The consolidation of the Biobased Economy requires skilled professionals who understand current and new routes for sustainable production of bioenergy and biofuels. Traditional chemical and energy industries and a large number of innovative high-tech small companies, research institutes, and public sector organisations are working together around the biorefining concept. They specialise in producing heat, power, fuels, and high-value products from biomass fractions with the aim of moving from first generation bioenergy and biofuels processes towards the sustainable and competitive production of a wide spectrum of biobased products. The bioenergy and biofuels sector is in the European Union’s political agenda as an important source of jobs (480,000 in 2012) and market growth (current annual turnover of about €50 million). The Cranfield MSc in Biofuels Process Engineering equips talented students with advanced knowledge and skills to address the challenges of the rapidly growing and dynamic bioenergy sector. The course covers the sustainable production of heat, power and fuels from biomass within the biorefining framework. The programme considers both well-established processes, such as biomass combustion and production of first generation biofuels, and emerging technologies, such as biomass pyrolysis and second and third generation of biofuels. Energy is a key strategic theme at Cranfield and we have a longstanding reputation for training the energy industry. Industrial-scale facilities underpin our research and teaching. Our activities include internationally recognised centres covering all aspects of the diverse energy sector. Much of the research that informs our teaching is at the leading edge of the clean tech agenda and our outreach activities are shaping the technology-management debate on science for the green economy.

Industry driven research makes our graduates some of the most desirable in the world for recruitment by companies competing in the bioenergy sector. Biofuels are rapidly growing in the renewable bioenergy arena with a clear shortage of the required skill base around the world. Graduates from this course will be equipped with the advanced interdisciplinary skills required to design, optimise and evaluate the technical and economic viability of renewable biofuel energy. Certainly, these interdisciplinary skills are also necessary for graduates who may wish to take a management career route in the bioenergy industry.