Masters in Research

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open. If you have any queries, please contact us on imse.mres@imperial.ac.uk

Why study molecular engineering?

Recent progress in our understanding of molecular science now allows us to make, measure and model materials with unprecedented accuracy. This presents a great opportunity to engineer better materials and molecular systems in response to the challenges faced by society. Rapid innovation in both industry and universities now relies more than ever on this combination of engineering excellence with molecular level science. 

The one-year MRes in Molecular Engineering is designed to create a new generation of 'multilingual', transdisciplinary scientists and engineers. It combines taught modules and a research project with industry to prepare STEM graduates or professionals to work in multi-disciplinary teams, both in academia and industry. Multidisciplinary employees are in high demand as organisations seek to enhance their workforce with skilled scientists and engineers who can work effectively and collaboratively to tackle the challenges they face.MRes alumnus

"This MRes provides the chance for me to gain industrial insights, and to see how my future research may have practical applications and a meaningful impact in society." Konstantinos Zinelis, MRes alumnus

You will be equipped with a grounding in the science and engineering aspects of designing, making, manufacturing, modelling, characterising and measuring the performance of molecules and materials – from atomic scale to systems level. You will gain valuable experience of working on cross-disciplinary research.

This course is the first and only Masters in Molecular Engineering in the UK. It was developed by the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering, in collaboration with our industrial partners. The student cohort typically comprises graduates from chemical engineering or chemistry degrees, as well as students with backgrounds in materials science and engineering, physics, bioengineering and other STEM subjects. The course will also appeal to those with post-degree experience who are looking to upskill in modern research methodologies and accelerated innovation strategies.

This course was formerly known as the MRes in Molecular Science and Engineering.

How to apply 

"It’s interesting how everyone on the course approaches questions and tasks differently. We all think of different things first. And so that's really interesting. It's good to open up to different perspectives." Reisha Chudasama, MRes student

Full details of minimum requirements (academic and English) and how to apply are available on the Study Molecular Engineering MRes webpage. The course code is H803. 

Applications are processed centrally before being received by the Molecular Engineering MRes Admissions Team. 

We welcome informal enquiries and questions - get in touch via imse.mres@imperial.ac.uk

Tips for a good application

Supporting statement

• No more than 1 page long (11-12 point text size, sans serif font e.g. Arial).
• At the beginning, make it clear why you are interested in the MRes in Molecular Engineering course, and what your relevant experience is.
• Clearly state what research areas and you are most interested in.
• Clearly provide a summary of relevant previous research project(s) that you have undertaken.

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

• Note that the word "resumé" is not used in the UK.
• No more than 2 pages long.
• Do include: academic qualifications and degree classification/grade (final/predicted); information about previous research project(s) and supervisors; information about any time spent in industry; experience with relevant analytical/synthetic techniques, programming, etc
• Do not include: date of birth/age, marital status, gender, height, weight, nationality