Chemistry
(MChem) Chemistry
Entry for 2026
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
This programme aims to:
1. provide students with a comprehensive base of chemical knowledge and practical skills and an awareness of the current problems at the forefront of chemical research
2. develop in students the critical ability to apply their chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in chemical research
3. provide students with a range of transferable skills of value in a variety of careers
4. develop in students an enthusiasm for chemistry and an appreciation of its economic and environmental importance
5. Satisfy the academic requirements for the Chartered Chemist (CChem) designation of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Course learning outcomes
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, principles and theories of physical, theoretical, inorganic and organic chemistry and their interfaces with associated disciplines.
Demonstrate a well-informed understanding of contemporary issues at the frontiers of current chemical research.
Demonstrate awareness of and ability to use and evaluate a diverse range of chemical information and research resources, including internet-based resources.
Demonstrate a wide knowledge of the applications of chemical science to modern society and contemporary and future technological goals, including an appreciation of the ethics of these applications.
Critically analyse and solve problems related to their expertise in chemistry, using chemical data and relevant computational methods, such as coding.
Communicate scientific information, arguments and analytical data effectively, both orally and in writing and in a scholarly manner, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment that require initiative and personal responsibility, appropriate for further training of a professional or equivalent nature.
Use a variety of experimental techniques safely and efficiently in the laboratory to generate chemical systems, with effective procedures to characterise the results.
Use a variety of instruments to take accurate and precise measurements, using current data analysis and interpretation tools to rationalise the results.
Analyze a variety of substances effectively and safely to establish the identity or chemical properties of the material, being aware of hazards and appropriate safety protocols at all times.
Prepare, plan, and execute a correlated series of advanced experimental, theoretical or calculational activities in a specific research area focused on a well-articulated research question and over an extended period, with concomitant analysis of appropriate characterising data leading to definite scientific conclusions.
Prepare a substantial research report with appropriate critical evaluation of the contextual literature in the area, detailing experimental, theoretical or calculational approaches to a research question with an advanced level of data analysis and interpretation for a technical audience.
Demonstrate professional skills required to practice chemical science preparing or delivering materials for the presentation of advanced scientific results in written, oral or electronic forms to technical and non-technical audiences, with an advanced and critical assessment of results.
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contemporary synthetic, experimental, theoretical or calculational techniques as applied to chemical science, its interfaces with other scientific areas or its applications.
For information on the composition of this course please see either the on-line Undergraduate prospectus for undergraduate related courses or the on-line Postgraduate prospectus for postgraduate related courses.
More detailed information on the course structure and modules within this degree will be available on this page shortly.
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.