Program Overview

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Overview

The MChem (Hons) in Chemistry will teach you the fundamentals of this central science, from the composition and properties of matter, to using reactions to create new molecules and materials. You will learn about the critical role of chemistry in industries and new technologies from pharmaceuticals to accessing drinkable water, and from efficient energy generation to sustainable food production. Chemistry at St Andrews interfaces with biology, physics, mathematics, medicine and geology, making it a highly applicable subject to many areas of study.

Accreditation

All single Honours Chemistry degree programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

UCAS code

F101 (with external placement: F102)

Start date

September 2025

End date

September 2030

Duration

Five years full time

School

School of Chemistry

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

• Standard entry grades: AAAAB, including A in Chemistry and an A in one other subject from the following: Biology (or Human Biology), Computing Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: AABB, including A in Chemistry and an A in one other subject from the following: Biology (or Human Biology), Computing Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.
• Gateway entry grades: Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

GCE A-Levels

• Standard entry grades: AAA, including A in Chemistry.
• Minimum entry grades: ABB, including A in Chemistry.

IB points

• Standard entry grades: 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Chemistry and HL6 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: 36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL6 in Chemistry and HL5 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.

General entry requirements

• All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
• SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing science
  • Geography
  • Applications of Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.
• GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

Course details

The MChem in Chemistry is a five-year Integrated Masters course run by the School of Chemistry. Chemistry at St Andrews provides students with a fundamental and comprehensive understanding of chemistry, along with a highly transferrable training in numeracy, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.

Modules

• First year:
  • Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 1
  • Organic and Biological Chemistry 1
• Second year:
  • Inorganic Chemistry 2
  • Organic Chemistry 2
  • Physical Chemistry 2
• Third year:
  • Mechanism in Organic Chemistry
  • Organometallic Chemistry
  • Quantum Theory of Atoms, Molecules and Solids
  • Synthetic Methodology
• Fourth year:
  • External placement in a leading industrial laboratory
  • Research project in one of the School’s highly rated research groups
• Fifth year:
  • Advanced research-led modules in specialist areas
  • Research project in one of the School’s highly rated research groups

Teaching

• Teaching format: lectures, labs, tutorials
• Assessment: written examinations, coursework, oral presentations, oral examinations
• Support: academic staff, postgraduate research students, Student Services team

Fees

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man: £9,535
• EU and overseas: £31,670

Joint Honours degrees

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biology and Chemistry - UCAS code C761
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Chemistry and Earth Sciences - UCAS code FF16
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Chemistry and Mathematics - UCAS code FG11
• Master in Science (Honours) Chemistry and Physics - UCAS code FF13

Careers

St Andrews chemistry graduates have an employment rate of over 95% and are in demand by large multinational and grassroots companies alike. Chemistry degrees provide a range of highly desirable skills that are prized by employers across numerous sectors, including:

• problem-solving
• numeracy
• data handling
• teamwork
• oral and written communication

Research areas

• Synthetic methods and reaction mechanisms
• The chemistry of biomolecules
• Energy conversion and storage materials
• Fragrance, food and colour chemistry
• Statistical mechanics and computational chemistry

What to do next

• Attend an online information event or undergraduate visiting day
• Contact the Admissions team for more information