Why we rebranded our MSc in Process Systems Engineering to MSc in Advanced Process Engineering?

As you may have read in my previous article that answered the question 'what is process engineering?', process engineering is a broad research area that tackles the most pertinent global challenges faced by our civilisation, such climate crisis or water availability. Overall, one may say that process engineering focuses on the transformation of raw materials into useful products. 

Process Systems Engineering (PSE) is usually associated with conceptual design and synthesis of complex production processes and application of computer-aided tools for their simulation, control and optimisation. Until I took over the course as the academic lead, the course curriculum has been geared towards the petrochemical and Oil&Gas industry. This industry relies heavily on the fundamental principles of process engineering, including heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, chemical and phase equilibrium. Because of Cranfield's industrial focus and extensive collaborations, we've got a massive number of case studies and examples that demonstrate the application of process engineering principles in these industries. Therefore, these materials used to be adapted for teaching purposes. 

I agree that the curriculum tailored towards the petrochemical and Oil&Gas industries enables the development of the relevant process engineering skills and knowledge. However, as the process engineers, we also need to recognise the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of our industrial activities, from the very beginning of the process design cycle. Moreover, because of the flexible skillset and broad applicability of the process engineering principles, process engineers can work across many industries of our economy. This includes energy and power, nuclear, chemical, petrochemical, water, food and drink, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Nowadays, we're observing the increased industrial commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and entrepreneurial activity to support the development of the circular economy. Therefore, we have decided to focus the course curriculum on solving global challenges via process engineering. This is because the process engineers are increasingly responsible for the design and development of innovative technologies that both generate profit to their organisations and have a net-zero environmental impact. Therefore, to clearly articulate the new focus of the course and emphasise its applied nature, we've decided to rebrand it to the MSc in Advanced Process Engineering. 

The new curriculum relies on the process design cycle that includes:

- process design and feasibility assessment,

- risk and reliability assessment, 

- design of instrumentation and control strategies, and 

- environmental impact assessments to ensure process sustainability.

Moreover, our innovative approach to applied learning will enable you to go through the entire process design cycle during your course. For example, you'll need to ensure the processes you design are reliable and safe to operate, don't cause any harm to people or the environment. You'll also need to scope, plan and lead projects, ensuring their delivery is compliant with relevant codes of conduct. 

What's more important, our new applied curriculum draws heavily from our research activities in sustainability and decarbonisation areas, as well as engagement with our industrial contacts. Therefore, through Cranfield experience, you'll not only get relevant process engineering knowledge, but you'll get to develop proper research and industrial experience. You'll also have opportunities to directly engage with industry and work on applied projects – these can help you to progress directly into an exciting career in process engineering! 

I trust you understand our reasons for rebranding the course now and I'm more than happy to discuss this in more detail. Just get in touch with me via email or LinkedIn!

_________________________

Dr Dawid Hanak is Senior Lecturer in Energy and Process Engineering and Course Director for MSc in Advanced Process Engineering at Cranfield University. He is a chartered engineer, a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and a Fellow of Higher Education Academy. For any enquiries, he is happy to be contacted via email or LinkedIn.