About this course
Learn about some of the world’s biggest challenges, from renewable energy to improving the study of disease, with our MSc Chemistry degree. Study in depth traditional areas including analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. You’ll choose from a wide range of specialist modules to match your interests.
Combine theory, practical and research work to develop skills in demand by industry, or prepare for further research study.
On this chemistry master's you’ll take part in sessions to develop your practical, scientific writing, communication and presentation skills. You'll work in state of the art laboratories and gain master's level knowledge of the core areas of chemistry, along with your chosen area of specialisation.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr. Giuseppe Pileio, Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry leads this course. Giuseppe is the Chemistry MSc Director of Programmes and the Director of the Interfaculty Centre for Magnetic Resonance. His group develops theory, methodology and hardware to enhance capabilities in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), applied to porous media and biological tissues. Read Dr. Giuseppe Pileio staff profile to find out more about his work.
Related pathways
General chemistry
Further your knowledge in a combination of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Choose this option if you’re interested in developing your expertise across the different disciplines within chemistry.
Organic chemistry
This covers synthetic reaction and mechanisms. It’s suitable if you already have an undergraduate grounding in nomenclature, stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms. You can specialise in:
- organic synthesis
- medicinal chemistry
- bio-organic chemistry
Inorganic chemistry and materials
The focus here is on functional inorganic, solid-state and supramolecular materials. It’s ideal if you have BSc level knowledge of fundamentals and applications of inorganic chemistry. It addresses challenges in:
- energy
- sustainability
- healthcare and diagnostics
- the deposition of nanostructured materials
Physical chemistry
This is suitable if you have an undergraduate level grounding in physical chemistry, especially quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and kinetics. You’ll be able to specialise in:
- computational chemistry
- spectroscopy
- electrochemistry
- surface science
- magnetic resonance
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in chemistry, or a 2:1 degree with at least 50% chemistry content and an average of a 2:1 across your chemistry modules.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Information for students who have studied in China
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
The taught part of the course takes place over the first 2 semesters.
Each semester includes 12 weeks of study followed by 2 or 3 weeks of exams. You'll carry out the research element of the course in semester 3 during the summer.
A highlight of the course is the choice of a specialist pathway. Choose from:
- organic chemistry
- inorganic and materials chemistry
- physical chemistry
- general chemistry
In the final weeks of August you’ll focus on your dissertation preparation and you'll carry out a limited amount of laboratory work.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Chemistry MSc Advanced Research Project
The project involves approximately 600 hours of commitment including 14 weeks of full-time practical-based research work (ca. 450 hours). It commences with literature research and project planning, some of which has been performed in other modules previou...
Scientific writing and presentation skills for Chemistry MSc
This module involves the completion of a literature review in preparation for the student’s MSc dissertation project. The results of the literature review are presented in a written report and in a short oral presentation. To support the preparation of th...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Advanced Chemical Biology
Advanced Organic Chemistry (Bioorganic)
Advanced Physical Chemistry
The course deals with the nature of surfaces, both real and ideal, the energetics of adsorption at surfaces and adsorption isotherms, and the charge distribution at the liquid/solid interface. The kinetics of reactions at interfaces, including the role of...
Advanced Spectroscopy and Applications
Modern spectroscopic techniques underpin a wide range of chemical and biological research as well as serving as a valuable analytical tool. This module will introduce some of the key principles, tools and techniques that govern spectroscopic measurements ...
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Chemistry
The aim of the module is to expose the students to modern chemical informatics, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) driven approaches for computational modelling and prediction, illustrated with applications to research in to the discov...
Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy
This module aims to develop an intermediate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, including familiarity with its mathematical formulation. It is intended to bridge the gap between the qualitative, pictorial approach used in the core modules of the fir...
Battery Materials and Characterisation
This module examines key features of cell design and of materials used in batteries. It links this to a range of techniques that are commonly used to study cell architecture and structure, composition and surface chemistry of battery materials. Emphasis i...
Battery Technologies and their Applications
The development of energy storage technologies plays a critical role in the transition to an environmentally sustainable society and improving people's quality of living. Energy storage technologies are necessary in a variety of very important application...
Chemistry through the Computational Microscope
This module builds on the student’s core understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules to predict their behaviour using state-of-the art computational chemistry methods. This will involve learning how quantum chemistry methods can be used to st...
Ethics in Science, Engineering and Technology: Jekyll and Hyde
Starting from the underlying themes in Jekyll and Hyde, wherein a scientific discovery can be seen as having both beneficial (Dr. Jekyll) and detrimental aspects (Mr. Hyde), this module delves into the general area of the ethics and social responsibility ...
Inorganic Materials Chemistry
Introduction to Electrochemistry I
Electrochemistry is a foundation stone for many exciting developments in, for example, chemistry, biology and materials, and it is also central to many technologies essential to modern living. In this course, you will learn about the key fundamental proce...
Introduction to Electrochemistry II
Electrochemistry is an important area of physical science covering many interesting and important topics of current scientific research. For example, it is key to the development of new power sources (batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors) as well as...
Macrocyclic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry
This module explores some of the distinguishing features of metal ion complexes bearing macrocyclic ligands and some of the key structural and functional roles of metal ions in biology and medicine. The module serves as an introduction to these important ...
Mass Spectrometry: Theory and Application
Mass spectrometry is the key enabling technology for the 21st century. It delivers practical and sustainable innovations to enable significant advancements in areas such as healthcare delivery, life sciences, environmental management, energy, food safety,...
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry is pivotal in the design, synthesis and evaluation of new medicines, and involves multidisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. This module will introduce key molecular concepts and methods in Medicina...
Modelling in Electrochemistry
Electrode reactions are inherently complex as they involve interfacial charge transfer, mass transport, many species, different timescales, thermodynamics and kinetics, as well as chemical, material and electrical properties. Furthermore the electron tran...
NMR Spectroscopy: Theory and Application
NMR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool: by combining a wide range of 1D and 2D NMR experiments, the assignment of functional groups, atom connectivity and 3D molecular structure can be undertaken. This module will be delivered with a focus on pra...
Principles, Techniques and Energy Applications of Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is an important area of science covering many interesting and important topics of current scientific research. For example, it is key to the development of new power sources (for example new batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors) as ...
Stereoselective Reactions
Supramolecular Chemistry of Functional Molecules and Materials
This module will explore the fundamental basis of intermolecular interactions and illustrate how these can be exploited to form diverse supramolecular assemblies ranging from small molecules, soft gels and hard extended inorganic solids. The course will p...
Sustainable Chemistry
Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
Carbon-carbon bond forming reactions lie at the heart of organic synthesis. In this course we will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation using carbanions and radicals, and through thermally and photochemically induced pericyclic processes. The si...
X-Ray Crystallographic Techniques, Advanced Main Group Chemistry and Applications
X-Ray Diffraction as a Characterisation Method
Students will become familiar with the types of information that x-ray diffraction can provide on the structure of a wide variety of samples. They will gain an understanding of the underlying principles and learn how to apply these to conduct the most app...
Learning and assessment
Learning
On this master’s in chemistry your learning includes:
- staff-led lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and demonstrations
- student-led seminars and presentations
- workshops and tutorials based around instruments in the laboratory
You’ll carry out self-directed learning:
- reading summary texts and scientific literature
- exposure to technical reports
- individual practical work on instruments
- engagement with written assignments and coursework
- revision for written exams
Practical classes give you the opportunity to show your increasing independence. You'll also have meetings about research work with the supervisory team.
Assessment
You'll be assessed on the taught elements of the course with exams and coursework.
Your research is assessed on the practical outcomes of your project work. As well as on your ability to communicate your research outcomes and through your dissertation. This will be assessed by your supervisor and another academic from within the University by what is called a viva voce, a verbal examination.
You’ll also need to keep a laboratory notebook and create an archive of your research results. These primary sources of information will be reviewed throughout your research project and will be part of the final assessment.
You’ll also write short reports describing your progress throughout the summer. We’ll review these regularly to support your development in preparation for the dissertation.
Dissertation
The research project will explore in depth, one or more of the chemistry topics you covered in the taught part of the course.
You’ll agree your project topic with your supervisor and you'll complete the project preparation in consultation with them.
The project involves around 600 hours of time including 14 weeks of practical research work.
You'll submit your dissertation in mid-September.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Manufacturing,
Scientific and Technical,
Water and Waste Management,
Education,
Public Administration,
Defence,
Finance.
- Analytical chemist
- Associate scientist
- Energy engineer
- Academic researcher
- Colour technologist
- Forensic scientist
- Nanotechnologist
- Pharmacologist
- Toxicologist
- Biotechnologist
- Business development executive
- Data analyst
- Software developer
- Financial advisor
- Chartered accountant
- Secondary school teacher
- Management consultant
- Environmental consultant
- University lecturer
- Organic chemist
- Research assistant
- Medicinal chemist
- Drug safety associate
- Energy and climate analyst
- Pharmaceutical analyst
- Laboratory and process scientist
- Reporting analyst
- Software engineer
- Technical consultant
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £31,500.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Chemistry.
Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship
Four scholarships offer international students £5,000 off their first year of study of chemistry and chemical engineering at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
