The MSc in Chemical Science 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.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Chemical Sciences (MSc) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
A good 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.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £20,980
Find out about scholarships and funding.
Applications are accepted until shortly before teaching starts in September. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MSc in Chemical Science is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry.
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:
Modules are assessed through coursework and/or written examinations. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures.
Students will take three compulsory modules during the course and choose four optional modules in semester 1 and three optional modules in semester 2.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
Semester 1 – students choose four optional modules for the first semester.
Semester 2 – students choose three optional modules for the second semester.
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 a MSc.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
There is an active student-based Chemical Society which hosts guest speakers and organises social events throughout the year.
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.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
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 of our 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:
The School hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Critical Resource Catalysis, which provides studentships and innovative training in catalysis research. UK and EU students are eligible for full fee studentships and will receive a stipend (£14,553 per annum in academic year 2018-2019) throughout their four-year course.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Studentship Funding
The University of St Andrews offers around seven funded doctoral training grants each year in Biology and linked subject areas such as Psychology, Chemistry or Physics.
Chemistry graduates have gone on to successful careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries with companies such as:
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 on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
School of Chemistry
University of St Andrews
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3800
Email: chempg@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
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. (PDF, 72 KB).
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. (PDF, 84 KB).
St Andrews has two postgraduate prospectuses - one for taught courses and one for research programmes. Both prospectuses are available for you to view and download.