Chemistry for Sustainable Energy (MChem) at University of Liverpool

Understanding the chemistry behind sustainable energy is central to creating the solutions to meet the world’s future energy needs. This MChem programme is unique in the UK and demonstrates the breadth and depth of research being carried out to address issues of sustainability and global energy demand.

The programme will give you a foundation of knowledge in areas of energy conversion, that show the most promise of achieving sustainability at this point, including:

• Fuel cells
• Solar photovoltaics
• Biomass and biology energy conversion processes
• Green chemistry synthetic routes.

In addition, energy storage options through battery and supercapacitor technology will be critically examined. The programme offers you a broad understanding of relevant fundamental chemical principles and in-depth exposure to the development of new and creative approaches to sustainable energy development.

Understanding the chemistry of the energy sector and having the skills and knowledge to change and develop systems away from fossil fuels to green energy, is a growing necessity. Sustainable energy is a critically important area of chemistry and we need to significantly increase the number of people skilled to tackle the multitude of challenges facing our planet.

Throughout this programme you will be taught by leaders and innovators active within sustainable energy research and will have the opportunity to link in with the outstanding work being progressed by the University of Liverpool’s world renowned Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy.

The final year of your programme will be dominated by your chemical research project which accounts for 60 of the 120 credits. You will join a research group in sustainable energy.

Career prospects

Our graduates develop a wide range of skills including numeracy, problem solving and IT in addition to scientific skills.

Visits to the Department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year. Graduates find employment in many areas, from the pharmaceutical industry to business management. Typical careers of our graduates include assistant analyst, development chemist, research assistant, and site chemist. 

Recent employers

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Unilever
• IOTA Nanosolutions Ltd
• Perstorp Caprolactones
• Shell
• Towers Watson
• United Utilities