Chemistry, MChem
With our MChem degree in chemistry, you start as an undergraduate but leave with advanced skills and a valuable master’s degree - ideal for standing out in the job market.
Chemistry impacts everything in our daily lives, from making the perfect cup of tea to how we send shuttles into space. This integrated Master's in chemistry explores all branches of the discipline, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. With a final-year project to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, you'll emerge with advanced skills to appeal to a broad range of employers.
This MChem degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which means you get free membership for the first year and become eligible for associate membership once you graduate. You'll also benefit from our connections with industry. Our lecturers have held prestigious roles at GSK and Pfizer, and we regularly welcome industry-based guest speakers.
This course prepares you for successful careers, inside and outside the lab. Our chemistry graduates work as Laboratory Managers, Analysts, Technologists, Technicians, Project Managers and Scientific Officers in well-known organisations such as Dyson, E.On, GSK, and the NHS. With a 100% overall student satisfaction rating for Chemistry (NSS 2020), we are the perfect option for your future in professional science.
UCAS points
120 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
F100 M MCHEM/C
Interested in a different year?
Select your preferred
to view up to date information.
School
Location
Duration
- 4 years full-time
- 5 years sandwich
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2023/24
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
You are taught by an experienced team whose expertise and knowledge closely reflects the modules of this course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators, lab technicians, and external experts who provide guest lectures on some modules. Our PhD researchers also offer lab support, which our undergraduate students find very useful.
An MChem helps you further your knowledge and specialise in a topic of your choice. You're treated as a researcher more than a student. It prepares you for the world of employment.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@fidodoors.com.
Entry requirements
If you are
Typical Offer: 120 Points
Qualifications: three A-levels/Extended Diploma/combination of A-level and Diploma/A-levels and Extended Certificate.
And must include one of the following:
A level: 40 Points from chemistry (or related science subject).
BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
A level and BTEC National: Extended Certificate in Applied Science and 40 Points from A-level chemistry (or related science subject).
International Baccalaureate: requiring Higher Level Science grade 5 and Standard Level English grade 4.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
T Level: Science (Laboratory sciences) Grade: Distinction
Plus GCSEs in English language and mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system), and one GCSE science subject at Grade C or above under the A*-G system. We also accept equivalent qualifications at Level 2, such as Functional Skills in Mathematics and English.
We will also consider:
- AS-levels along with A2-levels.
- Alternative qualifications at Level 3, such as OCR Cambridge Technicals, AQA Tech-level, and Access to Science.
- Appropriate qualifications such as an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree, with which you may be able to enter this degree in Year 3.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
First-year courses may be shared across a number of Science modules, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject-specific modules tend to be smaller. For example, a typical Chemistry intake has 30 students in a dedicated Chemistry module.
Similarly, in the second and third years, some core modules taken by all students are equally large, while optional modules are smaller (20-40 students per group), enabling close interaction with lecturers.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.
Overall workload
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
- Lectures (12-15 hours per week)
- Seminars (2 hours per week)
- Laboratory practicals (6 hours per week)
- 1-1 tutorials (half an hour to an hour per week)
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Official statistics on Discover Uni
Full time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2023/24 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees | ||
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing.
- Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
- IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
- We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.
How long is my placement?
Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.
What are the financial arrangements?
The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Chemistry is a central science. A qualification in this subject will offer a wide variety of career opportunities in research and development, teaching, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (production development, analytical science, quality assurance and information science), forensic science, environmental pollution, and health and safety.
Our graduates are working in a wide range of companies including Unilever, Kent Scientific Services and Fuji Film Speciality Ink Systems.
Are internships available?
Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access programme internships.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of you time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.
We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. This support is designed to enhance student performance.
Support from the department
Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO), who provides additional support for enquiries around extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resits and Personal Development Planning.
The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) course encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Chemistry at the University of Greenwich
Study a degree that’s accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry on our Medway Campus, where you’ll benefit from our long-established reputation for excellence in chemistry teaching.
Visit our chemistry degrees page.
Science at the University of Greenwich
Whatever subject you’re into, from human health to climate change, our supportive learning environment will prepare you for your future career. Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies.
Visit our science degrees page.
Discover the world through science
Interested in studying a science subject? From pharmacy to forensics, we have so much to offer. Catch a glimpse of the opportunities available to you.
Mode of study
Select from the dropdown below.
| Course level | |
| UCAS code | |
| Duration | |
| Location |
Apply now
Need more help?
020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@fidodoors.com•More information