MSc in Chemical Science

The MSc in Chemical Science provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in modern chemical sciences and encourages them to explore research-led topics through a wide range of modules.

The MSc in Chemical Science is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry. The course is designed for those students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject.

It provides students with 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, allowing expanding fundamental knowledge of all areas of chemistry and/or specialisation in the 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 to equip you with analytical, critical, and communication skills.
• A key aspect of the programme is undertaking a significant research project for your dissertation. This 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 format

The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.

Teaching methods include:

• seminars,
• lectures,
• tutorials,
• practical laboratory work,
• consultation sessions with supervisors.

Modules are assessed through coursework and written examinations. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures.

Modules

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

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment.

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.
• Research Skills in Chemistry: develops knowledge of specialised research techniques for the prospective research project.

Optional

Optional modules are subject to change each year, and some may only allow limited numbers of students.

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

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

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

• Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
• Blockbuster Solids
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
• Energy Conversion and Storage
• Molecular Recognition
• Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Cofactors
• Reactive Intermediates
• Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Dissertation

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.

The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2019 entry.

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 out with a research environment include scientific publishing, patent law, forensic science, IT and energy consultancy.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Entry requirements

• A good 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.

The qualifications listed are indicative of 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 or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
• two original signed academic references.
• academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• English language requirements certificate.
• letter of intent (optional).

Funding

Recent Graduate Discount

The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.