MChem Chemistry
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UCAS code
F103 -
Typical offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2022/23 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2022/23 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
COVID-19 update
Develop your knowledge and skills, enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities and take your first step towards becoming a professional scientist on this MChem Chemistry programme.
This MChem Chemistry degree provides excellent training if you are considering a career as a professional chemist in industry, research or higher education.
In your first two years you will gain a thorough grounding in the core areas of chemistry. As you progress, you will choose from a range of specialist options on topics such as polymers, organic synthesis, catalysis and biomolecular modelling.
If you would like to spend a year gaining work experience, our MChem with a Year in Industry/Research course gives you the opportunity to spend 12 months working in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, or at one of our partner universities abroad.
In your third and final years of this course you can choose from a range of advanced options allowing you to specialise in topics such as atmospheric chemistry, polymers and advanced materials, contemporary organic synthesis, catalysis, industrial chemistry, biomolecular modelling and many more. You will also take an advanced laboratory class to learn specialist techniques preparing you for your extended project in the final year.
Much of your final year is dedicated to your own research project; it's an opportunity to think independently, develop your own ideas and gain first-hand experience in a stimulating research environment.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Placement
We have a dedicated placements officer who is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of application, as well as help you find a placement. We have previously sent students to companies such as Coty (Rimmel), Dow Corning and GSK. Students have also been placed at foreign research institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, Aarhus University, the University of South Australia and NASA.
For more information, please visit the Department of Chemistry website.
Overview
Develop your knowledge and skills, enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities and take your first step towards becoming a professional scientist on this MChem Chemistry programme.
This MChem Chemistry degree provides excellent training if you are considering a career as a professional chemist in industry, research or higher education.
In your first two years you will gain a thorough grounding in the core areas of chemistry. As you progress, you will choose from a range of specialist options on topics such as polymers, organic synthesis, catalysis and biomolecular modelling.
If you would like to spend a year gaining work experience, our MChem with a Year in Industry/Research course gives you the opportunity to spend 12 months working in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, or at one of our partner universities abroad.
In your third and final years of this course you can choose from a range of advanced options allowing you to specialise in topics such as atmospheric chemistry, polymers and advanced materials, contemporary organic synthesis, catalysis, industrial chemistry, biomolecular modelling and many more. You will also take an advanced laboratory class to learn specialist techniques preparing you for your extended project in the final year.
Much of your final year is dedicated to your own research project; it's an opportunity to think independently, develop your own ideas and gain first-hand experience in a stimulating research environment.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Placement
We have a dedicated placements officer who is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of application, as well as help you find a placement. We have previously sent students to companies such as Coty (Rimmel), Dow Corning and GSK. Students have also been placed at foreign research institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, Aarhus University, the University of South Australia and NASA.
For more information, please visit the Department of Chemistry website.
Entry requirements A Level ABB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
ABB, including grade B in A level Chemistry.
As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
GCSE
Maths at grade B (6)
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 1 | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH1IN1 | Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | DR Michael Piperakis |
CH1OR1 | Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH1PH1 | Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1PRA | Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Philippa Cranwell |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1M | Chemistry M | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH1M2 | Mathematics M2 | PROF Ann Chippindale |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Ceri Falys |
BI1BEA2 | Current Topics in Zoology and Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2AN3 | Analytical Chemistry | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH2CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 2 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2IN1 | Further Inorganic Chemistry | PROF Anthony Powell |
CH2OR1 | Further Organic Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
CH2PH1 | Further Physical Chemistry | PROF Ian Hamley |
CH2PRAC | Extended Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Philippa Cranwell |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2CCS1 | Core Cosmetic Science 1 | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH2MC2 | Medicinal Chemistry 2 for Chemists | DR John McKendrick |
CH2MIM | The Uses of Metals in Medicine | DR Katja Strohfeldt-Venables |
CH2PC2 | Aspects of chemical biology | DR John McKendrick |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3AN1 | X-ray Techniques & Databases in Analytical Chemistry | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH3AN2 | Advanced Analytical Techniques for Inorganic Structure Determination | PROF Frantisek Hartl |
CH3CRP | Introduction to Chemistry Research and Practice | DR Chris Smith |
CH3I1 | d and f block chemistry | PROF Christine Cardin |
CH3I2 | Clusters, Extended Arrays and Solid-State Chemistry | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH3O1 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Synthesis of Complex Targets | DR John McKendrick |
CH3O2 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Contemporary Synthetic Methodology | DR Chris Smith |
CH3P1 | Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry 1 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH3P2 | Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry 2 | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
CH3PRAC | Advanced Chemistry Practical Training | DR Roger Bennett |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3MED | Medicinal Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH4I2 | Catalysis | PROF Frantisek Hartl |
CH4O1 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Synthesis of Complex Targets (2) | DR Chris Smith |
CH4PR | MChem Chemistry Project | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
CH4SK | Chemistry in Industry and Professional Skills | DR John McKendrick |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH4AN1 | Advanced Analytical Techniques for the Molecular Sciences | PROF Rainer Cramer |
CH4CR | Current Topics in Chemical Research | DR Kevin Lovelock |
CH4I3 | Functional Inorganic Materials | PROF Anthony Powell |
CH4O4 | Oligosaccharides and Natural Products | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH4P3 | Advanced Techniques in Physical Chemistry | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
New international students: £24,500
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Your core learning includes modules which ensure you will develop key transferable skills for both employment and further academic study. Upon graduation you will have developed a range of skills which are essential for chemists but also make you highly desirable in all areas of employment. These include skills such as planning and organisation, handling information, communication, scientific and practical skills, ICT, problem solving, critical analysis, time management and business awareness.
Our recent graduates have found employment in a number of areas, including the environment, health and safety, forensics, food technology, pharmaceuticals and water analysis, and in professions including analytical scientists, organic synthetic chemists, peptide chemists, research chemists and senior analysts.
Past students have found work with organisations including Evotec, Pharmaterials, Intertek, Reed, the police, Pfizer, CEM Analytical Services and Thames Water.