Postgraduate course details
PhD
This is a traditional three-year research degree, with a small amount of course work in the first year. To be eligible for admission students usually hold at least an upper second class honours degree in Chemistry from a British university or an equivalent qualification. Occasionally there are a few grants for students who hold lower second class degrees.
Students are usually admitted to the postgraduate programme in October although it is sometimes possible to be admitted in January.
MSc in Chemical Research
This is a one year modular Masters degree which aims to provide a flexible course that will enable you to acquire specialist research techniques and expertise in your chosen area of Chemistry.You will be trained to undertake practical and theoretical research in a chosen specialist area of Chemistry with guidance from an experienced researcher, and follow a number of lecture courses which are selected to complement your project.
All students must complete 120 credits.
The current structure of the course is:
- MSc Chemistry Research Project (90 credits)
- Postgraduate Chemistry Research Methods and Skills (10 credits)
- Optional modules (20 credits)
Examples of optional modules are Further Organometallic Chemistry, Synthesis of Complex Target Molecules, Structure Determination, Heterocycles and Natural Products, Polymer Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and a selection of modules offered by other departments.
A major focus of the programme will be on practical methods and the development and perfection of research methods and skills. Your research project will be undertaken in one of our research groups. Our research activities are grouped into six themes:
- Bioanalysis and Analytical Methods (BAM)
- Nanostructured Polymers and Biopolymers
- Reading Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Research (RACER)
- Inorganic Materials: Structure and Properties
- Interfacial Chemistry
- Synthesis and Chemical Biology
You will acquire a number of valuable transferable skills relating to organisation and time management, communication, information handling, numeracy, problem solving and team working. Many of our graduates from this degree programme go on to pursue a career in Research and Development.
Diploma in Chemical Research
This is a nine-month modular programme combining lectures and coursework with a research project. Students who perform exceptionally well in the Diploma programme will be given the opportunity to transfer to the MSc. You will be trained to undertake practical and theoretical research in a chosen specialist area of Chemistry with guidance from an experienced researcher, and follow a number of lecture courses which are selected to complement your project.
Course Outline
- Diploma Chemistry Research Project (90 credits)
- Postgraduate Chemistry Research Methods and Skills (10 credits)
- Optional modules (20 credits)
Examples of optional modules are Further Organometallic Chemistry, Synthesis of Complex Target Molecules, Structure Determination, Heterocycles and Natural Products, Polymer Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and a selection of modules offered by other departments.
A major focus of the programme will be on practical methods and the development and perfection of research methods and skills. Your research project will be undertaken in one of our research groups. Our research activities are grouped into six themes:
You will acquire a number of valuable transferable skills relating to organisation and time management, communication, information handling, numeracy, problem solving and team working. An ability to work independently and as a team member will also be acquired at the end of the programme.