Engineering courses

About Mres Catalysis: Chemistry And Engineering in Imperial College London

Catalysis underpins a huge range of modern chemical transformations. From the megaton scale production of acetic acid to the polymers we use for plastics, and from automotive catalytic converters to key steps in pharmaceutical synthesis, the impact of catalysis upon our everyday life is enormous.

It has been estimated that around 90% of all chemical products produced on a commercial scale involve catalysis, and that catalytic processes lead to approximately £550 billion of products.

It is embraced as a ‘green technology’ as it can limit waste and improve selectivity as well as provide re-use of the catalytic agent itself.

Since the landmark achievements of Nobel laureate Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson in catalysis, Imperial has been known internationally as a centre for catalysis research, and this tradition continues today with over 30 members of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering departments active in the area.

Companies such as BP, INEOS, Sasol, Johnson Matthey, Pfizer and AstraZeneca all have research and development facilities in the UK. Researchers from many of these companies will deliver taught elements of this course, and therefore you will have the opportunity to learn from and network with future employers first hand.

Catalysis has traditionally been divided into homogenous (solution-based), heterogeneous (solid-liquid, solid-gas interface) and (reaction) engineering disciplines. However this distinction is becoming increasingly blurred, so this MRes course aims to provide you with a coherent overview of all these areas.

While the course will be run through the Chemistry Department, close ties will be maintained with Chemical Engineering as well as ensuring contact with industry through lectures on the course and invited seminars.

Academic qualification equivalents

•  To be considered for admission to a Master's e.g. MSc, MRes, MBA etc, applicants should normally have completed a three to four year Bachelor's degree from a mainstream university (state/federal or ‘deemed' institution) passed with a required grades.

  Applicants for research should hold a three to four year Bachelor's degree and Master's degree, both passed with required grades. Integrated Master's degrees with required grades will also qualify an applicant for entry to Research.

  Applicants from elite institutions will be required to obtain a minimum overall average of 7 / 10 or 60%. These are the College minimum scores and particular departments may seek grades at a higher level.

  Applicants from other approved institutions will be required to obtain a minimum overall average ranging from 7.5-8 / 10 or 65-70%. These are the College minimum range of required scores and particular departments may seek grades at a higher level.

English language requirements 

• IELTS : 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all elements)
• TOEFL IBT: 92 overall (minimum 20 in all elements)
• PTE : 62 overall (minimum 56 in all elements)

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