Master of Science in Process Systems Engineering

Overview:

The Department of Chemical Engineering at COMSATS University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Process Systems Engineering, a specialized graduate program designed to provide advanced education in systems-oriented process engineering, process optimization, control, and industrial digitalization. This program is the first of its kind in Pakistan and is tailored to equip students with the skills required to design, model, simulate, optimize, and integrate complex chemical and energy processes in modern, data-driven industrial environments.
The MS PSE program prepares graduates to solve large-scale engineering problems by integrating computational tools, advanced mathematical methods, and process systems thinking. Students develop the ability to enhance industrial performance in terms of safety, sustainability, efficiency, and productivity—making them highly competitive in both national and international industries.

Curriculum:

The MS Process Systems Engineering curriculum is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in systems engineering principles, process modelling, simulation, optimization, and modern control strategies. It is aligned with global standards of Process Systems Engineering education.

Download SoS

Core Courses (as per Scheme of Studies):

Advanced Process Systems Engineering – Focuses on systems modeling, process flowsheeting, and integration of process models.

Advanced Process Control – Covers advanced control strategies, process dynamics, and model predictive control techniques.

Process Integration – Emphasizes heat and mass integration, waste minimization, and resource-efficient process design.

Process Design and Optimization – Provides training in deterministic and stochastic optimization, design under constraints, and economic evaluation.

Elective / Specialization Topics:

Advanced Process Modeling, Dynamic Simulation & Computational Analysis

(including flowsheeting tools, CFD, numerical methods, and data-driven modeling)

Digital Twins, Industrial IoT & Intelligent Process Systems

(AI/ANN-based modeling, predictive analytics, smart plant monitoring)

Advanced Process Control, Monitoring & Fault Diagnostics

(MPC, adaptive control, alarm management, plant-wide control strategies)

Optimization, Process Design & Process Integration

(heat and mass integration, design optimization, PINCH analysis, economic evaluation)

Sustainable Energy Systems & Energy Management

(energy auditing, renewable and hybrid systems integration, sustainability analysis)

Process Economics & Techno-Economic Assessment

(economic modeling, feasibility studies, cost optimization and decision analysis)

Advanced Numerical, Transport & Multiscale Engineering Methods

(statistical analysis, transport processes, simulation of complex systems)

Emerging Topics in Chemical Engineering & Applied Systems Research

(special topics, cross-disciplinary PSE applications, modern chemical systems challenges)
The coursework is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the analytical and computational tools used in Process Systems Engineering. Students become proficient in industry-standard software such as Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and other modeling and optimization environments.

Research Opportunities:

The MS PSE program includes a rigorous thesis component, enabling students to conduct original and advanced research guided by expert faculty. Students work on real-world and emerging topics such as:

Model-based design and optimization of chemical processes
Development of digital twins for industrial systems
Energy-efficient plant-wide control strategies
Optimization of heat exchanger networks
Machine learning applications in process monitoring and fault detection
Sustainable and low-carbon process design
Multiscale and Multiphysics process modeling
Integration of renewable energy systems using PSE tools

Students often work on industry-sponsored research, utilizing plant data and simulation tools to solve real process challenges, strengthening their applied engineering and problem-solving skills.

Faculty & Resources:

The MS PSE program is taught by highly qualified faculty with extensive expertise in Process Control, Systems Engineering, Optimization, Simulation, Process Design, and Industrial Automation. Faculty members hold PhDs from reputable international institutions and maintain collaboration with industry and research organizations.
Students benefit from access to:

High-performance computing resources
Advanced process simulation tools (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, gPROMS)
MATLAB, Simulink, and Python environments
PLC and instrumentation laboratories
Process control and automation facilities
Experimental laboratories for process operations

These facilities ensure that students receive both theoretical and hands-on training aligned with modern industrial requirements.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the MS Process Systems Engineering program are equipped for a wide range of roles across the chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, energy, food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors. Process Systems Engineers are in high demand globally in:

Oil & Gas, Refineries & Petrochemicals
Fertilizer & Chemical Plants
Food & Pharmaceutical Industries
Power & Energy Systems
Water & Wastewater Process Design
Automation & Control
Clean Energy & Sustainability
Consulting, R&D & Academia

Typical career paths include:

Process Systems Engineer
Process Modeling & Simulation Engineer
Process Optimization Specialist
Process Control & Automation Engineer
Production Planning & Operations Research Analyst
Digital Twins and Industrial IoT Engineer
Process Safety Engineer
Energy Systems Analyst
Research Scientist / Academic Researcher
Consultant in Industrial Systems Design

The program also provides an excellent foundation for graduates wishing to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Process Systems Engineering, or related fields.

Admission Criteria:

The admissions in the graduate program are very competitive based on merit. The merit will be determined based on the academic record, test and interview.
Admission Pre-Requisites:

A 16-years degree preferably in Chemical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, Process Engineering, Systems Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Control Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or in the relevant field from an accredited educational institution, with First Division (annual system) or minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (semester system) and no third division (annual system) or ‘D’ grade (semester system) throughout the academic career.
NTS GAT (General) with minimum 50 score (must be valid on the date of admission).
All other terms and conditions regarding Graduate programs approved by the Competent Authority from time to time shall be applicable.

Research Groups:

The Department of Chemical Engineering at COMSATS University Lahore Campus is home to several research groups that are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in various areas of chemical engineering. These research groups provide a platform for faculty members, graduate students and undergraduates to collaborate and conduct research in their areas of interest. Some of the research groups and their areas of focus are as follows:

Biomass Conversion Research Group (BCRG):This group conducts research on the conversion of biomass into value-added products such as biofuels, chemicals, and materials. The group focuses on the development of new technologies for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels and bioproducts.
Catalysis & Reaction Engineering Research Group (CRERG): This group conducts research on the development of new catalysts and reactor systems for various chemical reactions. They focus on the design, synthesis, characterization and application of catalysts in different fields such as petrochemical, fine chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
Nano-Green Research Group:This group focuses on the development of sustainable, green and environmentally friendly technologies for the production of materials and chemicals. This group conducts research on the development of new nanomaterials and their application in various fields, such as energy storage, water treatment, and environmental protection.
PRESTIGE-Process & Energy Systems Engineering Center: This center focuses on the development of new process systems and technologies for the efficient use of energy and natural resources. This center conducts research on the design, optimization, and control of process systems, with a focus on energy efficiency, process intensification, and sustainable production.
Polymer and Composite Materials Group: This group conducts research on the development of new polymer and composite materials, as well as their characterization, processing, and applications. They focus on the design, synthesis, characterization and application of polymer and composite materials in various fields such as aerospace, biomedical, energy and transportation.
Membrane Systems Research Group: This group focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterization of advanced membrane systems for water treatment, desalination, and separation processes. The research team is working on developing new membrane materials, including polymeric, and composite materials, as well as developing new fabrication techniques and modeling tools to optimize the performance of membrane systems.
Microfluidics Research Group (MRG): This group conducts research on the behavior of fluids at the microscale and the design of microfluidic devices for various applications. The group is working on developing new microfabrication techniques and modeling tools to design and optimize microfluidic devices. They also work on developing new materials and methods for controlling and manipulating fluids at the microscale.