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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 29,990
Per course
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
1 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Chemical Engineering | Biotechnology | Chemistry
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 29,990
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Chemical Science (MSc) 2025 entry

Overview

Gain advanced knowledge and skills in modern chemical sciences and explore research-led topics through a wide range of modules.


Application Deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025


Duration

One year full time


School

School of Chemistry


Fees

  • UK: £12,030
  • Rest of the world: £29,990

Why Study This Course?

The course is designed for students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject. You will gain advanced knowledge and skills in modern chemical sciences and encourages them to explore research-led topics through a wide range of modules. Students can choose from a number of module options, expanding their fundamental knowledge of all areas of chemistry or specialising in a particular area of interest.


Highlights

  • The aims of the programme include introducing modern chemical science concepts and techniques, exploring further advanced research-led topics through a range of optional modules, and equipping you with analytical, critical, and communication skills.
  • There is a large flexibility in the choice of optional modules, which can be selected according to your interests and background.
  • A key aspect of the programme is undertaking a significant research project for your dissertation.
  • This research project enables you to develop skills in one of many areas aligned with the research interests of the School of Chemistry, for example, catalysis, surface science, energy materials, chemical biology, synthetic chemistry or structural chemistry.

Teaching

Delivered through lectures, practical laboratory work, and consultation sessions with supervisors.


Class Sizes

Groups range from 5 to 40 students.


Dissertation

A 15,000-word project with regular support.


Assessment

A mix of coursework and exams.


Modules

Students will take three compulsory modules during the course and choose six optional modules, typically three optional modules in Semester 1 and three optional modules in Semester 2.


Compulsory

  • Contemporary Research Awareness: research colloquia and seminars delivered by external speakers and covering areas within current chemical science research.
  • Literature Review for MSc: an in-depth survey of the published literature within a specified research area which is related to the prospective research project, including peer-review-like assessment and a short oral presentation.
  • Research Skills in Chemistry: develops knowledge of specialised research techniques for the prospective research project.

Optional

Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.


Semester 1 – students typically choose three optional modules for the first semester.


  • Advanced Metal Chemistry and Green Chemistry
  • Advanced Spectroscopic Methods
  • Asymmetric Synthesis
  • Heterocyclic and Pericyclic Chemistry
  • Homogeneous Catalysis
  • Integrating Chemistry
  • Nanostructured Materials
  • Processing of Materials

Semester 2 – students typically choose three optional modules for the second semester.


  • Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
  • Advanced Main Group Chemistry
  • Blockbuster Pharmaceuticals
  • Blockbuster Solids
  • Chemical Biology
  • Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
  • Energy Conversion and Storage
  • Fragrance and Food Chemistry
  • Functional Materials
  • Fundamentals of Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Recognition
  • Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Co-factors
  • Reactive Intermediates
  • Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students.


Research Project

During the final three months of the course, students undertake a research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. The project is supervised by a member of the academic staff, and the project topic and aims will be selected by both supervisor and student.


If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.


What It Will Lead To

Careers

Chemistry graduates have gone on to successful careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries with companies such as:


  • AstraZeneca
  • BP
  • GSK
  • Johnson Matthey
  • Pfizer
  • Shell
  • Siemens

Other career routes outwith a research environment include scientific publishing, patent law, forensic science, IT and energy consultancy.


Further Study

In addition to the taught MSc, the School offers a one-year research MSc (Res) and a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Chemistry.


Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews. The School of Chemistry offers a large number of fully-funded PhD studentships each year. Key areas of PhD research include:


  • chemical biology
  • materials chemistry
  • molecular synthetic and structural chemistry
  • surface science
  • theoretical chemical physics

The School hosts the EaSI-CAT Centre for doctoral training, which provides studentships and innovative training in catalysis research.


Why St Andrews?

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences.


Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, its activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.


The RSC often organises events and conferences in the Tayside area.


Alumni

When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.


Entry Requirements

  • A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in chemistry or a closely related subject area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
  • English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.


Application Requirements

  • CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
  • two original signed academic references
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • letter of intent (optional)

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.


English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.


Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:


  • GREAT Scholarship
  • St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
  • St Leonard's funding opportunities
  • Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)

Chemistry scholarships


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University of St. Andrews


Overview:

The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.


Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:

    MySaint:

    A student portal for accessing various resources and information.

    Moodle:

    An online learning platform for course materials and communication.

    Library:

    A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

    MMS:

    A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus housing options for students.

    Fees and Funding:

    Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.

    Scholarships:

    Various scholarships available for eligible students.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:

    Close-knit community:

    A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.

    Academically stimulating environment:

    Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.

    Active research:

    Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.

    International community:

    A diverse student body from around the world.

    Numerous extracurricular activities:

    Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Top-ranked university:

    Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.

    World-leading research:

    Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.

    Excellent postgraduate programs:

    A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.

    Strong academic reputation:

    A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.

    Supportive and welcoming community:

    A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.

Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts and Divinity:

    Philosophy, History, English Literature, Theology, etc.

    Science:

    Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, etc.

    Social Sciences:

    Economics, Politics, Sociology, etc.

    Medicine:

    Medicine, Nursing, etc.

    Management:

    Business, Finance, Marketing, etc.

Other:

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