This three-year, part-time master’s programme will equip engineers and scientists with the fundamentals of sustainable chemical engineering. Focusing on the technologies associated with the green hydrogen and bioenergy industries, it aims to upskill engineers and scientists so that they may ultimately contribute to the green chemical engineering space.

The hybrid online delivery mode is ideal for part-time students worldwide. The programme is designed with industry professionals in mind, allowing you to study while you work. With a manageable workload and structured block-week approach, you can balance your studies with your career. Earning your degree is not only possible, but achievable. The language of instruction is English.

This comprehensive programme enhances candidates’ knowledge and skills across various chemical engineering disciplines, blending technical content with engineering management training. While focusing on green hydrogen and bioenergy technologies, the curriculum also covers data science, project and engineering management, and project economics.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right to change the degree structure, modules and their content, lecturers, fees, admission requirements, delivery mode, semesters in which modules are offered and related issues. Admission is subject to selection and the number of students per cohort is limited.

The NQF level 9 programme consists of set modules, with a minimum number of credits to be completed each year. Students register for a total of 180 credits over three years, including eight taught modules and one research project module. Module enrolment per year is prescribed as shown in the table below.

Offered exclusively on a part-time basis, this programme is ideal for professionals working in industry. All assessments are submitted electronically and no in-person assessments are required. While the majority of the courses are completely hybrid, attendance of the block weeks of two specific modules are in person (one in the first year and one in the second year of registration), unless specifically arranged to be attended online and the student can provide proof of study leave for the duration of the block week.

Each taught module is worth 15 credits, with one credit representing 10 notional learning hours. “Notional learning hours” is the estimated time taken by the average student to achieve the specified outcomes of the module or programme. Each taught module therefore amounts to approximately 150 notional hours of work.

A typical module consists of two weeks of pre-reading, followed by a block week that can be attended online or on campus. This block week requires synchronous attendance, i.e. you must take leave to participate in real time, either in person or online. The final part of each module is a six-week post-block period where students work on assignments, both collaboratively and individually. Most assessments are in the form of assignments and do not require students to be on campus.

Academic activities during pre-reading block weeks vary between modules, and students must consult the relevant module framework beforehand. These activities typically include reading, online quizzes, or mini-assessments. These sessions are asynchronous, allowing students to engage with the content at their own pace and time. The same approach applies to post-block weeks, which generally include more comprehensive assessments.

The lecture block week offers students the opportunity to engage critically with lecturers and peers on fundamental concepts and applied problems. Attendance during the block week is not required in person at the Stellenbosch campus (unless specifically requested); it is offered in a hybrid mode, accommodating both in-person and remote students. However, the block week is a synchronous session, requiring active participation in real-time, whether on campus or online. Students are expected to attend the full block week during normal working hours, and part-time students will be required to apply for study leave from their employment to do so.

In their final year, students undertake a 60-credit research project (equivalent to 600 notional hours of work). During this time, students address a complex, relevant problem in the field of green or sustainable chemical engineering. They receive individualised supervision from experts in the field to support their research.

Students register for 180 credits across the programme, which includes eight taught modules and one research project module. Each 15-credit taught module involves two weeks of pre-reading, a block week (attended online or on campus), and a six-week post-block period for assignments. Most assessments are assignments and do not require campus attendance.

Please refer to the 2025 timetable below.

All applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements specified in Section 3.6 of the Engineering Calendar, Part II. For the Sustainable Chemical Engineering focus area, the minimum selection criterion is a BEng/BSc (Eng) or BSc (Hons) degree (NQF level 8) in a discipline related to chemical engineering (this includes all engineering fields, biological, chemical and physics science honours degrees). All applicants who meet the criteria undergo a selection process and are approved by a departmental committee that considers applicants’ academic record as well as any relevant industry experience.

The following documents should be included in your application:

• Complete academic record(s),
• Degree certificate(s),
• Comprehensive curriculum vitae, and
• Motivation letter: Applicants must upload a one-page motivation letter detailing their prior learning and/or industrial experience relevant to the programme’s minimum admission requirements. Relevant prior learning may include undergraduate training in chemical, mechanical, or electrical/electronic engineering, related short courses, or degrees in relevant scientific fields. If relevant prior learning is lacking, industrial or commercial experience in related fields will also be considered favourably.

Complete and submit an institutional application. After submission, the Central Admissions Office will review the application. If the submitted documents are incorrect, candidates will be notified through the applicant portal, and their application status will be updated to “incomplete”.

After the programme’s application deadline, all applicants who meet the criteria will undergo a selection process reviewed by a departmental committee. This committee evaluates applicants based on their academic records and relevant industry experience. The list of candidates who meet the selection criteria will be presented for approval at a departmental management meeting. All applicants will be notified of the outcome before the end of the application year.

Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer through the SU applicant portal, which they must accept. Following this, a final offer will be issued, which candidates will also need to accept.

This will occur at the start of the new academic year, towards the end of January when registration opens. Admitted candidates will receive communication with further details.

Please note that international students pay international student fees, which may vary based on the candidate’s primary citizenship. This page contains useful information about international student fees.

A personalised provisional quote can be requested here.

Should you require further information or support regarding tuition fees, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

For any queries or support, please send an email to [email protected].