Application deadline
Thursday 7 August 2025
Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships.
“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
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.
Course details
The MSc in Chemical Science is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry. The course is designed for students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject.
The course provides students with 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.
Modules
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue.
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.
- Contemporary Research Awareness: research colloquia and seminars delivered by external speakers and covering areas within current chemical science research.
- Literature Review for MSc: an in-depth survey of the published literature within a specified research area which is related to the prospective research project, including peer-review-like assessment and a short oral presentation.
- Research Skills in Chemistry: develops knowledge of specialised research techniques for the prospective research project.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
Semester 1 – students typically choose three optional modules for the first semester.
- Advanced Metal Chemistry and Green Chemistry
- Advanced Spectroscopic Methods
- Asymmetric Synthesis
- Heterocyclic and Pericyclic Chemistry
- Homogeneous Catalysis
- Integrating Chemistry
- Nanostructured Materials
- Processing of Materials
Semester 2 – students typically choose three optional modules for the second semester.
- Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Main Group Chemistry
- Blockbuster Pharmaceuticals
- Blockbuster Solids
- Chemical Biology
- Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
- Energy Conversion and Storage
- Fragrance and Food Chemistry
- Functional Materials
- Fundamentals of Spectroscopy
- Molecular Recognition
- Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Co-factors
- Reactive Intermediates
- Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).
During the final three months of the course, students undertake a research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. The project is supervised by a member of the academic staff, and the project topic and aims will be selected by both supervisor and student.
If students 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. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.
Teaching
The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.
Teaching methods include:
- lectures
- practical laboratory work
- consultation sessions with supervisors
Typical class sizes range from around five students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures.
Modules are assessed through coursework and written examinations.
Events
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.
Fees
Home
£12,030
Overseas
£29,990
Application fee
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.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
See the University's postgraduate Scholarship webpages.
15% Recent Graduate Discount
If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.
After your degree
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.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.
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.
Postgraduate researchWhat to do next
Information sessions
Meet our staff, learn more, and ask questions about how our courses can work for you.
Contact us
- Phone
- +44 (0)1334 46 3816
- chem-pg@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Address
- School of Chemistry
Purdie Building
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST