Digital and Automated Chemistry MSc

Course overview

This programme will be available for entry in September 2025. Applications will open in October 2024.

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the relevance of digital chemistry and automation cannot be overstated. Together, digital chemistry and automation enable researchers to explore and understand complex science more efficiently than ever before. Our course emphasises the pivotal role of automation and data-driven approaches in the future of industrial chemical research, effectively preparing you for a career across a wide range of sectors such as pharmaceuticals, materials and chemical technology.

You'll learn how to collect, analyse and exploit large chemical datasets, and how these can be integrated with your chemical knowledge and machine learning approaches to solve real-world challenges. This dual focus on data generation and handling will provide you with the skills required to fully harness the potential of digital chemistry, both computationally and applied in a laboratory setting.

At Leeds, you'll be immersed in an active digital and automated chemistry research environment. You'll have the opportunity to carry out an original independent research project which aligns with your interests and career aspirations, ranging from the discovery of new drugs, materials and catalysts to the development of efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, including predictive chemistry.

During the Digital and Automated Chemistry MSc course, you'll learn how to seamlessly integrate chemistry and advanced technologies, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed for a career within the modern chemical sciences industries. You'll also have the opportunity to develop a range of additional key transferable skills throughout the course, including problem solving, critical thinking, project planning and scientific communication.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research across the School of Chemistry and School of Chemical and Process Engineering feeds into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in digital and automated chemistry.
• Access specialist facilities that support your learning, including flow chemistry platforms, liquid handling robotics and state-of-the-art automated reactors developed at Leeds within the Institute of Process Research and Development.
• Put theory into practice by conducting an individual research project focused on designing new digital chemistry approaches, giving you hands-on experience in the latest technology innovations in an active research environment.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in applying digital and automated chemistry approaches to industrially-relevant challenges such as the discovery of new functional materials, development of sustainable chemical processes and predictive chemistry.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team who specialise in a variety of digital and automated chemistry innovations.

Course details

This programme builds the foundational concepts underpinning digital chemistry technologies, which will be complemented with an introduction to basic programming for data handling, processing and visualisation.

Alongside advanced chemistry topics, you'll learn how automated reactor platforms and digital chemistry approaches are designed, and how these innovative technologies and machine learning are being applied to solve real-world challenges.

Throughout the course, you'll also develop advanced research skills and gain hands-on experience with digital chemistry methods in the laboratory. In addition, selection of optional modules and topics within the advanced topics modules will allow you to build specialist knowledge in areas that align with your interests and career aspirations.

By the end of your study, you'll have learnt how to integrate chemistry, data science and automation technologies, providing you with the key technical skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial chemical research.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Practical, Professional and Research Skills – 30 credits

Build a comprehensive set of skills essential for success in both research projects and your future careers. Focusing on practical and analytical skills, the module emphasises hands-on training to enhance students’ proficiency in digital and automated chemistry applications. Additionally, the incorporation of transferable professional skills ensures that you develop a well-rounded skill set, fostering adaptability for diverse career paths within the field of digital chemistry.

Foundations of Digital and Automated Chemistry – 15 credits

This module provides an introduction to key concepts in digital chemistry research. Emphasising the integration of automated technologies, the module explores the principles of experimental design, showcasing how technology enhances precision and efficiency in chemical investigations. You’ll explore modelling techniques, gaining a fundamental understanding of how computational tools contribute to the prediction and analysis of chemical reactions.

Data Science for Digital Chemistry – 15 credits

Develop core skills to efficiently handle and interpret large datasets to identify trends and reach meaningful conclusions. Using examples from across chemistry, you'll learn how to use Python programming to extract, process and visualise data efficiently and concisely. You'll apply your skills to explore real digital chemistry datasets and extract key scientific information.

Technologies for Digital and Automated Chemistry – 15 credits

Learn about the integration of digital technologies and automation to enhance laboratory processes. Principles and applications of automated chemical systems will be explored, including robotic/flow platforms, analytical technologies and machine learning optimisation algorithms, which have revolutionised experimentation and data acquisition. This module has been designed to be research-led, including in-depth study of technologies which are being actively developed by experts at the University of Leeds alongside industrial partners. You’ll also apply your knowledge to evaluate and critically analyse state-of-the-art digital chemistry technologies reported within academic literature.

Advanced Topics in Chemistry – 15 credits

You’ll develop a broad understanding across different areas of advanced chemistry. You'll select topics to study in-depth from a range of topical themes. An ability to use your knowledge to critically evaluate literature and solve unseen problems of an advanced nature will prepare you for research in both academic and industrial settings. By studying digital chemistry alongside other topics, such as medicinal, materials and process chemistry, you’ll learn how to integrate your chemistry knowledge with expertise in automation and data science to solve new challenges.

Research Project – 60 credits

The focal point of the MSc is the research project where you’ll gain an immersive and hands-on experience in the cutting-edge field of digital and automated chemistry. You'll be supported to identify a project that motivates you, engaging in original research that leverages combinations of computational techniques, algorithms and advanced software tools to explore complex chemical systems. You'll have access to state-of-the-art research facilities at Leeds to work on original research alongside PhD students and experienced postdoctoral researchers.

This project will equip you with the independent research and critical thinking skills required for your future career. The module also encourages innovation in applying digital methodologies to address real-world chemical challenges in areas such as drug discovery, materials chemistry and sustainable process development.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Foundations of Chemistry – 15 credits

Build the skills and expertise required to tackle advanced topics in chemistry and related disciplines.

Modern Drug Discovery – 15 credits

Study the chemical and pharmacological principles and methodologies that underpin the entire small molecule drug discovery process. You’ll explore scientific milestones enabling disease-based and target-based drug discovery, beginning with the identification and validations of potential drug targets. The iterative process of drug discovery presents major opportunities for digital and automated chemistry to streamline the development and optimisation of lead compounds.

Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Examined S1) – 15 credits

Develop a broad understanding across different areas of advanced chemistry. You’ll select topics to study in-depth from a range of themes that are of current research/commercial interest. You’ll apply your knowledge to critically evaluate literature, building problem-solving skills that will transfer into both further academic study and working in industry.

Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Examined S2) – 15 credits

Building on your foundational chemistry knowledge, this module will further explore some of the most cutting-edge and state-of-the-art research topics relevant to modern chemistry. You’ll select from a range of topics based on your interests and learn how to combine your advanced knowledge of multiple areas simultaneously to solve multidisciplinary problems.

Structure-Based Drug Discovery – 15 credits

Learn how the three-dimensional molecular structures of biological macromolecules, especially proteins, can enable computational structure-based drug design. Practical applications of these techniques across academia and industry will be explored through both taught material and hands-on practical experience.

Learning and teaching

We offer a comprehensive postgraduate learning experience, blending various teaching methods with independent learning. Integrating research into teaching is a priority, ensuring you have regular interaction with leading experts in their fields. The course combines practical learning and academic theory through lectures, tutorials, seminars, small group workshops, laboratory sessions, and independent research projects.

You'll also engage with student-led activities with your peers to enhance your learning through literature presentations, in-class discussions and group work. Face-to-face delivery will be complemented with recorded lectures for revision, and digital resources will be shared for supplementary learning. Throughout the course, your personal tutor will be available to provide regular support for academic, pastoral and career queries.

Active research environments

Many researchers in the School of Chemistry are members of the University of Leeds’ world-leading interdisciplinary research centres:

• The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology focuses on understanding life in molecular detail.
• The Institute of Process Research and Development are made up of experts from the fields of process chemistry and chemical engineering who work closely with the chemical industries to develop exciting new technologies.
• The Priestley Centre for Climate Futures aims to further our physical, technological, economic and social understanding of climate change with strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
• The Bragg Centre for Materials Research brings together scientists and engineers to discover, create and design new materials.

We are also active partners in UK national research centres including the Henry Royce Institute for advanced research and innovation and the Rosalind Franklin Institute, developing new technologies to tackle important health research challenges.

Companies that have spun out of the School of Chemistry include Keracol (natural materials for sustainable consumer products), C-Capture (chemical processes for capture of carbon dioxide) and LUNAC Therapeutics (anticoagulant therapies).

Specialist facilities

We offer excellent facilities and technical support with a range of dedicated equipment for digital chemistry research. These include automated and self-optimising continuous flow platforms with integrated process analytical technologies; a range of liquid handling robotics for reaction screening and enzyme assays; industry-standard scale-up facilities with digital twin integration.

The chemistry building also houses computer clusters, where you can process and model your data under expert supervision. We also provide access to dedicated software for experimental design, and our own bespoke reactor control software and machine learning algorithms.

Programme team

This programme is led by Dr Adam Clayton, a lecturer in sustainable and digital chemistry with an active research group based in the Institute of Process Research and Development. His research is concerned with developing new automated reactor technologies for multistep chemical synthesis and optimisation. The wider programme team are also actively applying digital and automated chemistry workflows within interdisciplinary research centres to address global challenges such as sustainability and healthcare.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The wide range of continual assessment formats will allow you to improve your generic skills and to hone your ability to solve problems. As part of the continual assessment of modules, you'll give a wide range of oral presentations; prepare short articles, essays, and research reports; perform computational exercises; and undertake group-based problem-solving activities. Your research project will be assessed through your practical work and a written extended research report.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in chemistry, or a chemistry-related subject.

Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in chemistry, or a chemistry-related subject with at least one year’s relevant experience
• A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) degree in chemical engineering, materials science or biochemistry
• Professionally qualified and experienced candidates

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

This programme will be available for entry in October 2025. Applications will open in October 2024.

This course is taught by

School of Chemistry

Contact us

School of Chemistry Admissions Team

Email: chem.msc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Companies from different sectors are investing heavily in digital chemistry technologies that have the potential to transform chemical/process discovery and development. Therefore, there is a growing demand for specialists who can integrate chemistry, data science and automation expertise to enable adoption of these new technologies within industry. The skills and knowledge you'll develop on this MSc will equip you with these industry-relevant expertise and will provide career opportunities in a variety of roles such as:

• Chemical Data Scientist/Analyst
• Automation Specialist
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Computational Chemist

Across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Pharmaceutical
• Agrochemical
• Materials
• Catalysis
• Chemical technology
• Data science
• Instrumentation
• Contract research

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.