Catalysis: Chemistry and Engineering MRes

Researchers from the Catalysis & Advanced Materials Research Group
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Catalysis: Chemistry and Engineering

Advance your understanding of chemical transformations and how to tackle challenges in the field of catalysis.

Advance your understanding of chemical transformations and how to tackle challenges in the field of catalysis.

Gain first-hand insights from leading employers at the forefront of green technology developments.

Apply your research skills across an extensive nine-month project.

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MRes

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £14,900 Home

    • £41,300 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • White City

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in chemistry or chemical engineering

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Build your appreciation of how catalysis underpins a huge range of modern chemical transformations on this course.

With around 90% of all chemical products produced on a commercial scale involve catalysis, you'll explore how this 'green technology' limits waste and improves selectivity.

Imperial is internationally recognised as a leading centre for catalysis research, with over 30 members of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering departments active in the area.

You'll benefit from this expertise to receive a coherent overview of homogenous, heterogeneous (solid- liquid, solid-gas interface) and (reaction) engineering disciplines.

Training in practical and theoretical skills is provided to help you build towards a career in catalysis research and development. Experts from industry leaders including BP, INEOS and Pfizer deliver some taught elements of this course, opening up opportunities for you to network with future employers.

You'll also explore an area of catalytic research on a nine-month project.

Through this work and taught modules, you'll appraise issues such as scale-up and commercialisation, and the environmental impact of tools and technologies.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take the following core modules.

Core modules

You'll undertake a nine-month research project, which incorporates a research proposal, manuscript, oral exam and oral presentation.

The manuscript will evaluate your skills at presenting, describing and critically discussing your own experimental data.

At the oral presentation, you'll be assessed on your ability to present your research with the help of visual tools in a concise fashion.

You’ll answer questions relevant to your project in the oral examination, which probes your overall understanding of the work and its possible future direction.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Taught modules and project planning
  • Individual research

  • 33% Taught modules and project planning
  • 67% Individual research

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Lab work
  • Computational work
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Group discussions
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Essay and examinations
  • Research proposal
  • Research project

  • 22% Essay and examinations
  • 11% Research proposal
  • 67% Research project

Assessment methods

  • Essay
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Oral exams
  • Presentations
  • Papers from a written report
    Project proposal
  • Manuscript

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£14,900

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£41,300

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Chemistry symbol

Explore international careers in chemistry, chemical engineering, or PhD programmes.

3 People standing together, one with a speech bubble

Industry links make this an excellent program for students pursuing careers in this field.

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Find out what researchers are doing across industries at UK research and development facilities.

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Engage in personal networking with prospective employers.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications