Chemistry building exterior

Chemistry with an International Study Year MSci

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. This includes developing new drugs and vaccines, researching clean energy resources, and feeding a growing population. 

You'll be taught by experts who will feed your curiosity for this exciting subject. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos YouTube channel.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 1

Chemistry Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Calculations in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Molecules of Life

Optional

Year 1

Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing

Optional

Year 1

Frontiers in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Mathematical Toolkit

Mandatory

Year 2

General Inorganic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Principles of Analytical Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

Mandatory

Year 2

Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Core Laboratory Work

Optional

Year 2

Atmospheric Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology

Optional

Year 2

Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques

Optional

Year 2

Sustainable Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Year abroad – modules at partner institution

Mandatory

Year 4

Chemistry Research Project

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Optional

Year 4

Contemporary Organic Synthesis

Optional

Year 4

Nucleic Acids and Bioorganic Mechanisms

Optional

Year 4

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

Optional

Year 4

Molecular Interactions and Supramolecular Assembly

Optional

Year 4

Enterprise for Scientists

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Biocatalysis, Biosynthesis and Chemical Biology

Information Icon

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 Thursday 10 April 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods

The majority of this course is designed to be delivered in–person. Year 3 will be delivered and assessed by the partner institution. The style of teaching delivery includes: 

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

An overall mark of 60% or above is required in the first and second years to progress to the third year of this degree. Students who are unable to gain a place at a host university will join the third year of the BSc or MSci degrees depending on their credit-weighted average for the second year.   

Classes abroad will be taught in English. The modules will be assessed and count towards your final degree classification.  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

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Lab reports
  • Research project
  • Written exam

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

100% of undergraduates from this course in the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £30,050.

HESA Graduate Outcomes based on 2017-2021 graduates. 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 fulflls the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).

University undergraduates studying in the Monica Partridge building. Friday November 5th 2021.

Course data

Open Day June 2022