Our stimulating Chemistry MSci degree enables you to develop a multi-disciplinary outlook in this dynamic subject. At Newcastle you’ll learn from world-renowned researchers who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge in areas from nanoscale chemistry and chemical biology to green polymers and chemical imaging.

   

Chemistry MSci

If you like creative problem solving and relish the opportunity to study a dynamic subject that is constantly evolving, then this Chemistry MSci degree has been formulated for you. It will provide you with a thorough grounding in all aspects of modern chemistry, as well as an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in cutting-edge research – and take part in it yourself for your final-year project. 

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to analyse problems and interpret complex data, propose innovative solutions and design new molecules and materials to solve many of the challenges facing society. You will also be equipped with highly developed lab skills, including meticulous analytical work, the measurement of physical properties and the ability to carry out multi-step synthetic procedures.

We’ve been at the forefront of chemistry teaching and research for more than 100 years, producing several Nobel Prize-winners along the way, and we have some of the best facilities and equipment in the country. No wonder our students regularly place us among the top chemistry departments in UK for student satisfaction.

   

Why study Chemistry MSci at Newcastle?

Chemists at Newcastle adopt a broad, multi-disciplinary outlook to their subject, which is vital if we are to solve the problems of the 21st Century in healthcare, medicine, sustainability and the environment. Newcastle has a leading research rating and is committed to excellence in teaching: your lecturers are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about chemistry and committed to inspiring you!

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Chemistry MSci

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Single Honours

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U439

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (4 years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Course Structure

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.

Core modules (60 credits in Years 1-3) are taken by all students enrolled on both single honours and major/minor degree programmes and cover those fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry that we deem essential. Year 1 also includes a self-paced maths module.

The remaining 60 credits in Years 1-3 comprise optional material and laboratory modules (with embedded communications and employability skills) designed to support these core courses, allowing you to develop your practical skills and techniques as well as consolidate the associated theory from your lectures.

There is significant flexibility in your fourth and final year, as you choose 60 credits of taught modules from a range of courses pitched at the cutting edge of the discipline.  A major research project makes up the remaining 60 credits.  For many students, their final-year project is the most exciting and enjoyable part of their degree and often influences the career pathway they choose to follow after graduating.

   

Year 1 

In Year 1, you will take core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, all of which are supported by two additional modules comprising an extensive laboratory work programme. Your remaining 20 credits are chosen from a wide range of non-chemistry option courses from across the University, including a number of foreign languages spanning a range of abilities.  

Those of you who do not have A-level maths – don’t worry! We provide a self-paced introductory maths module in Semester 1, which will bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry.  All students take this module, whether they have A-level maths or not, since not all A-level maths syllabuses cover the same material.  

In Semester 2, additional mathematics is embedded in the physical chemistry module, as you begin to apply your mathematical skills to chemical problems.  All of the maths material is delivered by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you are equipped with those skills you need to tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.

  • Inorganic Chemistry I – 20 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 1a – 10 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 1b – 10 credits
  • Physical Chemistry I – 20 credits
  • Practical Chemistry Ia1 – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry Ia2 – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry Ib1 – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry Ib2 – 10 credits
  • Fundamental Mathematics for Chemists – 10 credits
  • Innovative Approaches to Data Analysis and Presentation – 10 credits
  • Year 1 Summer Skills Laboratory *
  • Fundamental Mathematics **

* Year 1 Summer Skills Laboratory is a zero credit module which fulfils the accreditation requirement of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Satisfactory completion is assessed by maintenance of a laboratory notebook, the quality of the data produced in the laboratory and its interpretation. Satisfactory completion of this module is normally required for progression to Year 2.

** Fundamental Mathematics is a zero credit module which is student centred and self paced, providing training in the fundamental skills and concepts of mathematics that underpin the rest of the programme. Satisfactory completion of this module is normally required for progression to Year 2.

   

Year 2 

In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures and practicals to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, you will also take a chemistry options module, choosing from a range of courses, which include analytical chemistry, computational chemistry and biological chemistry.

  • Inorganic Chemistry IIa – 10 credits
  • Inorganic Chemistry IIb – 10 credits
  • Organic Chemistry IIa – 10 credits
  • Organic Chemistry IIb – 10 credits
  • Physical Chemistry IIa – 10 credits
  • Physical Chemistry IIb – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry IIa1 – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry IIa2 – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry IIb1 – 10 credits
  • Practical Chemistry IIb2 – 10 credits
  • Year 2 Chemistry Options A – 10 credits
  • Year 2 Chemistry Options B – 10 credits

MSci study is dependent upon performance: you will need a 60% overall mark and pass all core modules in Year 2 in order to remain on the MSci programme.

   

Year 3

In Year 3, core chemistry modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are accompanied by further choice in optional subjects, which focus on some of the most exciting aspects of current chemistry research. Two modules of advanced laboratory work and project skills training will prepare you for the major research project that you will undertake in your fourth year.

  

Core modules

  • Inorganic Chemistry IIIa – 10 credits
  • Inorganic Chemistry IIIb – 10 credits
  • Organic Chemistry IIIa – 10 credits
  • Organic Chemistry IIIb – 10 credits
  • Physical Chemistry IIIa – 10 credits
  • Physical Chemistry IIIb – 10 credits
  • Year 3 Research Methodology I – 20 credits
  • Year 3 Research Methodology II – 20 credits
  • Year 3 Chemistry Options A – 10 credits
  • Year 3 Chemistry Options B – 10 credits

Year 4

Significant flexibility in this, your final, year, means you can specialise in a particular sub-discipline should you wish. You will choose from a range of courses that reflect the state-of-the-art of the discipline, which not only allows us to showcase the cutting-edge research interests of the School but also ensures that you are aware of the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject.

In addition to 60 credits of taught modules, you will join one of the School’s research groups, and become a member of the Research School as you undertake a major research project (worth the remaining 60 credits). You will work closely with your project supervisor to tailor your project to your particular interests and ensure you develop those research skills that you feel will be most beneficial to you after completing your degree. Many students enjoy their research project so much that they choose to go on to study for a PhD after graduation.

Core module

  • Masters Research Project – 60 credits

Optional modules

Select 60 credits of optional modules, examples listed below:

  • Materials Chemistry  – 10 credits
  • Applications of Supramolecular Chemistry  – 10 credits
  • Synthesis of Natural Products  – 10 credits
  • Clusters, Surfaces and Interfaces  – 10 credits
  • Bio-inorganic Chemistry  – 10 credits
  • Modern Methods for Molecular Synthesis  – 10 credits
  • Soft matter – 10 credits
  • Statistical Mechanics, Symmetry and Spectroscopy – 10 credits
  • Advanced Sustainable Polymeric and Advanced Molecular Materials – 10 credits

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

s a chemistry graduate from Newcastle, you’ll be in great demand from a variety of industries. Many of our graduates go on to become professional scientists, but the problem-solving and transferrable skills you develop on our programmes – from written and spoken communication to complex data analysis – mean the career possibilities are numerous.

Newcastle Chemistry has strong research links with many chemical companies, which we can exploit to help you to gain industrial experience whilst studying. Whilst you may choose to undertake a Summer placement as part of your degree, our  Chemistry with Industrial Experience MSci programme is a more popular degree choice should you wish to gain experience of working during your degree. On this programme, you spend your third year in paid employment. Working and studying in an industrial setting provides you with valuable experience, whilst at the same time improving your career prospects.

 

Graduates who have studied our courses:

   

Example employers

  • Astrazeneca
  • Johnson Matthey Akzonobel
  • Glaxosmithkline
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Ernst & Young
  • Reckitt Benckiser
  • Severn Trent Water
  • RBS
  • HSBC

 

Example careers

  • Analytical scientist
  • Chemist
  • Lawyer
  • Accountant
  • Business retailer
  • Marketing executive
  • Public service manager
  • Web designer
  • Computing and IT expert
  • Investment analyst
  • Publisher