Why study this course?
This course is designed to equip students and professionals, who already have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject, with a range of analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. It also introduces awareness of the role catalysis plays in improving sustainability and solving environmental issues in chemical manufacture.
You will study taught modules over two semesters and focused over the summer months you will complete a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) to fulfil the MSc requirements.
Highlights
- Provides you with an understanding of the science of catalysis in the context of its impacts on industry and academia
- You will gain knowledge in all major branches of catalysis, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, organocatalysis, biocatalysis, asymmetric catalysis and ligand design
- Skills acquired in the taught element will be applied in a short, intensive research project
- This research project is aligned with the interests of the School's world-leading research groups in the area of catalysis
- St Andrews has extensive expertise in catalysis research and has established the EaSI-CAT Centre for doctoral training
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, practical laboratory work, seminars and consultation sessions with supervisors.
Class size
Range from 5 students for seminars to 40 students for lectures.
Dissertation
During the final three months of the course, students undertake a research project finishing in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Through coursework, written examinations, or a combination of both.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
You will take six compulsory and three optional modules during the course.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Chemistry graduates have gone on to successful careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries with companies such as:
- AstraZeneca
- BP
- GSK
- Johnson Matthey
- Pfizer
- Shell
- Siemens
Other career routes outwith a research environment include scientific publishing, patent law, forensic science, IT and energy consultancy.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Why St Andrews?
Accreditation
The School of Chemistry is accredited through the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences.
Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, its activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.
The RSC often organises events and conferences in the Tayside area.
Further your research
In addition to the taught MSc, the School offers a one-year research MSc (Res) and a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Chemistry.
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere. The School of Chemistry offers a large number of fully-funded PhD studentships each year. Key areas of PhD research include:
- catalysis and synthesis
- energy, environmental and sustainable chemistry
- functional materials
- synthetic chemistry and chemical dynamics
- chemistry biology interface
Events
The School hosts the EaSI-CAT Centre for doctoral training, which provides studentships and innovative training in catalysis research.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in chemistry or a closely related subject area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- personal statement (optional)
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 13 March 2025
