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Chemistry (MSc)

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Mode: Full time

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Open day

Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.

Why study this course

This versatile course is excellent grounding for a career in research, with our graduates in high demand from the chemical science industries in the UK and internationally.

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Accredited by the RSC

This accreditation demonstrates our course meets the high standards in education set by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

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12th in the UK for research impact

99% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

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Exceptional research facilities

Our facilities include the state-of-the-art Cardiff Catalysis Institute, part of our multi-million-pound Translational Research Hub

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Industry connections

Our research partners range from local organisations to some of the world’s largest multinationals

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Excellent career prospects

Our graduates are in high demand by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries in the UK and internationally. This MSc is also excellent grounding for a PhD

From biofuels and clean water to developing new pharmaceuticals, chemistry is vital for tackling the greatest challenges facing society. Based around a set of core modules, our MSc in Chemistry also offers a broad variety of optional modules in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, helping you to focus on your areas of interest.

You will explore topics including biological chemistry, medicinal chemistry and catalysis, taught by leading researchers. Your final semester includes a lab-based original research project with access to a range of superb facilities, including our state-of-the-art Catalysis Institute based in the multi-million-pound Translational Research Hub.

Although this course is designed to help you achieve your potential as a researcher, the problem-solving and multidisciplinary skills you'll develop are applicable to a wide range of careers from education to finance and more.

Accreditations

The MSc in Chemistry course has been one of the best decisions I have made academically as it allowed me to maintain an interdisciplinary skill set, enabling me to specialise in the areas I enjoy the most while still being able to cover a wide range of material at a very high level of depth. The options available have given me a wide range of skills that I can apply to a PhD in a variety of fields.
Andrew Ions MSc Chemistry

Where you'll study

School of Chemistry

We are focused on tackling the important scientific challenges of the 21st century though internationally recognised education and research.

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  • Telephone+44 (0)29 2087 4023
  • MarkerPark Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT

Admissions criteria

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

With your online application you will need to provide:

  1. A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmacology, or pharmacy, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
  2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.

If you do not have a degree in a relevant area you may still apply but should provide additional evidence to support your application such as a CV and references and will be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key chemical topics prior to an offer being made. 

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection process

We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.  

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • access to lab facilities including chemicals
  • access to computers or devices that can store images
  • use of internet and communication tools/devices
  • curfews
  • freedom of movement
  • contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

The MSc in Chemistry is a full-time programme, which runs over one academic year.  You will study a total of 180 credits, 120 of which are taught and assessed through coursework and exams (the Diploma phase) followed by a 60-credit project (the Dissertation phase).

Semesters one and two of the programme each consist of a core module and the spring semester has a core practical module, (worth 40 credits in total). The remaining 80 credits are chosen from a wide range of optional modules. The summer project is worth 60 credits. Students must pass the Diploma phase before being allowed to proceed to the Dissertation phase.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/26 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.

There are three core modules in the first stage of the programme. The Colloquium and practical module aim to provide you with a sound base of information and experience for your final project, while the Key Skills for Postgraduate Chemists module allows you to reflect on the nature of the optional modules and, with guidance, identify which modules you wish to take. The optional modules cover topics ranging from Catalysis, Modern Materials, Medicinal Chemistry to specialised Inorganic and Organic Chemistry modules.  By choosing appropriate modules, you can build a programme to gain specialist knowledge in areas aligning with your interests and career aspirations.

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

We aim to provide an inspiring environment for chemical education and our postgraduate degrees reflect our current research strengths and interests, with projects fully integrated into our research groups. We deliver expert teaching and comprehensive pastoral care to enable you to realise your maximum potential.

Teaching is undertaken through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical classes, supported by material hosted on Learning Central, the University’s virtual learning environment. 

Laboratory work 

Skills are taught by practical demonstrations and support is provided in the laboratory environment. 

Laboratory work needs careful planning, analysis, and interpretation of results, as well being able to show a professional standard reporting. Practical work provides experience in relevant laboratory procedures and techniques and is designed to extend your level of proficiency in practical chemistry, preparing you to undertake an independent research project in the final stages of your programme. 
 
Project 

The course has a major element of independent, supervised project work. You will work on a project in your preferred area of chemistry and be allocated a topic to investigate or develop. Working under the guidance of an expert in the field, you will present results of your work orally and in writing.

How will I be assessed?

Formative and summative assessments are carried out during each year of study. This gives a measure of performance to inform you, us as staff, and potential employers about your progress and achievement. It can also help the learning process by highlighting areas of success and areas needing more attention.

Assessment involves a blend of methods that are selected to suit the outcomes of each module and the course as a whole including.: 

  • Formal examinations with fixed time-limits 
  • Class tests 
  • Reports on laboratory work 
  • Planning, conduct and reporting of project work 
  • Essays 
  • Problem-solving exercises (as workshop assignments) 
  • Oral presentations  

How will I be supported?

You will be supported by a range of academic tutors, one of whom also acts as your personal tutor. Meetings are scheduled with your Personal Tutor at key points during the programme to discuss progress and provide academic guidance.  All staff operate an open-door policy, meaning you can always approach staff with issues, academic or otherwise.   

You will be given access to a comprehensive handbook appropriate to your year of study, containing details of the School’s procedures and policies. 

We make extensive use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Learning Central) to share information, teaching materials and support your learning.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your programme, you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

KU 1: Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of central theories and arguments, and their applications in current chemistry research.

KU 2: Demonstrate in-depth understanding in specialised areas of chemistry, appreciated issues and problems at the forefront of current research.

KU 3: Independently, critically evaluate familiar and unfamiliar chemical systems and processes and develop ideas allowing research to be carried out. 

KU 4: Demonstrate a systematic understanding of mathematical knowledge in basic algebra and calculus and numerical manipulation appropriate for the analysis and evaluation of chemical problems applied to a range of situations. 

KU 5: Critically evaluate the research impact of chemistry in solving real-world problems.

Intellectual Skills:

IS 1: Identify and implement appropriate models to provide explanations and predictions within the context of advanced topics or current research applying core chemistry concepts 

IS 2: Plan, carry out, and evaluate investigative research demonstrating an integrated understanding of techniques for synthesis, analysis and/or computational modelling. 

IS 3: Critically analyse and interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements to predict, define, and solve problems in real-world and abstract contexts 

Professional Practical Skills:

PS 1: Demonstrate the ability to independently and effectively execute practical work in a chemical laboratory environment, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards.

PS 2: Communicate persuasively, using a range of media, articulating academic ideas and technical arguments in manners appropriate to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

PS 3: Research, analyse, and apply primary sources of literature to computational, data-processing, and electronic searching skills relating to chemical information to develop detailed reasoned arguments, hypotheses, and decisions. 

PS 4: Identify ethical responsibilities, including the role of the chemist within collaborative professional relationships and with regard to economic and social issues. 

Transferable/Key Skills:

KS 1: Demonstrate initiative and independence by taking responsibility for structuring and time-managing a research task, working in teams when appropriate. 

KS 2: Research and study creatively, independently, and reflectively, applying advanced knowledge and skills to unfamiliar or wider world challenges or contexts. 

KS 3: Develop awareness of your strengths and weaknesses using guidance/feedback to develop strategies for learning with emerging autonomy. 

KS 4: Apply skills in critical evaluation, analysis, and judgement effectively in a diverse range of contexts, being able to address problems at the interfaces of other disciplines.

KS 5: Demonstrate digital literacy in wide-ranging chemistry and non-chemistry applications and show confidence and independence in applying experiences to unfamiliar applications.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.

Learn how we decide your fee status

Fees for home status

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.

Fees for island status

Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Fees for overseas status

Additional costs

The School covers the cost of everything that is an essential part of the programme; this will be clearly detailed in all programme information and in any verbal instructions given by tutors. You may be required to cover additional costs that are either not essential or are basic costs that a student should be expected to cover themselves. This includes but is not limited to laptop computers, calculators, general stationery, textbooks (assumed to be available in the library), and basic copying/ printing.

Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?

You do not need any specific equipment. We will provide you with a lab coat, a pair of safety glasses, a laboratory notebook and a molecular modelling kit. Chemical drawing software, ChemDraw is available on all University computers, and you will be able to download it to your own computers for free.

Living costs

We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.

Funding

Master's Scholarships

An award open to UK students intending to study one of our taught master’s degrees.

Postgraduate loans

If you are starting your master’s degree in September 2024 or later, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study at Cardiff University.

Alumni Discount

The alumni discount is available for Cardiff University graduates who are planning to start an eligible master's in 2024/25.

Careers and placements

Our graduates are in high demand across many industries and enjoy a broad range of flexible and dynamic career options.

Past graduates have gone on to pursue careers in the chemical, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries, as well as in regulatory affairs, health and safety, intellectual property and patents. Another popular career path is a research-related role within public and private research institutions, academic institutions, or consulting services.

You might meet our graduates working for companies including Johnson Matthey, Thales, Hexion in the UK, as well as international companies such as Haldor Topsøe, Denmark and the National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand.

This course is particularly suitable for those wishing to pursue further study at PhD level at Cardiff University and other top universities.

Placements

Some research projects may be linked with our partners in industry, helping you to make new connections and develop industrial experience that will benefit your employment prospects on graduation.

Next steps

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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.