Chemistry
    Duration5 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 39,000 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Chemistry

    About

    Study with us

    • benefit from our industrial placement scheme, strong industry links and close relationships with professional bodies
    • option to switch between other MChem courses and BSc degrees, such as BSc (Honours) Chemistry, up to Year 3
    • accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry
    • study of pure and applied chemistry provides maximum flexibility when choosing a career path

    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

    The industrial placement year was definitely the most beneficial part of the course.

    Final year student, MChem Chemistry

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Highers

    Standard entry requirements*:

    Year 1 entry: ABBB/AABC

    (Chemistry B, Maths B)

    Advanced Higher Chemistry and Maths recommended for S6 study and to compensate for missed Higher grades in S5.

    Minimum entry requirements**:

    Year 1 entry: ABBC/BBBB

    (Chemistry B and Maths B)

    Advanced Higher Chemistry and Maths recommended for S6 study and to compensate for missed Higher grades in S5. Applicants with grades slightly below the minimum requirements may be considered for admission subject to successful completion of the Strathclyde STEM Summer School.

    Advanced Highers

    Minimum entry requirements:

    Year 2 entry: BBB

    (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology)

    A Levels

    Standard entry requirements*:

    Year 1 entry: BBB

    (Chemistry, and one of Maths, Physics or Biology)

    Year 2 entry: BBB

    (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology)

    International Baccalaureate

    Standard entry requirements*:

    Year 2 entry: 30

    (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology all at HL)

    Year 1 entry: 30

    (Chemistry at HL and one of Maths, Physics or Biology at HL)

    HNC/HND

    Year 1 entry: relevant HNC, B in Graded Unit
    Year 2 entry: relevant HND, BBB in Graded Units

    International students

    View the entry requirements for your country.

    Deferred entry

    Accepted

    Undergraduate

    Students who have studied the Tawjihiyya/Thanawiya General School Certificate are eligible for entry via a foundation programme from the ISC. Students that have studied an International Qualification such as A Levels, IB Diploma, French Bac or the American High School system should check the relevant country.

    Postgraduate

    A good degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution is acceptable for postgraduate study at Strathclyde. Our applications are judged on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the course. As a guide, we normally consider a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 and 3.8 out of 5.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5

    English Program Requirements

    We accept a number of English language tests as proof of proficiency in English. IELTS is the most widely available. Information on this can be found on the British Council Website.

    Our current standard requirements are:

    • IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
    • Faculty of Science: IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
    • Faculty of Engineering (Undergraduate only): IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)

    Some degree programmes have different English language requirements to the above so please check each individual course page for details.

    Other English language tests may be acceptable and you can find these here:

    If you have a qualification not listed, you should contact our Recruitment & International Office for advice.

    Career

    Careers

    There’s a continuous demand for chemistry graduates. Our graduates compete successfully for jobs in all branches of the chemical industry. These are well-rewarded careers that allow you to go on to supervisory or management roles. Your chances of employment are substantially increased by the industrial placement and training.

    A degree in chemistry opens doors to a wide variety of employment opportunities. The range of available jobs is considerable and covers many different types of chemistry and industries such as nanotechnology, large scale chemical plants, the drinks and pharmaceutical industries or teaching.

    Your skills will also be in demand in other areas. A study of chemistry helps you develop logical thought and numerical skills and the ability to write accurate and concise reports. As a result, our chemists are in demand in national and local government, in hospitals and in education at all levels.

    This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and graduates are eligible to apply for the status of Chartered Chemist, the qualification recognised in the UK and EU for professional chemists.

    How much will I earn?

    The average salary 15 months after graduating is £25,000 (Discover Uni, 2024).

    Job options

    Jobs directly related to your degree include:

    • Analytical chemist
    • Biotechnologist
    • Clinical research associate
    • Colour technologist
    • Crime scene investigator
    • Food technologist
    • Forensic scientist
    • Medicinal chemist
    • Nanotechnologist
    • Oceanographer
    • Palaeontologist
    • Pharmacologist
    • Radiation protection practitioner
    • Research scientist (physical sciences)
    • Science writer
    • Toxicologist

    Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

    • Actuary
    • Business analyst
    • Civil service fast streamer
    • Data analyst
    • Environmental consultant
    • Higher education lecturer
    • Nuclear engineer
    • Patent attorney
    • Product/process development scientist
    • Secondary school teacher

    (Information taken from Prospects, 2024)

    Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

    Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

    Life in Glasgow

    Fee Information

    Fees & funding

    All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

    Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

    All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

    Annual revision of fees

    Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

    Tuition Fee
    39,000 / year

    Chemistry

    University of Strathclyde

    University of Strathclyde

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Glasgow