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Key Information

Key Information

Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt was rated the highest (4A) among the Chemical Engineering Departments in Scotland in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in the UK. Chemical Engineering postgraduate activity is focused on MPhil and PhD degrees obtained by research in fundamental and applied areas of engineering and on one taught Masters course.

We have a research community of about 35 research staff and students. The total complement on the MSc course is around 10 students. Together, the researchers and postgraduate students form a lively and stimulating community at Heriot-Watt University. We have regular and frequent research seminars delivered by outstanding national and international speakers.

Our research has a strong experimental thrust, complemented by considerable expertise in computation and modelling. It generally fits under the umbrella of a common theme of multiphase and process engineering.

As described further below, this incorporates five more specific topics:

life science engineering
molecular and interface engineering
multiphase process engineering
offshore oil and gas processing
particle technology

These span the full spectrum from traditional chemical engineering to research areas that cross into other disciplines.

Research projects are closely supervised and monitored by the academic staff and researchers give regular seminars and produce annual written reports. We have strong links with industry and many of the projects have particular industrial relevance. Research funding is either directly from industry, through the research councils or from the EU. University scholarships (partial) and top up ORS funding are also available on a competitive basis.

We have developed excellent laboratory facilities and instrumentation, with computing equipment to match, housed in buildings specifically designed for research. We have spacious labs, some with excellent overhead facilities accommodating test rigs of up to 1m in diameter and 10m in height, along with the associated services, and a dedicated team of experienced technical staff. Our analytical suite includes: