(Full time) 2020 start
Chemistry MSc

Overview
Our Chemistry degree is a highly versatile course allowing you to direct your studies to specialised areas of chemistry. The course places strong emphasis on practical chemistry and focuses on current topics in chemistry research.
You will gain extensive hands-on practical experience within the laboratory with a practical skills module that provides tuition in essential practical and analytical procedures and carry out an independent original research project. The practical and analytical skills obtained, in combination with the reporting of the data generated, are essential abilities that enhance employability within the Chemical Sciences industries.
Course content
You will study compulsory modules on advanced topics in chemistry, and laboratory skills for chemists as well as undertake a 90 credit extended laboratory project during the summer months.
This will be complemented with a choice of optional modules, allowing you to gain specialist knowledge in a topic that suits your career plans or personal interests. Optional module topics in the following areas: polymer chemistry, food science, chemical engineering, atmospheric chemistry and colour chemistry, amongst others.
Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look at the Chemistry MSc module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Extended Laboratory Project for Chemistry-based MSc courses 90 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (40 Credit) 40 credits
- Practical Skills and Instrumental Analysis 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Biomaterials and Applications 15 credits
- Polymer Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Properties 15 credits
- Properties and Applications of (Nano)Materials 15 credits
- Advanced Colour Science 15 credits
- Synthesis and Application of Polymers 15 credits
- Colour Application Technology 30 credits
- Colloid and Dairy Science 10 credits
- Structure and Function of Food Components 20 credits
- Food Analysis 10 credits
- Soft Matter Physics: Liquid Crystals 15 credits
- Soft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Teaching methods involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, workshops and contact with relevant industries. The final stage of study is an individual extended research project which is typically carried out within a research group and may also include external industrial involvement.
Assessment
Assessment is based on course work, research project performance and written exams which take place at the end of the semester in which the module is taught.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in Chemistry, or a Chemistry related subject.
All applicants will need to have GCSE English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possble. The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will only consider applications made before the dates below, subject to places being available:
31 July 2020 – International applicants
31 August 2020 – UK/EU applicants
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
- UK/EU: £11,000 (total)
- International: £24,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
This course includes modules that have a direct commercial relevance, for instance Advanced Colour Science and Synthesis and Applications of Polymers. You will have the flexibility to design your master's degree allowing you to gain specialist knowledge in a topic that suits your career plans. The 90 credit research project module, and a 20 credit introduction to practical skills module, will further enhance your employability.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.