Why study this course?
The course is designed for students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject. You will gain advanced knowledge and skills in modern chemical sciences and encourages them to explore research-led topics through a wide range of modules. Students can choose from a number of module options, expanding their fundamental knowledge of all areas of chemistry or specialising in a particular area of interest.
Highlights
- The aims of the programme include introducing modern chemical science concepts and techniques, exploring further advanced research-led topics through a range of optional modules, and equipping you with analytical, critical, and communication skills.
- There is a large flexibility in the choice of optional modules, which can be selected according to your interests and background.
- A key aspect of the programme is undertaking a significant research project for your dissertation.
- This research project enables you to develop skills in one of many areas aligned with the research interests of the School of Chemistry, for example, catalysis, surface science, energy materials, chemical biology, synthetic chemistry or structural chemistry.
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, practical laboratory work, and consultation sessions with supervisors.
Class sizes
Groups range from 5 to 40 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework and exams.
Modules
Students will take three compulsory modules during the course and choose six optional modules, typically three optional modules in Semester 1 and three optional modules in Semester 2.
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.
Further study
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. The School of Chemistry offers a large number of fully-funded PhD studentships each year. Key areas of PhD research include:
- chemical biology
- materials chemistry
- molecular synthetic and structural chemistry
- surface science
- theoretical chemical physics
The School hosts the EaSI-CAT Centre for doctoral training, which provides studentships and innovative training in catalysis research.
Why St Andrews?
This programme is accredited by 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.
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.
“My experience at University of St Andrews was great and rewarding. All lecturers here are very experienced and professional. They helped enhancing my academic and research skills, hence preparing me for future challenges in the workplace. I would like to express special gratitude to my supervisors and mentors as they gave me support and confidence in finishing this master’s programme.”
- Hong Kong
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Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate 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 that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- letter of intent (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
