Program Overview

Overview

It is possible for students applying for the Materials Chemistry MChem single Integrated Masters degree to enter directly into the second year of study, meaning you will complete your degree in only four years instead of five.

Entry Requirements

SQA Advanced Highers and Highers

• Advanced Highers: AB, A in Chemistry and B in one other science from the following: Mathematics or Physics.
• Highers: AAAAB

GCE A-Levels

• Standard entry grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science from the following: Mathematics or Physics.

IB points

• Standard entry grades: 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Chemistry and HL6 in one other science from the following: Mathematics or 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 qualifications: SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing science
    • Geography
    • Applications of Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.
  • GCSE qualifications: GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing Science
    • Geography
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Applicants must have studied Chemistry at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level, IB Higher Level, or equivalent. Preference may be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Course Details

Students who enter directly into second year will take modules required by the Materials Chemistry MChem programme from the second year on, along with an additional introductory module specifically designed for direct entry students.

Direct entry students will have the opportunity to study abroad during their second year of study or to go on an external placement during the third year of study.

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

St Andrews chemistry graduates move into a wide range of employment both in the materials, chemical and allied industries, as well as sectors outside physical sciences. Many MChem graduates continue on to PhD-level degrees both in the UK and overseas.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Fees and Duration

• UCAS code: F200 (with external placement: F113)
• Start date: September 2025
• End date: September 2029
• Duration: Four years full time
• School: School of Chemistry