Cranfield University

What you'll study

The programme combines core process engineering principles with applied water and wastewater treatment technologies. You will study the physical, chemical and biological processes used in drinking water and wastewater treatment, process design and optimisation, modelling and control, and sustainable resource recovery. Teaching blends lectures, laboratory practicals and hands-on work with pilot- and bench-scale systems, supported by case studies and site visits.

• Core technical topics: unit processes and unit operations for water and wastewater treatment; biological treatment kinetics; sludge treatment and disposal; disinfection and residual control; nutrient removal and recovery.
• Advanced treatment and technology: membrane processes, advanced oxidation, filtration, adsorption and emerging technologies for micropollutant removal and water reuse.
• Design, modelling and control: process design and scale-up, hydraulic and process modelling, process control and instrumentation for water systems.
• Systems, management and sustainability: asset management, lifecycle assessment, risk and resilience, regulatory frameworks and cost-benefit appraisal.
• Projects and practical work: laboratory practicals, pilot plant experimentation, group design exercises, and an individual research project or thesis addressing an industrially relevant problem.

Programme structure

The MSc typically comprises taught modules delivered in the first part of the course, group coursework and practical components running alongside lectures, and a substantial individual research project that applies taught methods to a real-world challenge. The balance of taught and project work is designed to develop both theoretical understanding and practical process engineering skills.

Entry requirements

Cranfield admits candidates with an appropriate honours degree or equivalent in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, microbiology or a related subject. Applicants with relevant professional experience in the water sector may also be considered. Prospective students must demonstrate sufficient numeracy and laboratory competence for postgraduate engineering study and meet the university's English language requirements if English is not their first language.

Typical application assessments include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining relevant experience and goals, and references. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview or asked to provide further evidence of suitability.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across utilities, consultancies, technology suppliers, regulators and research organisations. Common career paths include process design engineer, wastewater treatment plant operator or manager, process optimisation specialist, asset manager, environmental consultant, and technical sales or project manager for water treatment technologies. The programme also provides a foundation for research careers or further study such as a PhD.

Employers of graduates typically include municipal and private water utilities, engineering consultancies, environmental technology companies, and international development organisations working on water and sanitation projects.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a postgraduate-only university with strong strengths in engineering and applied science. The university emphasises practical, industry-relevant education and has specialist pilot-scale and laboratory facilities that allow students to test and scale treatment processes under realistic conditions. Teaching staff combine academic expertise with industry experience, and students benefit from links with water companies, consultants and technology vendors.

The programme is designed to equip graduates with the technical competence, practical skills and professional awareness needed to tackle contemporary challenges in water and wastewater management and to progress quickly into technical and leadership roles within the sector.