Triangle

Course overview

  • Opportunity to work on a research project in industry in year three  
  • Study in an inspirational school that has 95% of its research judged as internationally excellent or world leading (Research Excellence Framework, 2014)
  • Take optional modules to complement your core chemistry modules 
  • Opportunities to get involved with cutting-edge research
  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry

Course structure

The course structure for years one and two is the same as for F101 MSci Chemistry. The strong and broad foundation in all areas of chemistry provided by the first two years provide an excellent base from which you can successfully experience research work in a prestigious industrial laboratory.

Transfer between the MSci Chemistry, BSc Chemistry, MSci Chemistry with an International Study Year or MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry courses is possible up to the end of semester two in year one.*

Student support

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 is your first port of call in the school and they will take an interest in your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.

ChemSoc is the student-run society that organises visits by industrial speakers and promotes social events throughout the year. Members of ChemSoc typically mentor year one students during their first year.

Research in the School of Chemistry

Our success as teachers of chemistry owes much to our ability to include ground-breaking research results in our teaching curriculum. The School of Chemistry maintains a vigorous, competitive research portfolio and sustains international excellence within the core-chemistry areas and in the interdisciplinary research environment at the interfaces with biomedical science, physics and engineering. 

Find out more

* Progression requirements

In order to remain on the MSci Chemistry F101, BSc Chemistry F100, MSci Chemistry with an International Study Year F103 or MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry F105 degrees students must meet the progression requirements shown below at the end of year two.

  • 60% in first and second years to progress to a year abroad
  • 55% in second year to progress to the placement year
  • 55% in second year to progress to the MSci

In addition, students must have secured a year-long placement at a partner university overseas for year three of MSci Chemistry with an International Study Year F103 or a year-long industrial placement for year three of MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry F105.

Athena SWAN award

Athena SWAN is a national gender equality charter issued by the Equality Challenge Unit, which recognises work to improve equality and diversity in universities and colleges. The School of Chemistry was awarded a Silver Award in recognition of our work in this area. 

Athena SWAN Silver


Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level BBC in Clearing (including B in chemistry)

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Required subjects

Chemistry A level at grade A; GCSE mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

IB score 36-34 (chemistry at grade 6 at Higher Level); GCSE maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above. If you make the University of Nottingham your firm choice and do not meet the MSci grades in your offer but meet the BSc Chemistry grades then you will automatically be offered a place for the BSc F100 degree.

A levels and GCSEs

A levels: AAA-AAB, including chemistry at grade A. Typical offers will vary depending on the A level subjects offered in addition to chemistry.

Applicants taking A level biology, chemistry and/or physics are also required to pass the practical element of assessment (where it is assessed separately).

GCSEs: mathematics at grade 4 (C) (or equivalent)

If you make the University of Nottingham your firm choice and do not meet the MSci grades in your offer but meet the BSc grades then you will automatically be offered a place for the BSc F100 degree.

English language requirements 

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.

If you require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education, which is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. 

Students who successfully complete the presessional course to the required level can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking IELTS or equivalent.

Science Foundation Certificate

International students only

International students (non-EU) who do not have the required qualifications or grades to go directly onto an undergraduate degree course, may be interested in the Science Foundation Certificate delivered through the University of Nottingham International College. You are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met. 

Science with Foundation Year

Home, EU and international students

If you have achieved high grades in your A levels (or equivalent qualifications) but do not meet the current subject entry requirements for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course, you may be interested in our one-year science foundation programme. Applicants must also demonstrate good grades in previous relevant science subjects to apply. You are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met.  

Flexible admissions policy

In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, The University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We consider applicants’ circumstances and broader achievements as part of the assessment process, but do not vary the offer from the grades advertised as a result of these. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity.

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

How you will be assessed

Your degree course is designed to feed your curiosity for chemistry, to encourage you to express your ideas clearly and logically and to develop your approach towards independent learning. We achieve this through a series of modules that broaden your previous knowledge and introduce you to new topics.

The academic year is divided into two semesters and you will complete 120 credits of study per year. There are typically 10 lectures in addition to 8 to 10 hours of laboratory classes per week.

  • Lectures - these introduce the key principles, concepts and knowledge base of a topic
  • Small-group tutorials - these provide an opportunity for you to analyse and use the materials presented in lectures and laboratory classes. These meetings also ensure that you have grasped the key points of the lectures and that you fully understand the course material.
  • Laboratory classes - you'll gain laboratory experience in hands-on practical modules. These modules introduce you to current synthetic and analytical approaches in chemistry and the operation of modern instrumentation. Practical sessions are held in modern laboratories housed within the School of Chemistry.

Assessment varies on the module that is being studied. Assessment methods can include:

  • computing assignments
  • examinations
  • essays
  • dissertations
  • laboratory reports

The majority of theory-based modules are assessed by examinations.

Year in industry

This course provides the opportunity to work on a 90-credit research project in a research laboratory of a major chemical company where you will be a salaried employee.

Recent destinations for placement students have included Actelion (Switzerland), AstraZeneca (UK and Sweden), BP, GlaxoSmithKline, Infineum, Janssen (Belgium), Lubrizol and Sygnature.

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

Building on your pre-university studies, you will spend three quarters of your first year gaining core chemical knowledge and understanding.

If you do not have A level mathematics (or equivalent) then you will take an additional in-house module to prepare you for this aspect of the chemistry course.

Optional modules are available and account for the remainder of your study time.

Core modules

Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry

This module builds on your previous studies in chemistry and provides a firm foundation in topics including:

  • atomic and molecular structure
  • the shapes of molecules
  • chemical bonding
  • Lewis structures
  • molecular shape and symmetry
  • Intermolecular interactions and periodic trends in the properties of the elements of the s- and p-blocks
  • the chemistry of the transition metal elements and their coordination complexes.

You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.

Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry

In this module you will learn about the development of quantum theory and the spectroscopy of the hydrogen atom. You will examine the theories used to describe the bonding in molecules and will develop an understanding of microwave and infra-red spectroscopies.

The module also introduces you to some of the key concepts in thermodynamics including enthalpy, entropy and free energy and their application in describing equilibria and electrochemical processes. You will develop an understanding of the key concepts in reaction kinetics. 

You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.

Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity

You’ll examine the fundamental principles of organic chemistry. This will include nomenclature, bonding concepts, orbitals and the shape, stereochemistry and acid-base properties of organic molecules.

Later the module will focus on reactivity and important reactions and transformations in organic chemistry.

You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.

Foundation Laboratory Work

This module introduces you to the essential laboratory skills that are required in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

You’ll spend around eight hours per week in laboratory practicals performing experiments, and collecting and analysing data.

You’ll present written reports of your experimental work that will form part of the assessment for this module.

Chemistry Study Skills

You’ll follow this introductory module right at the start of your course. It is designed to develop your study skills so that you can work effectively at University.

The module will also introduce you to first-year undergraduate laboratory chemistry.

You’ll spend around four hours in your first week in practical sessions studying this module.

Calculations in Chemistry

This module is for those who already with A level maths will teach you the essential mathematic skills required for chemists. You will learn how to use your maths skills to solve a variety of problems in chemistry.

There will be two hours of lectures per week with a one hour workshop.

Mathematical Toolkit

You’ll gain a firm understanding of the use of mathematical equations in a chemical context through the study of topics including: scientific notation and significant figures; common chemical units and conversions between them; the rearrangement of chemical expressions and their graphical representation; trigonometry, differentiation and integration, and differential equations for chemical problems.

This module is compulsory for students not offering A level mathematics (or equivalent); optional for students offering A level mathematics or equivalent.

Optional modules

Molecules of Life

You’ll learn about Nature's building blocks including the structure and functions of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleotides. You'll also learn about the reactivity of these molecules and their biological roles through case studies.

Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing

In this module you’ll look at green chemistry in its broadest sense, covering the fundamental concepts and chemistry involved in making chemical processes cleaner and more environmentally benign.

You’ll spend one hour per week in lectures, seminars and workshops over the whole year studying this module.

Frontiers in Chemistry

This module will introduce you to selected topics at the forefront of current research in chemistry from a physical chemistry perspective.

Example topics include:

  • nanochemistry and its applications
  • energy generation and storage technologies
  • chemistry in the digital age
  • the chemistry of ions
  • the application of advanced photon sources
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 13 August 2020.

In the second year, theoretical and practical modules further develop the knowledge and understanding gained in the first year. The core material accounts for approximately 100 credits of your study with a further 20 credits taken as optional modules.

You will apply to potential companies for your year three placement and you will be supported in this process by the University. Progression onto year three of the MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry degree will depend on securing a placement and a good level of performance in years one and two.

Core modules

Core Laboratory Work

This module builds on the practical, analytical and communication skills developed in the first year and introduces experiments across the range of chemistry, based on your second year theory modules.

You’ll spend around 10 hours per week in practicals for this module. 

General Inorganic Chemistry

You’ll spend two hours per week in lectures studying topics including the synthesis, bonding and reactivity of organometallic compounds, the use of symmetry and group theory to interpret infra-red spectra and NMR spectroscopy in inorganic chemistry.

Further support is provided by tutorials every third week.

Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry

In this module you'll study  the physical principles underlying chemical phenomena, with emphasis on energy, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. You'll also be introduced to solid-state chemistry, including the structure, characterisation, energetics and the band theory of solids.  

You’ll attend two hours of lectures each week in this module. 

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

In this module, you’ll discuss the reactivity of, suggest synthetic routes for and interpret the spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds including some natural products.

Topics studied include:

  • modern spectroscopic techniques
  • carbon-carbon bond forming reactions
  • the influence of heteroatoms on reactivity

You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module and tutorials every third week.

Principles of Analytical Chemistry

You’ll be introduced to the principles of analytical chemistry, including the principal types of instrumentation used and the statistical treatment of analytical results.

You’ll attend two lectures each week studying this module.

Optional modules

Atmospheric Chemistry

You’ll study topics such as the physical properties of the atmosphere, chemistry of ozone in the stratosphere, global warming, and analytical methods in atmospheric chemistry in two lectures each week.

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology

The fundamental building blocks of life are essential for life as we know it but what exactly are they and how can this aid us in the development of medicinal drugs? This module will provide you with the fundamental concepts in molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, enabling you to understand the mode of action of anti-cancer agents, antibiotics and toxins.  

You’ll study: 

  • Molecular Processes in Cells, including Cell Signalling, DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Protein Folding, Protein Transport and Protein Degradation
  • Analysis of Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Data 
  • Cell Cycle, Cancer and Apoptosis
  • Microbiology, including anatomy of bacterial cells and action of antibiotics 
  • Viruses and viral diseases, as well as anti-viral agents studied in case studies 

 You’ll attend two lectures each week for this module. 

Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques

You will be introduced to the differential calculus of functions and vector operators. You’ll consider the development of techniques for the solution of boundary and initial value problems for ordinary differential equations. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Progression onto the assessed third year gives you an opportunity to work on a 90-credit research project in a research laboratory of a major chemical company where you will be a salaried employee.

Three 10-credit distance learning theory modules will develop your core chemistry knowledge. Comprehensive academic and pastoral support will be provided.

Recent destinations for placement students have included Actelion (Switzerland), AstraZeneca (UK and Sweden), BP, GlaxoSmithKline, Infineum, Janssen (Belgium), Lubrizol and Sygnature.

Core modules

Industry Placement

In this module, you will have the opportunity to undertake a full-time research placement in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare or related industry where you will develop the application of science.

Organic Chemistry Distance Learning

You'll learn about a range of modern reagents and synthetic methodology, and how these are applied to the synthesis of organic target molecules, such as natural products and active pharmaceuticals.

You'll learn about organolithium reagents and how modern palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions can be used to synthesise complex organic molecules.

You’ll follow this module throughout the year through independent study and will be assessed by three written assignments.

Inorganic Chemistry Distance Learning

You’ll study the roles of inorganic elements and molecules in biology, the inorganic aspects of the N and O cycles. You’ll learn about the electronic structure, co-ordination chemistry, and redox properties of d-transition metal ions in biological systems and the roles of metalloproteins in dioxygen transport, electron transfer, photosynthesis and dinitrogen fixation.

You’ll follow this module throughout the year through independent study and will be assessed by three written assignments.

Physical Chemistry Distance Learning

You’ll study the relationships between structure and properties of solids, and develop electronic structure theories that account for a wide range of properties of solids. You’ll learn about semi-conductors, photoconductivity, LEDs and solar cells. You’ll also study the modern theoretical methods that are used to calculate the properties of molecules and materials.

You’ll follow this module throughout the year through independent study and will be assessed by three written assignments.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

You will undertake a major 60-credit research project. The project will develop not only your practical ability, team working and problem solving skills, but also your appreciation of published literature, your use of library and computer database resources and your presentation skills.

You will complete a further 60 credits of optional modules in year four.

Core module

MSci Chemistry Research Project

You will be welcomed into one of the research groups within the School of Chemistry to undertake an in-depth research project.

All projects will involve a review of relevant published work and the planning and execution of a research topic under the guidance of two supervisors.

Optional modules

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Building on your knowledge from the previous years' modules in inorganic chemistry, you’ll study topics including:

  • electron transfer pathways
  • inorganic chemistry in biological systems
  • the principles of molecular and supramolecular photochemistry
  • applications of inorganic photochemistry
  • photocatalysis

You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module. 

Contemporary Organic Synthesis

Explore the synthesis of a variety of natural (and unnatural) compounds of relevance to biology and medicine, with reference to the goals and achievements of contemporary organic synthesis through a range of case studies. There is an emphasis on the use of modern synthetic methodology to address problems such as chemoselectivity, regiocontrol, stereoselectivity, atom economy and sustainability.

You will also study the application of new methodology for the rapid, efficient and highly selective construction of a range of target compounds - particularly those that display significant biological activity. There will also be an opportunity to address how a greater understanding of mechanism is important in modern organic chemistry. This module is assessed by a two hour exam.

Nucleic Acids and Bioorganic Mechanisms

During this module you will learn to understand in depth the structure, chemistry and molecular recognition of nucleic acids and their reactivity towards mutagens, carcinogens and ionising radiation and anti-tumour drugs. You will appreciate the plasticity and dynamics of the DNA duple helix through base motions that underpin its function.

The bacterial replisome will be used as the prime example to highlight the problems associated with DNA replication and the significance of telomeres will be discussed. Alongside this you will develop an understanding of the chemical reactivity of coenzymes and how these add significantly to the functionality of the 20 amino acids found in proteins. 

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

In this module you will explore inorganic photochemistry, electron transport pathways, molecular and supramolecular photochemistry, and artificial photosynthesis together with the principles that underpin green chemistry.

You will attend two lectures per week in this module.

Molecular Interactions and Supramolecular Assembly

In this module you’ll learn about the importance of intermolecular forces, across a wide cross-section of subject areas from biology through to supramolecular chemical systems.

You'll study molecular organisation, assembly and recognition in biological and supramolecular systems.

In addition to appreciating the rich chemistry underlying self-assembling systems, you'll learn about the phenomena that impact on the properties of materials and important interactions in biology. 

You'll attend two lectures per week in this module.

Enterprise for Chemists

Students will learn about the factors that lead to successful innovation, including evaluation and management of an idea/concept.

In addition, students will consider the factors required to extract the value from a product/concept (e.g. market awareness) and the potential routes to market available from both an academic and industrial viewpoint.

Advanced Biocatalysis, Biosynthesis and Chemical Biology

Advanced Chemical Biology

To introduce concepts of chemical genetics and including activity-based protein profiling, non-natural amino acid incorporation, bio-orthogonal reactivity and the use of bump-and-hole strategies, applied to various challenges such as finding kinase/target pairs.

Biocatalysis

To introduce enzyme engineering and the synthetic utility of designer biocatalysts, especially highlighting chemo-enzymatic approaches toward chiral commodity molecules (e.g. pharmaceuticals) and their precursors.

Biosynthesis

To introduce the biosynthetic pathways and enzyme catalysed reactions leading natural products polyketides, terpenes, fatty acids and non-ribosomal peptides.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Fees and funding

UK students

£9250
Per year

International students

£23760*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. including:

  • scientific calculator
  • model kit (optional)
  • travel and living costs associated with the year working in industry

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

Currently, students progressing onto Year 3 of this course pay a reduced Year 3 tuition fee. 

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

As a Nottingham chemistry graduate, you will be well prepared for a wide range of employment and postgraduate study opportunities. The chemical industry continues to be one of the strongest industrial sectors in the UK and the emerging materials and biotechnology sectors require trained chemists who can generate the new materials, products and knowledge that are needed in these areas.

In addition to equipping you with theoretical and practical skills in chemistry, a degree in chemistry from Nottingham also demonstrates that you can think logically and critically, solve complicated problems and manage your time effectively. Consequently, our graduates may also be employed in professions including those in finance, education, marketing and the media.

Average starting salary and career progression

86% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,121.*

  • Data from UoN graduates, 2017-2019. HESA Graduate Outcomes. Sample sizes vary.

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.

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.