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2023/24
2024/25

MChem Chemistry

  • UCAS code
    F103
  • A level offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

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. In the National Student Survey 2023, 98% of students said said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often (97.5% of respondents studying in the Department of Chemistry).

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. 

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £27,650

*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.

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.