(Full time) 2021 start
Chemistry MSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Our Chemistry masters degree is a highly versatile course allowing you to direct your studies to specialised areas of chemistry. The course places strong emphasis on practical chemistry and focuses on current topics in chemistry research.
You will gain extensive hands-on practical experience within the laboratory with a practical skills module that provides tuition in essential practical and analytical procedures, and carry out an independent original research project.
The practical and analytical skills obtained, in combination with the reporting of the data generated, are essential abilities that enhance employability within the chemical sciences industries.
Course highlights
Our courses are shaped by our world-leading research in areas such as chemical biology and medicinal chemistry.
During your studies, you will access specialist facilities and laboratories.
Course content
You will study compulsory modules on advanced topics in chemistry, and laboratory skills for chemists, and undertake an extended laboratory project during the summer months.
This will be complemented with a choice of optional modules that allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a topic that suits your career plans or personal interests.
Optional module topics are available in the following areas: polymer chemistry, food science and nutrition, soft matter physics, materials science, and colour chemistry.
Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look at the Chemistry MSc module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Extended Research Project for Chemistry-based MSc courses 80 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Coursework) 20 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Examined) 30 credits
- Practical Skills and Instrumental Analysis 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Practical Bioinformatics 10 credits
- Metals and Alloys 15 credits
- Ceramics, Polymers and Composites 15 credits
- Foundations of Chemistry Coursework (10 credits) 10 credits
- Foundations of Chemistry Coursework (15 credits) 15 credits
- Synthesis and Characterisation of Organic Molecules 15 credits
- Advanced Colour Science 15 credits
- Synthesis and Application of Polymers 15 credits
- Colour Application Technology 30 credits
- Physical Aspects of Food 10 credits
- Colloid and Dairy Science 10 credits
- Food Analysis 10 credits
- Food Quality Assurance and Control 10 credits
- Soft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses 15 credits
- Physics of Biological Systems 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Teaching methods involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, workshops and contact with relevant industries. The final stage of study is an individual extended research project which is typically carried out within a research group and may also include external industrial involvement.
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
Assessment is based on course work, research project performance and written exams which take place at the end of the semester in which the module is taught.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in chemistry, or a chemistry related subject. Applicants must have taken and consistently scored 2:2 level marks (or higher) in modules covering: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry.
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.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possble.
31 July 2021 – International applicants
10 September 2021 – UK applicants
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Fees
- UK: £11,250 (total)
- International: £24,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
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 about additional costs
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
This masters degree course includes modules that have a direct commercial relevance, for instance Advanced Colour Science and Synthesis and Applications of Polymers. You will have the flexibility to design your masters degree allowing you to gain specialist knowledge in a topic that suits your career plans. The extended research project and introduction to practical skills module, will further enhance your employability.
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.