Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
300 ECTS credits
Study programme
As a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, you will use your knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering processes to develop new materials or to develop new sustainable production methods adapted to people and the environment. The combination of chemistry, technology and mathematics will give you the knowledge needed for designing a process from molecule to the full-scale production unit. As a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering you will be able to contribute to creating a sustainable society, for instance by working with development of production processes based on renewable resources. Knowledge of chemical engineering is vital for several global industries, for instance production of forest-based, renewable, biodegradable and recyclable materials that can replace fossil based plastics.
Education level:
Basic level
Prerequisites
General admission requirements and Mathematics 4/E, Physics 2 and Chemistry 1
While studying
Education
You will get a broad knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering during the first three years of the education. Introductory courses of mathematics and science during the first year will prepare you for the more applied courses of chemical engineering during the second and third study years. During the education you will learn how to master a range of engineering tools for setting up and solving problems in chemistry and chemical engineering. Fundamentals will be taught and later applied in industrial or research-oriented projects where co-operation and communication within the project group are important elements. The final two years of the education will bring you close to the research groups and you can for instance choose to study different products from biomass, such as paper, biomaterials or bioenergy.Specializations in the program
In semesters 8 and 9, you have the opportunity to choose between two specializations in the program based on the non-mandatory courses, which gives you the opportunity to design your education yourself.
Forest bioeconomy should give you in-depth knowledge and understanding of bio-based materials and products that are made from forest raw materials. Development of green chemistry and chemical technology should give you the conditions to be able to discuss sustainability, the environment and ethical perspectives. With the forest as a resource, opportunities are given to discuss and develop new innovations.
Course package:
- Bio-based materials and products
- Green chemistry and chemical engineering
- Pulp and paper technology II
- Research internship in chemistry and chemical engineering
- Green entrepreneurship
Pharmaceutical analysis provides in-depth knowledge in chemistry to connect the basic courses in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical and physical chemistry to a profiling in pharmaceuticals which is a cross-disciplinary area. This specialization is read in close collaboration with the bachelor's program in chemistry.
Course package:
- Physical chemistry of macromolecules
- Surfaces, boundary layers and colloids
- Scientific writing and scientific theory in chemistry and chemical engineering
- Medicines - chemical analysis in project form
The majority of teachers are active researchers working in projects with industrial partners. There are good opportunities to take courses for one semester or write you final thesis abroad.
Form of Instruction
Instruction is given in the form of lectures, classes, practices, laboratory work, and as project work under supervision.Examination
Examination generally takes place at the end of each course, module, or unit. There are no set examination periods, and generally no final exam at the end of a semester, an academic year, or a complete study programme.Study Abroad
The University has collaboration in several ways (education and research) with a number of universities around the world. It is recommended for the student to spend some of the time during the education at a university abroad. If you want to take courses abroad, semester 8 or 9 are the most suitable, since these semesters have many optional courses. Another possibility involves thesis work abroad. Contacts can be mediated by teaching staff, study counsellors, and the office of International studies at Karlstad University.Professional Contact
Chemical Engineering has a designated network called BEST where the companies Billerud, Duni Rexcell Tissue, Rottneros och Stora Enso are active partners, as well as Paper Province. During the education, industrial contacts will be a recurring theme, for instance in the form of study visits, guest lectures and projects with high industrial relevance.Course of study
| Semester 1 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Foundation course in Mathematics (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Calculus and Geometry (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Chemical Engineering (Obligatory) | 15 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 2 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Linear Algebra (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Applied Thermodynamics (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Calculus in several variables (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Mechanics with applications 1 (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 3 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Chemical Calculations (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Matter (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Organic Chemistry (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Fluid mechanics (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 4 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Physical Chemistry B (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Chemical reaction engineering (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Material and Environment (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 5 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Electrical Engineering for Master Students in Engineering Science (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Introduction to Business Administration for Engineering Master Students (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Heat and Mass Transfer (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 6 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Solid Mechanics for Engineering Science I for Master students in engineering science (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Chemical Engineering, Bachelor Thesis (Elective) | 15 |
| Project in process engineering (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Separation Processes (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Stochastic Methods (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30*
| Semester 7 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Forest bioeconomy - processes, energy and products (Obligatory) | 15 |
| Pulp and Paper Technology (Obligatory) | 15 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 8 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Bio-based materials and products (Elective) | 15 |
| Green Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules D (Elective) | 15 |
| Pulp and Paper Technology II (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Organic Chemistry B (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Applied CFD in Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Scientific writing and theory in chemistry and chemical engineering (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Surfaces, Interfaces and Colloids D (Elective) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30*
| Semester 9 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced analytical chromatography - theory and practice D (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Research training in chemistry and chemical engineering (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Green entrepreneurship (Elective) | 7.5 |
| Pharmaceuticals - chemical analysis in projects D (Elective) | 30 |
| Molecular biotechnology with applications D (Elective) | 15 |
| Applied Heat and Mass Transfer (Elective) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30*
| Semester 10 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Degree Project (Obligatory) | 30 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
*Full-time study always equals 30 ECTS credits per semester (20 weeks).
Elective course: Students are free to choose among certain alternative courses, often depending on their choice of specialisation.
Optional course: Students are free to choose any course offered at Karlstad University or at other universities. Courses listed are examples of recommended or frequently chosen courses for a specific programme.
Läsårs- och programvärderingar
Start semester Autumn 2017
Start semester Autumn 2018
Start semester Spring 2019
Start semester Autumn 2019
Future prospects
Employment Market
There is a shortage of engineers in general and especially within chemistry and chemical engineering, this means that there will be a lot of relevant and interesting job offers directly after graduation. With a good knowledge of chemistry and its technical applications in design of processes and systems you have a competence that is attractive on the job market. As a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering you can work as a technical specialist, as a generalist or aim at a position involving management and supervision. It is likely that you will switch between different roles and tasks during you working career, for instance within development, production or marketing.Degree
Students who meet the general as well as the special requirements will, on completion of the programme, be awarded a degree of Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. For examination and assessment regulations, see under the heading "Learning outcomes" in the programme study plan.Further Studies
Upon completion of the programme, you may continue with doctoral studies in, for instance, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry. You will need to meet the prerequisites for doctoral studies of the subject chosen.Alumni
Name: Margrethe SkomedalCity of residence: Oslo, Norway
Year of Exam: 2008
Exam: Civilingenjör
Works as: Konsult
E-mail: margrethe.skomedal@afconsult.com
Name: Sven Lundgren
City of residence: Linköping
Year of Exam: 2007
Exam: Civilingenjör
Works as: Affärsutvecklar
E-mail: sven@stagasweden.se
- Start Autumn 2025
- Mode of study Campus (Karlstad)
- Language Swedish and English
- Application code KAU-80495
- Study pace 100% (Day)