Course Description:
The
MSc in Biofuels Process Engineering has been carefully structured to equip talented engineers of the highest standard with an advanced understanding and practical experience of employing biofuel research and advanced process technology within the wider bioenergy industry. Currently no other university in the UK offers a dedicated MSc course in Biofuels Process Engineering. This MSc provides you with the training and knowledge skill set that employers actively seek in a desirable engineering graduate. We recognise the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, as such the compulsory modules and course contents have been carefully developed to meet the engineering skill shortage currently faced within industry. Upon successful completion you will possess unique multidisciplinary skills required to design, optimise, and manage bioenergy and biofuel process applications.
Start Months:
October
Full Time/ Part Time:
Full-time/Part-time
School:
SWEE
Theme:
Energy and Power
Entry Requirements:
A first or second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) ideally in a related subject. Other recognised professional qualifications or several years relevant industrial experience may be accepted as equivalent; subject to approval by the Course Director. For further and specific information please visit the course page.
English Language:
If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. The minimum standard expected from a number of accepted courses are as follows:
IELTS - 6.5
TOEFL - 92
Pearson PTE Academic - 65
Cambridge English Scale - 180
Cambridge English: Advanced - C
Cambridge English: Proficiency - C
In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low. We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date). Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking a IELTS for UKVI test.
Duration:
Full-time MSc - one year, Part-time MSc - up to three years
Course Format:
Overview:
Consolidation of the Biobased Economy requires new routes for sustainable production of bioenergy and biofuels. This course will give students advanced knowledge and skills to respond to the rapidly growing and dynamic bioenergy sector.
Who is it for?:
Our MSc in Biofuels Process Engineering equips you with advanced knowledge and skills to address the challenges of the rapidly growing and dynamic bioenergy sector. The course covers the sustainable production of heat, power and fuels from biomass within the biorefining framework. The programme considers both well-established processes such as biomass combustion and production of first generation biofuels; and emerging technologies such as biomass pyrolysis and second and third generation of biofuels.
Why this course?:
Currently no other university in the UK offers a dedicated MSc course in Biofuels Process Engineering. This MSc provides you with the training and knowledge skill set that employers actively seek in a desirable engineering graduate. We recognise the importance of an interdisciplinary approach; as such the compulsory modules and course contents have been carefully developed to meet the engineering skill shortage currently faced within industry. Upon successful completion you will possess unique multidisciplinary skills required to design, optimise and manage bioenergy and biofuel process applications. Knowledge and understanding are further enhanced by seminars that are delivered by invited industrial or academic experts and site visits.
There are also numerous benefits associated with undertaking a postgraduate programme of study here. These include:
- Undertaking projects in consultation with industry, government and its agencies, local authorities and consultants
- Lecturing from leading academics as well as industrial practitioners
- Dedicated support for off-campus learners including extensive information resources managed by our library.
Your teaching team:
You will be taught by experienced Cranfield’s leading expects including:
- Dr Beatriz Fidalgo - Lecturer in Clean Energy Technology
- Dr Raffaella Villa - Senior Lecturer in Biopress Technology
- Dr Stuart Wagland - Lecturer in Renewable Energy from Waste
- Dr Giorgos Kopanos - Lecturer in Process Systems Engineering
- Dr Yi Cao - Reader
Course details:
The taught programme is delivered from October to February and is comprised of eight compulsory modules. The modules are delivered over one week of intensive delivery with the later part of the module being free from structured teaching to allow time for more independent learning and reflection. Students on the part-time programme will complete all of the compulsory modules based on a flexible schedule that will be agreed with the Course Director.
Individual project:
The individual research project allows students to investigate deeper into an area of specific interest. It is very common for industrial partners to put forward real world problems or areas of development as potential research project topics. The individual research project component takes place between May and September.
If agreed with the Course Director, part-time students have the opportunity to undertake projects in collaboration with their place of work, which would be supported by academic supervision.
Individual research projects undertaken may involve feasibility assessments, reviews, practical evaluations, designs, simulations, and experimental investigations.
Previous individual research projects include:
- Design of a lab scale setup for Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) of Isochorysis and Pavlova, algae species and analysis of the products obtained from the process
- Comparison of microalgae biomass production using organic manure and anaerobic digestate organic fertilisers as nutrient sources
- Algem™ - Developing multi-parametric simulations of global microalgae productivity
- Developing a technology platform for large scale ultrasonic-assisted extraction of chemicals from olive mill waste
- Design and simulation of a process plant to obtain jet fuel from microalgae biomass
- Techno-economic analysis of hydrogen production from steam gasification of fast pyrolysis bio-oil
- Co-upgrading of heavy oil and bio-oil: synergies and challenges of the technology.
Assessment:
Taught Modules 40%, Group Project 20%, Individual Research Project 40%
Core modules:
- Management for Technology: Energy
- Waste treatment and resource management: Biological Processes
- Biofuels and Biorefining
- Energy from Biomass and Waste: Thermochemical Processes
- Evaluating Sustainability
- Process Plant Operations
- Advanced Control Systems
- Process Design and Simulation
Funding Opportunities:
To help students in finding and securing appropriate funding we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs.
Bursaries may be available, however please be aware that funding will, in most cases, only be discussed once you have secured a firm offer of a place on the course. Sources of funding can be obtained from bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC). Details of each prospective student’s financial position will be discussed and appropriate advice given during a selection interview. Please contact the Enquiries Office for further details.
Prestige Scholarship:
The Prestige Scholarship provides funding of up to £11,000 to cover up to £9k fees and a potential contribution to living expenses. This scholarship has been designed to attract exceptional candidates to Cranfield University so we welcome applications from UK or EU graduates with a first-class honours undergraduate degree. Prestige Scholarships are available for all MSc courses in the Water, Energy and Environment themes.
Merit MSc Bursary:
The Merit MSc Bursary provides funding of up to £5,000 towards tuition fees. Applicants should be UK or EU graduates with a first class honours, 2:1 honours or in exceptional circumstances 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Merit MSc Bursaries are available for all MSc courses in the Water, Energy and Environment themes.
International MSc Bursary:
The International MSc Bursary provides funding of up to £5,000 towards tuition fees. Applicants should be from outside the EU with a first class honours or upper second class honours undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. International MSc Bursaries are available for all MSc courses in the Water, Energy and Environment themes.
Cranfield Postgraduate Loan Scheme (CPLS)
The Cranfield Postgraduate Loan Scheme (CPLS) is a funding programme providing affordable tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time UK/EU students studying technology-based MSc courses.
Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia)
Cranfield offers competitive scholarships for Mexican students in conjunction with Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) in science, technology and engineering
Your career:
Industry driven research makes our graduates some of the most desirable in the world for recruitment by companies competing in the bioenergy sector. Biofuels are rapidly growing in the renewable bioenergy arena with a clear shortage of the required skill base around the world. Graduates from this course will be equipped with the advanced interdisciplinary skills required to design, optimise and evaluate the technical and economic viability of renewable biofuel energy. Certainly, these interdisciplinary skills are also necessary for graduates who may wish to take a management career route in the bioenergy industry
