshops and lectures are held by department staff in key areas. AutoCAD instruction is also provided. Regular mentoring sessions by an appointed team tutor to support your group work.

Modern engineering is not just motivated by profit and productivity, we must make decisions considering the technical, safety, economic and sustainability aspects, and these four factors will form the basis of our design. The focus of your process project is multi-disciplinary and rooted in “cutting-edge” research taking place around the world.

Assessment: 100% coursework

Coursework 1 (30%) Conceptual group design task

Coursework 2 (70%) Detailed group design task

Viva and Team peer assessment to compute individual marks

Advanced Rheology and Materials (autumn) 10 credits

The module gives the student a detailed introduction to the fascinating world of non-Newtonian fluids. We will cover the different mathematical techniques used to understand and characterise these materials and cover the instruments required to measure them. Each week features a two hours of lectures and an hour-long problem class.

Food Processing (autumn) 10 credits

This module gives the students an introduction to industrial scale food processing. A $12 trillion industry that represents greater than 10% of global consumer spending and 40% of employment. Topics covered included: Food structure, food safety and hygiene, freezing, baking, frying, separation, drying and packaging. There is a large amount of industrial context with several guest lectures delivered by industrial engineers working within the fast-growing food and drink sector.

Assessment: 100% exam

Research Planning (spring) 10 credits

The module develops the skills required to design, plan, implement and manage a research project. Students will be given instruction and practice in problem definition; collection, synthesis and critical review of information from a range of traditional and electronic sources; definition of scope, aims and objectives; development of a project plan and schedule; management of project progress.

Particular emphasis of the module is towards quality control and quality assurance and how these underpin measurement activities. The use of statistics for the assessment of data quality in measurement is also emphasised. Students will also develop their writing and practical skills through exercises and coursework.

Assessment: 100% individual coursework

Coursework 1 (70%) 3,000-word laboratory report

Coursework 2 (30%) 1,000-word critical review

Multiphase Systems (spring) 10 credits

This module will identify the industrial occurrence of the simultaneous flow of more than one phase and highlight the implications for design. It will establish the principles of flow and heat transfer in gas/liquid systems.

Assessment: 30% individual coursework, 70% exam

Research and Design Project (summer) 60 credits

This module provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a substantial personal project appropriate to their interests.

It will normally take the form of a scientific investigation, whether it involves experimentation or an extensive review of work already completed by others.

Typically (but not exclusively) it will include the following:

  • Project definition and aim (choice of subject is at the discretion of the convenor).
  • Literature review
  • Practical experimentation/investigation
  • Critical analysis of findings
  • Presentation of results

Method and Frequency of Class: Tutorial sessions as appropriate throughout the summer period. A typical average period of two weeks between tutorials is expected. Tutorials may be for individuals or small groups locally arranged with supervisor.

Method of Assessment: Dissertation, typically 10,000-20,000 words (100%).

The project area is flexible and will be supervised by an academic member of staff. MSc Students chose a theme from the following:

  • Energy Engineering 
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Sustainable Process Engineering
  • Biochemical Engineering

Projects are then allocated within these themes.

Previous projects have included:

  • Heavy metals removal from drinking water
  • Microbial fuel cells
  • Carbon dioxide capture technologies
  • Removal of pharmaceuticals during wastewater treatment
  • Nanobots for contaminated land remediation
  • Advanced measurement techniques for bubble columns

Additional core modules: These vary based on the applicant background conditions outlined below

Students who have not studied their first degree at University of Nottingham must also take:

Water Treatment (autumn) 10 credits

This module introduces students to a range of knowledge and skills applicable to water and wastewater treatment. Students will gain an understanding in water availability, sources of pollution and the legislative framework for water quality from an EU perspective. Municipal water and wastewater treatment processes will be covered, focusing on key unit processes including sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. The module will also be supported by 2 site visits.

Assessment: 100% exam

Biochemical Engineering (autumn) 10 credits

This module covers underpinning aspects for bio-processing technologies including: an overview of microbes, including structure, function, kinetics and components; metabolism and biomolecules; microbial technology including industrial biosafety and reactor systems; and industrial enzyme biocatalyst technologies with applications.

Assessment: 100% exam

Advanced Computational Methods (spring) 10 credits

This module includes an introduction to Matlab Programming: writing code for modelling engineering systems; script files, arrays, loops, if statements, functions, plotting; application to Finite Difference and Monte Carlo modelling methods.

Advanced features of HYSYS:

  • using the dynamics package to simulate (a) fluid flow in tanks in series (b) the control of a separator drum;
  • students devising their own steady-state question.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 12 weeks 1 week 3 hours

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 2 60.00 Written report on student's Hysys simulations. c.10 pages including text and computer output.
Coursework 1 40.00 Written report on student's Matlab program. c.10 pages including text and computer output.
Process Risk Benefit and Analysis (spring) 10 credits

In this module, you form a small start-up business based on the development of new technologies and work in teams to develop technological applications, assess market opportunities, explore competitor technologies, evaluate and consider risks—and then develop a full business case for specific technologies in specific market areas. Classes will revolve around group clinics/consultancy sessions, Q&A, lectures and guest lectures and two presentation sessions to a panel of ‘dragons’.

Assessment: 100% group coursework

Water Treatment Engineering (spring) 10 credits

This module will concentrate on water treatment technologies covering those applicable to both the treatment of wastewater and the treatment of water for potable (drinking water) use. The beginning of the module will review current practice and scientific principles in water treatment.

Case Studies across the water industry will be utilised to demonstrate problems and potential solutions and gain an understanding of design considerations and operation of water treatment processes. Emerging issues in water treatment and the developing technologies to address these issues will be presented. Guest speakers from industry and 2 site visits will support the module delivery. 

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Field 2 weeks 1 week 6 hours
Lecture 12 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Tutorial 12 weeks 1 week 1 hour

The 2 site visits (field trips) will replace 2 of the scheduled 2 hour lecture sessions.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 30.00 Individual report, Max 2,000 words
Exam 1 70.00 2 hour examination

Students who have studied BEng Chemical Engineering at University of Nottingham will instead take:

Water Treatment (autumn) 10 credits

This module introduces students to a range of knowledge and skills applicable to water and wastewater treatment. Students will gain an understanding in water availability, sources of pollution and the legislative framework for water quality from an EU perspective. Municipal water and wastewater treatment processes will be covered, focusing on key unit processes including sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. The module will also be supported by 2 site visits.

Assessment: 100% exam

Air Pollution 1 (autumn) 10 credits

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of air pollution problems. It includes a categorisation of the types of natural and anthropogenic air pollution sources, sinks, and the effects that air pollutants may produce within natural and manmade environments. You’ll learn about the processes of selection and design of pollutant monitoring and control technologies that may be applied to control atmospheric emissions from industrial processes.

Assessment: 100% exam

Advanced Computational Methods (spring) 10 credits

This module includes an introduction to Matlab Programming: writing code for modelling engineering systems; script files, arrays, loops, if statements, functions, plotting; application to Finite Difference and Monte Carlo modelling methods.

Advanced features of HYSYS:

  • using the dynamics package to simulate (a) fluid flow in tanks in series (b) the control of a separator drum;
  • students devising their own steady-state question.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 12 weeks 1 week 3 hours

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 2 60.00 Written report on student's Hysys simulations. c.10 pages including text and computer output.
Coursework 1 40.00 Written report on student's Matlab program. c.10 pages including text and computer output.
Process Risk Benefit and Analysis (spring) 10 credits

In this module, you form a small start-up business based on the development of new technologies and work in teams to develop technological applications, assess market opportunities, explore competitor technologies, evaluate and consider risks—and then develop a full business case for specific technologies in specific market areas. Classes will revolve around group clinics/consultancy sessions, Q&A, lectures and guest lectures and two presentation sessions to a panel of ‘dragons’.

Assessment: 100% group coursework

Water Treatment Engineering (spring) 10 credits

This module will concentrate on water treatment technologies covering those applicable to both the treatment of wastewater and the treatment of water for potable (drinking water) use. The beginning of the module will review current practice and scientific principles in water treatment.

Case Studies across the water industry will be utilised to demonstrate problems and potential solutions and gain an understanding of design considerations and operation of water treatment processes. Emerging issues in water treatment and the developing technologies to address these issues will be presented. Guest speakers from industry and 2 site visits will support the module delivery. 

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Field 2 weeks 1 week 6 hours
Lecture 12 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Tutorial 12 weeks 1 week 1 hour

The 2 site visits (field trips) will replace 2 of the scheduled 2 hour lecture sessions.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 30.00 Individual report, Max 2,000 words
Exam 1 70.00 2 hour examination

Students who have studied BEng Chemical with Environmental Engineering or Environmental Engineering at University of Nottingham will instead take:

Biochemical Engineering (autumn) 10 credits

This module covers underpinning aspects for bio-processing technologies including: an overview of microbes, including structure, function, kinetics and components; metabolism and biomolecules; microbial technology including industrial biosafety and reactor systems; and industrial enzyme biocatalyst technologies with applications.

Assessment: 100% exam

Industrial Process Analysis (autumn) 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of how process, hygiene and material characteristics influence the total transformation design of chemical process plants via analysis of exemplar plant designs. 

You'll learn how to assess the basis for safe process design and selection of construction materials. Demonstrate what influence whole system thinking, total life-cycle and critical analysis have upon the basis of process designs and influence process economics. Explain control choices, evaluate interactive risk and understand the potential influence of that environmental impact and societal opinion has upon process design.

Assessment: 100% exam

Advanced Computational Methods (spring) 10 credits

The module is designed to give you experience of advanced software applications in chemical engineering, and their potential application to research projects. You will learn how to use advanced features of HYSYS, including the optimiser for (a) a two-stage compressor (b) an economic assessment of a refrigeration process; and the dynamics package to simulate (a) fluid flow in tanks in series (b) the control of a separator drum.

Assessment: 100% individual coursework

Process Risk Benefit and Analysis (spring) 10 credits

In this module, you form a small start-up business based on the development of new technologies and work in teams to develop technological applications, assess market opportunities, explore competitor technologies, evaluate and consider risks—and then develop a full business case for specific technologies in specific market areas. Classes will revolve around group clinics/consultancy sessions, Q&A, lectures and guest lectures and two presentation sessions to a panel of ‘dragons’.

Assessment: 100% group coursework

Water Treatment Engineering (spring) 10 credits

This module will concentrate on water treatment technologies covering those applicable to both the treatment of wastewater and the treatment of water for potable (drinking water) use. The beginning of the module will review current practice and scientific principles in water treatment.

Case Studies across the water industry will be utilised to demonstrate problems and potential solutions and gain an understanding of design considerations and operation of water treatment processes. Emerging issues in water treatment and the developing technologies to address these issues will be presented. Guest speakers from industry and 2 site visits will support the module delivery. 

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Field 2 weeks 1 week 6 hours
Lecture 12 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Tutorial 12 weeks 1 week 1 hour

The 2 site visits (field trips) will replace 2 of the scheduled 2 hour lecture sessions.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 30.00 Individual report, Max 2,000 words
Exam 1 70.00 2 hour examination
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 27 July 2023.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Lab sessions
  • Group study
  • Practical classes
  • Independent study
  • Self-study
  • Tutorials

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Group coursework
  • Presentation
  • Research project

You will be assessed through a variety of ways, relating to the module learning outcomes and activities. You must pass each module with at least 50% to progress.

Contact time and study hours

On average, you will have up to 30 contact hours a week. This include lectures, practicals, meeting with project supervisors and personal tutors. Combined with coursework and self-study, you may spend over 50 hours a week on your studies. Class sizes depends on the nature of the module (e.g., compulsory or optional) and can be  between 50-100.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants with a high 2.2 (or international equivalent) may be considered.
Work experience

Applicants who do not meet the entry criteria, but have significant work industry experience may be accepted on to the programme.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £11,850
International £28,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you could factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have gone on to work for the following companies:

  • Nestle
  • Protolan
  • May Park
  • Cargill
  • Mars
  • Quorn
  • Coca-Cola
  • Pepsi
  • Pfizer
  • Greggs
  • Briggs
  • Integrated food projects limited
  • Pentadel Project Management
  • Mondelez International
  • 2 sisters food group

Food Process Engineering at Nottingham has a long history of collaboration with industry. Our graduates consistently gain top jobs with major companies. This course equips students with a solid understanding of food process engineering. Providing transferable skills for the development of food processes and products.

This programme can provide a strong foundation for further study at PhD level, and the pursuit of a career in research.

Career progression

100% of postgraduates from the School of Chemical Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £34,125.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

This course is accredited by the IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers)

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)

This course is accredited by the IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining).

We have a dedicated staff in the department to work with the Careers and Employability and Industrial Placements Teams, helping support our students to find summer and graduate jobs.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
Play video

Food Process Engineering at UoN

Discover more about our Food Process Engineering MSc from students and our academics.

This content was last updated on Thursday 27 July 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.