MSc Chemistry

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+ Career options
+ MSc projects
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Chemistry underpins every aspect of our modern lives, from the medicines, materials and fuels we use daily, all the way through to the agrochemicals that provide us with the food that sustains our society.

This 12-month MSc is designed to allow students to gain broad grounding in all these applications across organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry, whether as a preparation for PhD studies or for students wishing to broaden their research experience and knowledge of chemistry.

Whether you’re looking to advance your knowledge within chemical sciences, improve your practical problem-solving skills or are looking to move into a lab-based role, this course will provide the theoretical and practical toolkit to advance your professional development.

After taught modules in core chemistry, you will undertake a research project.

Course duration 12 months (full-time)

Total self study time Approximately 16 hours per week

Teaching time Approximately 20 hours per week (inc. pre-recorded and live lectures, and practical exercises, not including research project)

WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?

Our Chemistry graduates are skilled in scientific methodology and are numerate, versatile and creative, making them attractive to employers from a range of sectors.

Around half of our graduates get their first job directly using their chemical knowledge; 25% go on to study a further degree; and the remaining 25% opt for diverse careers in a variety of industries.

WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?

Our recent graduates have gone to work for companies including:

  • Unilever
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Zeneca
  • Cap Gemini
  • Dyson Perrins Laboratory
  • Fisher Scientific UK
  • ICI Chemicals & Polymers Ltd

and have gone on to become:

  • Directors
  • Researchers
  • Research Scientists
  • Chemists

YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT - THEMES

The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are the themes that you can complete a project in:

🔎 Organic Chemistry

🔎 Inorganic Chemistry

🔎 Analytical Methods and Physical Chemistry

🔎 Chemical Biology and Biological Chemistry

🔎 Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

🔎 Materials Chemistry

🔎 Teaching and Scholarship in Chemical Education​​

Dr Roshila Moodley​

PGT Director, Department of Chemistry​

ACADEMIC'S VOICE


Rooted in scientific excellence and real-world relevance, this course empowers the next generation of chemists to drive discovery, develop sustainable solutions, and shape the future of science and industry.

STUDENT'S VOICE


This experience has truly shaped me, both as a researcher and as a person. I’ve developed strong research skills and grown much more confident in the lab through improving my practical abilities. The courses I took gave me deeper insights and a stronger foundation of knowledge, which have inspired me to keep pushing forward. More than anything, this journey has shown me how much I’ve grown, and it has prepared me to take on new challenges with excitement and determination.”

Akash Suresh Kumar

MSc Chemistry Student

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The University of Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK