MSc by Research: Chemical Engineering
PETRONAS built a university because it needed leaders who can challenge the standard. UTP is Malaysia’s top-ranked private university — discover hands-on engineering, science and computing programs tailored for industry 4.0.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (research) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Management & Computing – Department of Computer and Information Sciences |
| Duration | 24–48 months FT / 36–72 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | JPT/BPP: R3/524/7/0008 (02/29); MQA Ref: A7925 |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM7,600/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM5,220 Mgmt · RM5,500 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For candidates with an engineering bachelor's degree (CGPA 2.50+, or lower with work experience and internal assessment) who want to conduct research in areas like carbon capture, biomass/biofuels, nanomaterials, hydrogen production, or process modelling and control.
What will I learn, year by year?
Early stage — prerequisite programmes (Principles of Chemical Engineering, Process Safety and Loss Prevention, both online) if needed, plus Research Methodology.
Core stage — independent, one-on-one supervised research in your specialisation, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and workshops/seminars.
Final stage — thesis writing, submission, and viva.
Full-time: 2–4 years; part-time: 3–6 years.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
Advanced roles in Process Engineering, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Control Engineering, Environmental Engineering; R&D in engineering industries; academic roles as lecturers/researchers; Technical Consultant/Project Manager; entrepreneurship/startup founder; or continuing to a PhD.
Named industry partners: PETRONAS, ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, PTT Exploration and Production, Lynas, YTY Group, Yokogawa.
One thing that makes it different at UTP
An unusually broad academic partner network — 18 universities across Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, India, Australia, the UK, Denmark, and France — plus named industry collaborators including PETRONAS, ExxonMobil, and Schlumberger.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Ten focus areas: process monitoring/fault diagnosis; process modelling & control; carbon footprint & sustainability; ionic liquids/surfactants/green extraction; gas hydrates for CCS/desalination/flow assurance; functional nanomaterials; CO2 capture & catalytic reforming; biomass/biofuel; waste-to-energy; hydrogen production. No single named research centre. Programme lead: Dr Wan Zaireen Nisa Bt Yahya.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP's current local fee table lists Graduate Assistantship (GA) for full-time PhD research students only, so it does not apply to this MSc. Malaysian students should explore external sponsorships, EPF withdrawal and other applicable education funding.
STUDENT LIFE: What should an applicant to THIS programme know?
One-on-one supervision, access to state-of-the-art facilities, workshops and seminars, and both online and on-campus support with a flexible study plan.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
January, May, September. For the January 2027 intake, applicants should follow UTP's current postgraduate application schedule and confirm the applicable deadline before applying.
Placement or internship route for this programme
No compulsory internship is specified. Practical industry exposure comes through collaborative and industry-driven research, access to research facilities and projects involving UTP's industry partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research vs. Taught MSc?
A research-based MSc focuses on independent research under the guidance of a supervisor, culminating in a thesis. Unlike taught programs, it has minimal programmework (only Research Methodology) and emphasizes development of critical thinking.
What research topics are available?
Process monitoring, carbon capture, materials development, separations, biomass processing, renewable energy, and hydrogen production.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Programme Lead
More than 70% of UTP students receive financial sponsorship, study loans, or merit scholarships from PETRONAS, governmental bodies, or corporate partners.
Program Leader, MSc by Research: Chemical Engineering
Dr Wan Zaireen Nisa Bt Yahya
zaireen.yahya@utp.edu.my (+6053687584)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE
Academic Executive
Ms. Nur Nadiah binti Muhamad Suffi
nadiah.suffi@utp.edu.my (+6053687893)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE