Laboratory staff helping second year undergraduates in a chemistry lab session, Chemistry building, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Chemistry MSci

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Chemistry is central to solving the world’s most pressing challenges – from clean energy and climate change to food security and new medicines. At Nottingham, you’ll examine these global issues through the lens of sustainable chemistry, gaining the practical, digital, and professional skills needed to make a real-world impact.

This MSci Chemistry course explores real-world issues including health, energy and technology with a strong focus on sustainability. In your final year, you’ll carry out an in-depth research project and choose from specialist master’s-level modules. You’ll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, including pioneers in green chemistry and AI-driven discovery. Our curriculum is designed with industry input and student collaboration, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.

The School of Chemistry at Nottingham is one of the largest in the UK and is ranked 9th nationally and in the top 100 globally for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Our award-winning Carbon Neutral Laboratory enables world-leading research in sustainable chemistry, supporting our mission to develop innovative solutions for a greener future.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Chemistry Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Exploring the Periodic Table  

Mandatory

Year 1

Organic Molecules and Mechanisms  

Mandatory

Year 1

Energy and Chemical Change  

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 1

Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Innovation  

Mandatory

Year 1

Analytical and Mathematical Methods in Chemistry 

Optional

Year 1

Chemistry in Action  

Optional

Year 1

Building Blocks of Life  

Optional

Year 1

Mathematics for Chemistry 1

Mandatory

Year 2

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

Mandatory

Year 2

Structure, Bonding and Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 2

From Atoms to Solids  

Mandatory

Year 2

Applying Skills in Practical Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 2

Sustainable Products and Processes 

Optional

Year 2

Atmospheric Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques

Optional

Year 2

Biological Chemistry  

Optional

Year 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Biomedical Imaging  

Optional

Year 2

Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Optional

Year 2

Mathematics for Chemistry 2  

Mandatory

Year 3

Metal Catalysis and Supramolecular Chemistry  

Mandatory

Year 3

Selectivity and Control in Synthesis  

Mandatory

Year 3

Quantum Chemistry and Matter  

Mandatory

Year 3

Investigate Project Skills in Practical Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Frontiers of Sustainability and Innovation 

Optional

Year 3

Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Optional

Year 3

Protein Characterisation and Bioinformatics  

Optional

Year 3

Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering  

Optional

Year 3

Small Molecule Drug Discovery  

Optional

Year 3

Structural Analysis in Chemistry  

Optional

Year 3

Communicating Science 

Mandatory

Year 4

Chemistry Research Project

Optional

Year 4

Nature and Process Approaches to Medicines

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Quantum Calculations 

Optional

Year 4

AI for Drug Design 

Optional

Year 4

Molecular and Materials Modelling 

Optional

Year 4

Functional Materials 

Optional

Year 4

Nanomaterials 

Optional

Year 4

Self-assembly and Non-covalent Interactions 

Optional

Year 4

Contemporary Organic Synthesis

Optional

Year 4

Biosynthesis and Biotherapeutics 

Optional

Year 4

Enterprise for Scientists 

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

The majority of this course is designed to be delivered in–person. The style of teaching delivery includes: 

  • Laboratory practical sessions
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials 
  • Workshops/Seminars

 

An overall mark of 55% or above for the second year is required to progress into
the third year of the MSci degree. Students may be considered for progression
into the third year of the BSc degree depending on their credit-weighted
average at the end of the second year. Your final degree classification will be
based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 20% with years three and four worth 40% each. 

Assessment methods

Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world skills. You’ll be assessed through:

  • Coursework and lab reports
  • Group project
  • Presentations
  • Research projects
  • Written exams

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules for 120 credits each year. As a guide, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work including consolidation. 

There are typically 8-10 one-hour lectures per week. In addition, you will spend 8 to 10 hours in laboratory classes per week. A typical week will also include an academic tutorial covering one of the core modules.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you through your studies and help you make the most of the opportunities available at Nottingham. Your personal tutor will guide your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.

Core modules are typically delivered by Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, or Professors. Lab classes will also include demonstrators and technicians.

Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.

Recent graduate destinations include:

  • Boots
  • Cancer Research
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • HSBC
  • NHS
  • Unilever

Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.

The University of Nottingham is the second-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers. (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2022).

Average starting salary and career progression

89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

 

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Royal Society of Chemistry

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

It fulfllsfulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).

Undergraduate students enjoying Highfields Park and lake

My decision to come to the University of Nottingham was made after coming to an open day. The lecturers were really enthusiastic, the chemistry building looked good and the atmosphere around the campus was great

Christopher Brooks-Green

MSci Chemistry

Course data

Open Day June 2022