Program Overview

MChem Chemistry Program

The MChem Chemistry program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers by providing a strong foundation in core chemistry, alongside specialist topics such as pharmaceuticals, computational chemistry, biology, and materials science.

Key Information

• UCAS code: F101
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MChem
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

This five-year MChem degree provides a broad scientific training that enhances employability across diverse sectors, from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to research and industry. The program includes extensive laboratory work, providing hands-on experience and opportunities to link theoretical knowledge from lectures to the real world.

Course Content

The comprehensive chemistry curriculum covers:

• Chemical reactivity
• Atomic and molecular structure
• Chemical bonding
• Thermodynamics
• Kinetics
• Organic synthesis
• Inorganic chemistry and catalysts
• Advanced techniques such as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy

Year 1

• Mandatory courses:
  • Principles of Chemistry
  • Chemical Applications 1
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
• Optional courses:
  • Introductory Biology 1
  • Mechanics, Fields and Forces

Year 2

• Mandatory courses:
  • Atomic & Molecular Structure & Chemical Bonding
  • Organic Structural Identification, Stereochemistry & Reaction Mechanisms
  • Chemical Thermodynamics & Introductory Chemical Kinetics
• Optional courses:
  • Metabolism in Human Nutrition
  • Mechanics, Fields and Forces
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 3

Year 3

• Mandatory courses:
  • Organometallic Chemistry and Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopy
  • Organic Reactions 1
  • Applications of Chemical Kinetics
• Optional courses:
  • Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Chemistry of Materials

Year 4

• Mandatory courses:
  • Chemistry Dissertation Project
  • Modern Inorganic Chemistry
  • Modern Organic Chemistry
  • Modern Physical Chemistry

Year 5

• Mandatory courses:
  • Computer Simulations of Molecules
  • MChem Extended Research Project
• Optional courses:
  • Quantum Theory & Solid State
  • Sustainable Development and Engineering Management
  • Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
  • Human Diseases and Therapeutic Interventions
  • Chemistry of Food
  • Quantum Devices
  • Nanomaterials and Catalysis
  • Quantum Theory and Spectroscopy

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • Scotland: Paid by SAAS
  • England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: Ł9,790
  • International: Ł25,808
• Scholarships and bursaries are available, including the Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to Ł3,100 per year) for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: AAAB (over two sittings), including Chemistry at A and one of Maths or Physics or Engineering Science at B
  • A-Levels: BBB, including Chemistry at B and either Maths or Physics at B
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 points, including Chemistry at Higher Level 5 and either Maths or Physics at Higher Level 5
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, in a relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths
  • HNC: A in graded unit, in a relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths
  • HND: BB in graded unit, in a relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings), including Chemistry at B and one of Maths or Physics or Engineering Science at B
  • A-Levels: BCC, including Chemistry and either Maths or Physics, with one required subject at B
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points, including Chemistry and Maths, both at Higher Level 5
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, in a relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths
  • HNC: B in graded unit, in a relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths
  • HND: BB, in a relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

• This program enhances employability across diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, and industry.
• Chemistry graduates from Heriot-Watt University have a good reputation with employers who appreciate the unique combination of skills and knowledge.
• Opportunities exist in various fields, including the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace, and communications industries.
• The broad range of skills involved in a chemistry degree means chemistry graduates are in high demand in other employment sectors, ranging from environmental protection to education and commerce.

Research Areas

• The program is informed by the expertise of research-active chemical scientists and academics.
• Research in the Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) encompasses a wide field in response to the needs of a modern technological society, including:
  • Dynamics and Structure
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Molecular Chemistry
• ICS has excellent facilities that support research, including high-resolution multinuclear NMR, X-ray crystallography, laser science, a continuum flow lab, and computational chemistry.