Molecular Engineering MRes

A researcher in a molecular science lab.
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Molecular Engineering

Develop the cross-disciplinary expertise to work on exciting challenges at the interface of science and engineering.

Develop the cross-disciplinary knowledge to work on exciting challenges at the interface of science and engineering

Build your modelling and simulation skills to assess the relationship between experiments, models and the design of molecular systems

Gain real-world experience through a six-month hands-on project in collaboration with an industrial partner

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in Engineering or Physical Sciences

View full entry requirements

Course overview

The challenges facing today’s world need STEM graduates able to work in multidisciplinary teams, at the interface of science and engineering.

Challenges such as climate change, developing green energy technologies, improving health and wellbeing, addressing plastic pollution, and making better medicines.

You will receive truly cross-disciplinary training – taught by world-leading researchers from multiple departments, through interactive, small-group classes.

You'll learn to combine skills in chemistry, physics, and materials science with chemical engineering principles to tackle global challenges.

Through taught modules and coursework exercises, you will study how to design, synthesise, measure, model and manufacture molecules, materials and devices – from the molecular to the systems scale.

You will apply these new skills to a real-world problem during your six-month cross-disciplinary research project, in close collaboration with industry (or a healthcare provider or charity).

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 all of these core modules.

Core modules

The heart of this MRes programme is a six-month multidisciplinary collaborative research project. All projects are undertaken in collaboration with an external partner, such as an industry, healthcare provider, or museum. Your project will be tailored to your interests and skills and supported by two Imperial academics from different specialisms. You’ll typically have the opportunity to undertake a sponsored research placement or visits to your collaboration partner. Your project will be assessed at various stages, including a critical literature review and project proposal, an oral presentation, a short report, and a final poster. 

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Traditional and flipped lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Workshops and case studies
  • Computational exercises
  • Lab work
  • A person studying independently
    Individual project work
  • Seminars
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Cohort learning

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Exams

  • 64% Coursework
  • 23% Practical
  • 13% Exams

Assessment methods

  • Independent project work
  • Problem sheets
  • Oral presentations
  • Person making a presentation
    Poster presentations
  • Lab reports
  • Literature reviews
  • Papers from a written report
    Written reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

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

£18,000

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£42,500

Scholarships

Molecular Science and Engineering Masters Scholarship

Value per award

  • £10,000 towards tuition fees

Who it's for

  • Offer-holders from under-represented groups, typically with First Class Hons or equivalent in their undergraduate degree
Find out more

Dr Theo George Wilson Scholarship

Value per award

  • £10,000 towards tuition fees

Who it's for

  • Offer-holders from under-represented groups, typically with First Class Hons or equivalent in their undergraduate degree
Find out more

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Molecular engineering

Gain analytical and research skills to work in multiple disciplines.

Lightbulb

Potential career paths include research in industry or academia, or working in consultancy, policy and regulation, finance, or teaching.

Lightbulb with graduate cap inside

With cross-disciplinary knowledge and industrial experience, you'll be highly sough after in a range of sectors.

Power plant

These include biotech, pharma, the chemical industry, home and personal care, food, etc, and range from small start-ups to large multinational companies.

Testimonials

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