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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Chemical Engineering
Header image Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

How can you make sustainable products from biomass? How can you design a catalyst to convert CO₂ into a useful polymer? How can you design an efficient electrolyzer for producing green hydrogen? How can you recycle used car tyres into a waterproof rubber coating? How can you develop new polymers with tailored functionalities? These are some of the relevant questions you will be able to answer once you have completed the Master degree programme in Chemical Engineering in Groningen.

The two-year programme offers a core programme and then the choice between five specialisations: Advanced Process Technology, Polymeric Products, Bio-based Products and Processes, Industrial Catalysis and Renewable Energy. The unique feature of studying this Master's programme at the University of Groningen is the combination of a wide range of Chemical Engineering topics with a solid background in Applied Chemistry and a focus on Sustainability, which will allow you to become a modern chemical engineer that is well versed in both Product and Process Technology.

Your research project will take place in one of our research groups in the field of Green Chemical Reaction Engineering and Chemical Product Technology. The Green Chemical Reaction Engineering group investigates the development of highly intensified catalytic technology for biomass conversion to biofuels and biobased chemicals. The Chemical Product Technology group performs research for the design of new or improved chemical products. Particular attention is devoted to the development of new catalytic systems and of polymeric products for specific applications. These activities are generally framed in a comprehensive sustainability context.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Chemical Engineering
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60437
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Chemical Engineers from Groningen are known for their flexibility and all-round skills
  • The Chemistry field in Groningen has the CHE Excellence Label
  • A lot of graduates make a career at major companies
  • Regularly ranked as one of the Best Chemical Engineering Master's degree programmes in the Netherlands according to Elsevier
Programme

Curriculum

The two-year programme offers five chemical engineering specializations:

  • Advanced Process Technology
  • Polymeric Products
  • Bio-based Products and Processes
  • Industrial Catalysis
  • Renewable Energy

The programme is split into a core programme (95 ECTS, compulsory for every student), a sub programme of 15 ECTS, and 10 ECTS choice. In the core programme you will deal with themes such as catalysis, interfacial engineering, bio-based products, polymer products and advanced product engineering.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60437

Programme options
Advanced Process Technology (specialization)
Polymeric Products (specialization)
Bio-based Products and Processes (specialization)
Industrial Catalysts (specialization)
Renewable Energy (specialization)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • For an average of 20 weeks
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Italy, Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

Internship: This programme offers you the opportunity to carry out an internship at a company in the Netherlands or abroad. Our choice of industry partners ranges from large multinationals (such as Shell, Philips, Unilever) to dynamic small-medium enterprises in the Groningen area. The internship has a typical duration of 3 to 4 months and counts towards your final degree.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Chemical EngineeringHanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

Additional requirements:
  • assessment interview
More information:

Please contact the study advisor at l.nunes.dos.santos.comprido rug.nl You need to follow additional courses when you have a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Hanze.This additional program can be followed as minor at the Hanze University. Access to be decided by the admissions board.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
ChemistryUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 50 EC

More information:

For details, please contact the academic advisor: l.nunes.dos.santos.comprido rug.nl

Chemical EngineeringUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

For details, please contact the academic advisor: l.nunes.dos.santos.comprido rug.nl.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Chemical EngineeringAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

additional subject
knowledge minimum

Sufficient English proficiency on VWO level is required.

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering with elements of (polymer) chemistry . Interested candidates with a background in the field of food/biotechnology will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The admissions board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied.

additional subject

The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on your application, after which the board will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge.

knowledge minimum

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/ for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

language test

MAKE SURE TO VISIT https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores.

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

SCHOLARSHIPS

In cooperation with major national and international companies we welcome students with several scholarships

ASML Scholarship: ASML is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chip-making equipment. The €5000 p/y scholarship is awarded every year to 25 exceptional students, who get the chance to become a Technology Ambassador within their scholarship period. More information can be found here: https://www.asml.com/en/careers/students-graduates/asml-scholarship

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis. You do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 20700full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Upon successful completion of this Master's degree programme, you will obtain a diploma as Master of Science (MSc.) in Chemical Engineering (international title). In the Netherlands, you will also be entitled to use the ir. (ingenieur) title.

Chemical engineers from the University of Groningen are known for their flexibility and all-round skills. As a graduate, you can choose a to have a career in a company like for example DSM, Nobian or Philips.

Various other companies, locally, nationally and internationally, are also keen to recruit chemical engineers from Groningen. Job possibilities in the region are expanding rapidly. Groningen is developing new industry and there is a high demand for well-trained new staff. You can also decide to develop your knowledge further by doing a PhD at a University.

Job examples

  • Work for consulting and engineering firms
  • Work for multinationals like Philips, Nouryon, DSM and Sabic
  • Work for a small or medium company in the region
  • PhD research position
Research

Chemistry in Groningen has the CHE Excellence Label

The Master's programme in Chemical Engineering includes a significant amount of research as part of its curriculum. The Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG) is the primary research institute the programme is connected to, and is composed of various research groups that cover a wide range of subjects:

  • Supercritical CO₂ as a green solvent for industrial purposes
  • Electrocatalysis to renewable hydrogen for the circular economy
  • Conversion of waste products (CO2, plastics) and biomass into valuable products and fuels
  • Development of industrial catalysts
  • Design of industrial processes
  • Developing new printable polymers for eco-friendly 3D printing
  • The development and scaling of highly efficient microreactors to an industrial scale

Research groups Green Chemical Reaction Engineering (GCRE) and Product Technology (PT) are most relevant to chemical engineers. More information about research topics of these specific research groups can be found for GCRE and PT .

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl
  • 
						Testimonial of Loek Pieké

    What I find remarkable about this degree programme is the relationship between lecturers and students

    – Loek Pieké
    Read more

    I have already almost finished the first year of my Master's degree programme, and I hope I've passed all my exams! I am following the Catalysis track.

    After the summer, I will continue by conducting a study. This study will revolve around how to extract aviation fuel from CO2 and carbon monoxide using a catalyst, and above all, how this can be done more efficiently and on a larger scale. My Bachelor’s research was on a similar topic, and I asked my supervisor whether I could be involved in another research study in this area.

    I wanted to stay in Groningen upon obtaining my Bachelor’s degree. The degree programme suits me well and I have a lot of friends here. What I find remarkable about this degree programme is the relationship between lecturers and students. It is surprisingly enjoyable; the lecturers are very approachable. You can easily ask them questions or perhaps even ask them whether they know of any interesting student assistant jobs.

    I also value that the degree programme is continuously working on improvement, that there are annual feedback sessions, and that they actually want to know what students think of it. I couldn’t attend the feedback session this year, and the lecturer made a separate appointment with me to hear my thoughts.

    Close
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Study associations

G.T.D. Bernoulli

The Groningen Debating Society for Chemical Engineers Bernoulli was founded on 20 May 1985 for students interested in Product and Process Technology.
Although most of the members of G.T.D. Bernoulli are students of Chemical Engineering, the society is also open to students of Industrial Engineering and Management, Technology & Operations Management and Industrial Pharmacy at the University of Groningen.
https://www.gtdbernoulli.nl/home
Read more