Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Technology
The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Technology is a field of study closely connected to our daily lives: it encompasses the development and production of new materials, the synthesis of new drugs, monitoring and improving our environment, etc. The focus in this study programme is on chemical engineering techniques, metallurgy and plastics, macromolecular and industrial chemistry.
What
Of all the fields of science and technology, chemistry is most entwined in everyday life. It encompasses the study, development, production and synthesis of (new) materials and products, using conventional and alternative raw materials. By looking for solutions to reduce polution, moreover, the field of chemistry guarantees the monitoring and improvement of our environment. As an industrial engineer specialized in chemical engineering technology you improve chemical processes, develop new products and monitor industrial processes. The Master's programme offers two specialisations: Industrial Chemistry and Plastics.
The Industrial Chemistry is multidisciplinary in nature: you will be trained to become a polyvalent engineer with competencies linked to industrial practice. You explore the complex interactions between science, technology and society. The main focus is on:
- pure process knowledge and skills /chemical factors and parameters
- physicochemical basics of techniques/technologies and the relevant use of materials
- quantitative and qualitative quality control
- health and safety aspects
- environmental care (recycling, regeneration, etc...), including technical, legal and management aspects
- social skills
- research skills
- internationalization
The Plastics specialisation is similarly multidisciplinary in its orientation, but focuses on the possibilities offered by plastics and composite materials, and on the way in which new applications come about. You study the coherence of the three product factors (material – manufacturing – design) and their relation to commercial and ecological aspects. In addition to the composition of plastics and more complex systems (blends, composites, multi-layer plastics, etc…), the choice of materials and additives, the theory and practice of the design on your own machines, you also study the mechanics of plastics machines and the integration of peripheral equipment. You learn to characterize plastics and assess test results. In addition, you also learn about degradability and recycling.
For whom
The admission requirements may vary. Depending on your prior education, you can either enrol directly or there may be additional requirements.
Structure
The master’s programme in industrial sciences: chemistry builds on the academic bachelor’s programme in the industrial sciences: chemistry. The master year comprises a number of general subjects such as industrial organic chemistry, introduction to polymere technology, process engineering, control theory, applied instrumental analysis and safety, welfare and environmental management. In addition, you choose a specialisation in industrial chemistry or in plastics. As a close to the programme, you will integrate all these aspects into your master’s dissertation.
Labour Market
Processing Technology
The Processing Technology specialisation leads to creative roles across the chemical industry (petrochemistry, industrial gases, metallurgy, basic chemicals, among others), as well as in the broader field of fine chemistry and related sectors such as (phyto) pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, coatings and paints, fertilisers, colouring agents and pigments, and the environment and recycling. A selection from the wide range of jobs includes: project engineer, process engineer, production engineer, chemical analyst, R&D engineer, process control coordinator, quality assurance coordinator, technical-commercial assistant, safety engineer, and environmental engineer.
Polymer Technology
Through a broad theoretical - but above all practical - study programme, you will be trained to become a polymer engineer with an eye for the environment, quality, sustainable use and recycling. A polymer engineer understands conventional polymer processing techniques as well as new 3D printing techniques and is familiar with conventional and new (bio)polymer materials. At the manufacturer, a production or processing engineer serves as a constructor and designer, a polymer or composite processor, a quality assurance coordinator, a coordinator of product or processing optimisation, or a technical-commercial assistant.
Looking for interesting testimonials? Take a look at ikbenindustrieelingenieur.be (dutch only).
Quality Assurance
At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality.
Ghent University continuously focuses on quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.
More information:
Unique Selling Points
- Multiperspectivism: throughout the programme we prompt our students to critical self-reflection, and a problem-solving attitude. Our graduates are team-minded and versatile assets to a broad labour market. The Chemical Engineering Technology programme is inherently and explicitly multidisciplinary in nature.
- Talent Development: we deliver versatile graduates with a specialization in one of our programme’s two majors: Industrial Chemistry or Plastics. Our curriculum covers topics such as sustainability, safety, management and communication. In so doing, it follows fast-evolving tendencies in society.
- Knowledge Creation: technical aspects and skills are at the core of our curriculum. Company visits, guest lectures, visiting professors and the Master’s dissertation ensure our curriculum’s strong ties to the professional field.
- The new curriculum boasts a strengthened emphasis on typical engineering course units with an extra focus on peripheral disciplines (that support chemical processes). This at once strengthens and broadens our programme.
- Integration of Theory, Practice and Project Work: the entire study programme builds on a well-considered balance between theoretical groundwork and the integration of that theoretical knowledge by means of tutorials, practicals, and project work.
Strengths
- Lecturers’ Commitment: our team of committed lecturers combines research expertise or (work) experience with a passion for high-quality education.
- Coaching (and) Student Talent Development: each student receives intensive coaching via the many tutorials and practicals. By means of these engineering-oriented didactic methods, we put theoretical knowledge into practice.
- Special Focus on Active Teaching: a variety of teaching methods ensures that our students actively engage with the learning contents and study materials, with their fellow-students and with their lecturers.
- Approachability: we invest in intensive personal contact between our lecturers and our students. Throughout the first year, students can count on tutorial services tailored to their individual needs.
- Research: throughout the programme we ensure that students acquire optimal research skills.
Challenges
- Monitoring Programme Profile: our study programme’s technical and applied component, and the instrumental-analytical learning pathway need permanent consideration and investment.
- Proper balance is needed between implementing interim assessment and active teaching methods, and the workload this entails.
- We need to ensure that sufficient Master’s dissertation topics can be executed in collaboration with the industry or the professional field. Considering its problem-solving and hands-on character, this type of Master’s dissertation proves especially valuable in keeping abreast of developments in the chemical industry.
- Internationalization remains a matter of concern, as organizing international mobility in a one-year Master’s programme is no easy matter. Nevertheless, we keep looking into new bilateral Erasmus agreements. In addition, the possibility of taking a work placement and/or Master’s dissertation abroad deserves further promotion.
Accreditation
This study programme is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch: NVAO). Accreditation was extended following the positive outcome of the institutional review in 2022. Programme quality was validated by a quality review, i.e. a screening of the Education Monitor by the Education Quality Board. The Quality Assurance Resolution (in Dutch) can be found here.
This information was last updated on 14/02/2023.
In case of questions or suggestions with regard to the publicly available information, please contact the study programme.