MChem Chemistry

Why this course?

On our MChem Chemistry degree, you'll study both pure and applied chemistry. Pure chemistry is about unravelling the mysteries of molecular structure and reactivity. Applied chemistry uses chemical knowledge to respond to the challenges created by society.

Advanced classes include photochemistry, cage and cluster modules, environmental chemistry, polymer chemistry and molecular catalysis.

The Chemistry MChem course is for students who want complete coverage of the subject to keep their career options open. It’s possible to switch between the other MChem courses and also the following shorter BSc degrees within the first three years:

• BSc (Honours) Chemistry
• BSc (Honours) Forensic and Analytical Chemistry
• BSc (Honours) Chemistry with Drug Discovery

What you’ll study

You'll take foundation classes in chemistry, mathematics, and physics or biology at introductory or advanced level. Classes in forensic science, drug discovery and chemical engineering are available depending on your degree choice.

Practical chemistry laboratory sessions help you to master basic preparative and analytical skills. 

In later years, classes will include fundamental inorganic, organic, biological and physical chemistry.

In Year 4, MChem students undertake a paid 12-month industrial placement. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements are also available. For BSc (Honours) students Year 4 is the final year.

In the final year, you’ll specialise in the areas and applications that interest you most and undertake a research project.

Study abroad

You can study at a European university for one year of your degree. You can also spend your placement year abroad.

Major projects

You’ll complete a research project in one of our specialist research laboratories in your final year when you'll work with full-time researchers on real chemistry challenges.

Postgraduate study

Many graduates from this course go on to complete a PhD in Chemistry at Strathclyde and elsewhere. This course equips you for life after graduation, be that employment or further study.

Student competitions

Strathclyde chemistry students also compete successfully for national awards. In recent years, our students have won:

• Salters’ Graduate prize (£1,000)
• Low Carbon Undergraduate of the Year Award
• Carnegie Scholarship
• Most Meritorious Student award from the Forensic Science Society

The Dean of Science recognises exceptional performance each year through the Dean’s certificate for the best students in the faculty. Students can also win prizes including:

• P&G Bursary (£1,000 a year plus a one-year paid industrial placement)
• Chemistry International Alumni Ambassadors UG award for overseas travel (£1,000)
• Group third-year Poster Competition sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
• The RSC Prize in Analytical Chemistry
• Andersonian Centenary Medal Prize
• Beilby and Huddleston Prize
• ICI Chemical and Polymers Group Andersonian Centenary Prize
• GlaxoSmithKline Prize
• Syngenta Prize

Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemist.

Learning & teaching

Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes, which relate to different areas of chemistry and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.

In Years 1 to 3, lectures give you the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry graduates. This is supported by small and large group tutorials. Chemistry is a practical subject and you'll gain training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.

Your fourth year is a 12-month industrial placement. You’ll continue your studies through distance learning assignments.

In your final year, you’ll study advanced chemistry and complete an independent research project in your chosen field. 

Work placement

You’ll undertake a paid 12-month placement in the pharmaceutical industry, either in the UK or abroad. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements within the Department's 'Chemistry Clinic' are also available. 

The Strathclyde chemistry industrial placement scheme is one of the longest-running in the UK, and more than 70 students are placed with companies each year.