Chemical Research

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 or above in an undergraduate honours degree, or the equivalent from a university outside the UK, in chemistry. Motivated applicants with a degree in other subject areas may be considered. Although the usual route to PhD is by direct entry, it is possible for MSc students to transfer to a PhD.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Our MSc Chemical Research programme prepares you for a career in research and development or for a PhD, as you gain specialist and theoretical knowledge in your chosen area of chemistry.

As a graduate from chemistry or a related discipline, you can use this research degree to train in practical and theoretical research within your specialist area of chemistry with guidance from an experienced researcher.

The main component of this course is a one-year research project. In addition to this, you will also take two taught modules in subjects that complement your project. Taught modules take the form of lectures, while you will receive individual supervision on your research project with regular one-to-one meetings with your supervisor.

A major focus of the course will be on practical methods and in developing and perfecting your research methods and skills. To this end, you will receive hands-on training using instrumentation in our state-of-the-art Chemical Analysis Facility, which features NRM, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, electron microscopy and molecular spectroscopy.

Industrial collaboration is one of our key strengths, and our research groups have worked on projects with a number of major organisations. We therefore have strong links with international companies including AstraZeneca, BP, Cytec, DuPont, GlaxoSmithKline, Henkel, Johnson Matthey, Pfizer, Proctor & Gamble, Syngenta and Unilever.

100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Chemistry) and 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3*submissions – Chemistry).

Our research-active members of academic staff are available to supervise MSc research projects in the following areas:

• chemistry for life and the environment
• materials chemistry
• molecular chemistry.

Information for international students

IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).

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.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding