Program Overview

Chemistry MChem

Overview

This four-year degree expands on the Chemistry BSc to prepare you for high-level entry into the industry. It’s also a solid base for pursuing PhD research.

Course Description

Chemistry is the fundamental cornerstone for many economically important industries today, creating a demand for high-quality chemistry graduates. The constant desire for innovation, new products, and new solutions continually drives forward research and development. By studying the interaction of molecules, their structure and properties, we learn vital information about the world we live in and this offers opportunities to find answers to many of the problems we, as a society, face today.

Entry Requirements

• A/AS-levels: BBB including Chemistry. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level.
• EPQ with A-levels: BBC + EPQ at grade B
• GCSE: Grade B/5 Maths (if Maths or Physics not held at A/AS-level)
• Access to HE Diploma (Science): Pass Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include 15 credits at Distinction in Chemistry Level 3 modules. If you don't have A-level Chemistry you will need to take an entrance exam - please contact Admissions.
• International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points (with grade 5 in Higher Level Chemistry). Must include a minimum of grade 5 in SL Maths or 4 at HL if minimum of grade 5/B not held at GCSE.
• BTEC Nationals: BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with DDD/D*DD, including several Chemistry related modules. If you don't have A-level Chemistry you will need to take an entrance exam - please contact Admissions.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• The tuition fees that will be payable by you to the University for the 2025/26 academic year will be £9,535
• Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,430 for that year
• Year in Industry: your fee will be £1,905 for that year

International Students

• £24,500 per year
• Year Abroad: £6,125, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
• Year in Industry: £3,675, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Careers and Employability

Our chemistry graduates have demonstrated an ability to be excellent problem solvers, work effectively within teams or individually and to be outstanding communicators. This lends them to employment in a variety of sectors. Most often this is the chemical research and manufacturing industry, both of which are major employers in the UK.

Course Structure

Year 1

• General Chemistry
• Introductory Organic Chemistry
• Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
• Introductory Physical Chemistry
• Introductory Practical Chemistry
• Chemistry Maths and Skills
• Scientific Method and Principles of Analytical Chemistry
• Chemistry of the Real World

Year 2

• Spectroscopy Theory and Practice
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Practical Chemistry and Key Skills (double module)
• Analytical Chemistry in Practice
• Polymer and Materials Chemistry

Year 3

• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Advanced Physical Chemistry
• Advanced Chemistry Practical (double module)
• MChem Research Skills, Employability and General Paper

Final Year

• Chemistry Project Part 1 (double module)
• Chemistry Project Part 2 (double module)

Teaching and Learning

Teaching is a mixture of lectures, tutorials, exams, lab reports, essays, oral presentations, poster design and problem-based learning. A typical week might include nine hours of lectures, seven hours of lab work, and two or three workshops or tutorials. You will also be expected to spend several hours each week on private study which might include answering problem sheets, preparing for tutorials or writing up lab reports.

Why Leicester?

• Ranked 1st in subjects aligned to Chemistry for ‘Student voice’ in the NSS 2024 (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data).
• Experience an inclusive education in a school that values and celebrates diversity and is committed to promoting equal opportunity and success for all.
• Our School operates an Open Door policy, meaning you can access both academic and pastoral support as and when you need it.