MChem, BSc Chemistry

Programme overview

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

Chemistry is a central science, at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us. From energy to the environment, groundbreaking medicine to cleaning products, chemistry is integral to all aspects of our life, which puts chemical scientists at the forefront of delivering invaluable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and health.

In your first two years you will study the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin chemistry, whilst developing laboratory skills and a wide range of graduate and transferable skills like teamwork and data analysis. You’ll also be exposed to the latest research from our globally-recognized research groups.

In your third year you will continue to build on your knowledge of chemistry whilst having access to a range of options including ethics and business within the degree programme. You will have the option to apply for industrial experience between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4. Alternatively, you may spend your third year studying chemistry at one of our overseas partner Universities.

In your final year you’ll undertake a significant research project, embedded in one of our internationally recognized research groups. This allows you to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of chemistry, as well as further develop transferable skills such as working independently, communication and time management.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CHEM1102	Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM1204	Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology & Synthesis	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM1205	Chemistry of the Material World	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM1302	Introduction to Modern Chemistry	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM1303	Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM1402	Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study a further 10 credits from the following:

Option A: For students without A level maths or equivalent, or with a grade less than C in A level maths or equivalent, you must take the following module.

Option B: Select 10 credits of Discovery Modules.

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
NATS1180	Mathematics for Scientists	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery Modules

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CHEM2112	Chemistry of Materials: what they are and how we know	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM2192	Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM2212	Organometallics: from bonding to catalysis	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM2293	Specialisms in Chemical Science	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM2321	Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM2331	Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM2402	Practical, Professional and Research skills for Chemists	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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Progression into year 4 of the MChem programme is dependent on passing at least 100 credits and achieving an average of 60% or higher. Exceptions to this will only be at the discretion of the Progression and Classification Board. Students failing to progress to year 4 of the MChem programme will be transferred to the BSc programme.

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CHEM3481	Project and Research Skills	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study 70 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CHEM3311	Extended Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry	30	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3312	Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3320	Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3321	Extended Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry	30	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3330	Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3331	Extended Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry	30	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Students take one of CHEM3312 or CHEM3311.

Students take one of CHEM3320 or CHEM3321.

Students take one of CHEM3330 or CHEM3331.

Students will be required to study 10 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CHEM3212	Big Data, Big Science	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3612	Chemistry in the Real World	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3621	Ethical Issues in Chemistry	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3667	Chemistry into Schools	10	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Year 4

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CHEM5460M	Laboratory-based Project Work 6M	60	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM5600M	Advanced Topics in Chemistry 60 Credit	60	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Students will be required to pass CHEM5460M.

Last updated: 14/05/2026 16:38:44

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