About this course
An MChem course is a completely different way of learning. It’s about deeper chemistry knowledge and research.
How do we give you that? You’ll work on your research project for a whole year, which not only gives you extensive research experience but a chance to shape the future of chemistry. Equipped with the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course, you’ll be work or research-ready when you graduate.
Take your studies to Masters level
An MChem gives you an extra year to develop and expand your chemistry knowledge up to Masters level. You’ll study Masters level modules in your final year and spend time building your research experience by working on your extended year-long project alongside our chemistry researchers.
Join our research community
Immerse yourself in our chemistry research community by attending our regular research seminars. You’ll hear about the latest hot topics in chemistry from lecturers and researchers from NTU and across the globe. Industry partners regularly attend to share trends and developments from the sector.
Chartered Chemist status
This course puts you on the path to becoming a Chartered Chemist. If you go onto further research or study, you can apply for professional Chartered Chemist (CChem) status. CChem status shows your academic and professional achievements as well as your commitment to advancing excellence in science.
Research informed teaching
Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. This means you can be sure that what you are learning is at the cutting edge of new chemistry discoveries. For example, Dr Gareth Cave, our nanoparticles expert, has used his expertise to develop an antiviral facemask in the fight against COVID-19.
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An MChem gives you an extra year to develop and expand your chemistry knowledge up to Masters level. You’ll study Masters level modules in your final year and spend time building your research experience by working on your extended year-long project alongside our chemistry researchers. -
94% of chemistry students were positive about the academic support on their course. National Student Survey 2024.
What you’ll study
Who will teach me?
We have a passionate team of experts who are committed to providing you with all the skills and experience you need to build a successful career in industry or in research. We are proud to have won awards and recognition for our high levels of teaching and student satisfaction. As a student here, you will not only have the full support of your tutors, but you’ll also work with a highly skilled technical team who are on hand to help you throughout your studies.
In your first year, you will be introduced to the various strands of chemistry, and we'll start to explore some more specialist areas, including the biological chemistry of drugs, environmental issues, and polymeric materials.
Structure and Function
Learn about the bonding and structure in organic molecules and functional group chemistry, with an emphasis on reactivity and mechanism.
Inorganic Bonding and Solid-State Materials
Learn the fundamental concepts of theoretical and practical chemistry as well as aspects such as inorganic complexation reactions, indicator theory and acid-base systems.
Physical States of Matter
Study physical chemistry including kinetic theory of gases, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, phase equilibria and distillation processes.
Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Analysis
Learn basic chemical principles including chromatography, applied optical spectroscopy, statistical tests, electroanalytical techniques, and appropriate specialist methods.
Professional Development
Engage with real life examples of how chemistry works, and understand the influence of social, economic or environmental factors on the way chemical sciences operate.
Introduction to Specialist Areas of Chemistry
Explore key specialist areas of chemistry, including the biological chemistry of drugs, polymeric materials, and environmental challenges. This module also introduces sustainable chemistry, examining the principles of green chemistry and its role in tackling environmental issues. You'll learn how to assess sustainability using Life Cycle Assessment and carbon footprints.
This year we will be exploring more advanced concepts and you'll have the opportunity to take a short placement to get you thinking about the world of work. You'll also choose one module in a specialist area that’s of interest to you.
Organic Chemistry
Learn more advanced concepts in synthetic organic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms and reactivity, as well as advanced structural analysis through organic spectroscopic techniques.
Inorganic Chemistry
Develop the concepts introduced in Year One and learn about structural chemistry in relation to chemical behaviour, functionality, reactivity and identification of inorganic molecules.
Physical Chemistry
Learn the basic principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Analytical Chemistry
Builds on Year One with a focus on interfering sample matrices, quantitative and qualitative identification of multicomponent samples and measurements under non-ideal conditions.
Professional Practice
Get prepared for the world of work through a short placement. You’ll be able to apply and observe, analyse and evaluate a range of vocationally relevant processes and attitudes.
Optional modules - choose one
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Introduces you to the processes involved in drug discovery and the steps taken by the medicinal chemist in order to take a lead compound and develop a drug for market.
Modern Day Materials
Develop an enthusiastic awareness of the impact of advanced materials science on modern-day life through a series of lectures and laboratory demonstrations on the applications of carbon and composite materials.
Applied Instrumental Analysis
Gain insight into the role of modern analytical instrumentation in solving real-world challenges across research, industry, and regulatory sectors. This module explores the principles and applications of advanced instrumental techniques used in industry, including bioanalytical methods such as ELISA and Microtox, sample preparation strategies, and the latest advancements in analytical instrumentation, including uHPLC and diode array detection.
Chemical Technology
This module brings chemistry into reality starting with the introduction of both fundamental and practical knowledge of applied chemistry in commercial applications and taking it through to the industrial environment.
Core modules
Advanced Chemistry
Study advanced topics across the spectrum of chemistry including heterocyclic chemistry, reaction mechanisms at metal centres, and molecular self-assembly and polymer chemistry in solution.
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Builds on the previous concepts presented in organic chemistry, and introduces you to concepts of total synthesis, asymmetric synthesis and advanced theories in pericyclic reactions.
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Study a range of topics including bioinorganic chemistry, the chemistry of lanthanides and actinides, and single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction to name a few.
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Study the principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Research Methodology
Develops your research and presentation skills, ready for independent study in your final year.
Choose one module from:
Advanced Chemical Analysis
Develop through advanced topics in the theory and practice of chemical analysis, including method development from first principles through to final presentation, method validation, and group work.
Chemotherapeutics
Study the biological processes involved in disease proliferation and the use of chemotherapeutic agents as a treatment.
Nano and Green Technology
Develop an appreciation of cutting-edge progress in nanomaterials and green chemistry, their use in domestic and engineering applications and the theory and practice of green chemistry.
Your project will form a large part of your coursework this year and you'll be working independently to research and develop your project topic. You will also select three modules which we will cover in-depth to give you master’s level knowledge and training.
Project
Develop plans and carry out a substantial independent research project of publishable quality. Understand the principles of analytical work and the limitations of experimental design.
Choose three modules from:
Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds
Active Compounds Builds your knowledge and skills for effective design and implementation of the synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules.
Physical Properties of Solid-state and Nanocomposite Materials
To provide a masters level training within the fields of solid-state and nanocomposite materials chemistry.
Inorganic Chemistry - Beyond the Molecule
Beyond the Molecule Learn about the use of the biomimetic and supramolecular approaches in materials chemistry.
Drug Detection Analysis and Screening
Develop concepts of analytical chemistry applied to the detection and analysis of drugs and drug containing materials by standard methods.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
"The hands on teaching and the amount laboratory experience is exceptional. Even from year 1 we were taught to use high tech equipment. This allows us to get a lot of experience over the 3/4 years of our course and already be experience and confident when using these same instruments that are used in industry."
(MChem (Hons) Chemistry student review, Student Crowd)
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How you're taught
Staff and student community
With support from your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, you can be sure we'll be here for you during your studies.
There’s support from your peers too. Our mentoring scheme gives you support from other students on your course. Whether you need help with your studies or university life in general, they’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective.
We have a passionate team of experts who are committed to providing you with all the skills and experience you need to build a successful career in industry or in research.
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
Get hands-on
You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment, such as our analytical suite, right from the very start of your course. This means you’ll stand out when applying for placements and positions after graduation. You’ll be familiar with how a professional lab works and already know how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry.
Get published
During your project you’ll be working on real research projects often alongside our chemistry researchers. Our research papers are frequently published in international scientific journals with our students named as one of the contributing authors – a great start to your career.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- Practical assessments - Because there is a lot of practical work in this course, the majority of assessments will involve reviews of your coursework and practical experience.
- Group and Lab assessments - We will be assessing group projects and laboratory work, as well as the portfolio that you’ll develop throughout the course.
- Exams and dissertation - You'll also give oral presentations and produce a final year dissertation. Some assessments will be in the form of written exams and in-class written tests.
Careers and employability
Professional accreditation and CChem status
The Royal Society of Chemistry has accredited this course. Accreditations are a seal of approval from professional bodies and our assurance to you that your course is relevant and valued by the industry. This course also puts you on the path to becoming a Chartered Chemist. As it is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, if you go on to further research or study, you can apply for professional Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Your future career
Our Chemistry graduates have excellent employment prospects because they possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills that are suited to a broad range of roles and industries. Over the years we have developed strong links with some of the biggest names in the industry and many of our students have secured work placements and careers with these companies.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- AstraZeneca
- Defence Science and Technology Lab
- Alpha Analytical Laboratory
- Source Biosciences
- AkzoNobel
- Boots
- Castle Environmental
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Research Assistant
- Trainee Ink Chemist
- Graduate Scientist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Logistics Analyst
- Science Teacher
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and Rosalind Franklin Building with your own allocated fume hood and access to equipment including mass spectrometers and NMR machines.
Our first-class facilities support our high quality teaching and world-leading research across subjects and disciplines. As a Chemistry student you will have access to the:
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research facility
- Natural Sciences Research facility
- on-campus crime scene training facility
- British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
- Standard offer: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
- Contextual offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
