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
Choose from our specialist pathways, including:
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
General chemistry: Further your knowledge in a combination of organic, inorganic and/or physical chemistry. Choose this option if you’re interested in developing your expertise across the different disciplines within chemistry.
Course lead
Dr Guy Denuault is Associate Professor of electrochemistry here at the University. Formerly secretary of the Electrochemistry Group at the Royal Society of Chemistry, Guy’s research focuses on electroanalytical chemistry. Visit Dr Denault’s profile page to view his extensive publications and to learn more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in chemistry, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University. If you’re from outside the UK, you must have 4 years or more in higher education.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
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...
This module is consists of the completion of the literature review in preparation for the student’s MSc dissertation project, which will be completed in the third semester, and its presentation in the form of a written report.
You must also choose from the following modules:
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 ...
The module aims to broaden students’ grasp of the current literature in inorganic chemistry. Hence, a series of research level lectures on different aspects of inorganic chemistry will be presented, each with directed reading based around review articles ...
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...
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 study...
Chromatography plays a key role in the modern world. It delivers practical and sustainable innovations to enable significant advancements in areas such as healthcare delivery, life sciences, environmental management, energy, food safety, and water quality...
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,...
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 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...
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...
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
On this chemistry degree you’ll gain valuable postgraduate research skills. You'll develop transferrable skills including time management, and the ability to effectively communicate and present.
This will prepare you for career success in a wide range of areas such as industry, analysis, policymaking and scientific communication. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue careers in:
- electrochemistry
- material science
- energy storage
- analytical chemistry
- environmental chemistry
- computational chemistry
- biotechnical and pharmaceutics
- science communication
Completing a master’s qualification will help you take on the challenges of an advanced research degree at PhD level, ready for an academic career.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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 a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. 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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
