MChem Chemistry
The course
- UCAS code
- F101
- Duration
- 5 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Heriot-Watt University is ranked first in Scotland for chemistry in the Guardian University Guide 2020. MChem Chemistry is a 5-year degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Option to study a year abroad or specialise to enhance employability.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Chemistry is a dynamic and exciting subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It is a major contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and as such is a secure career pathway. Chemistry plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.
At Heriot-Watt University, we make sure the theory we teach is linked to these practical applications so that when our students graduate they are ready to address the biggest of global challenges. Heriot-Watt University is ranked first in Scotland for chemistry in the Guardian University Guide 2020.
The courses within our five-year MChem Chemistry include extensive laboratory work throughout. They provide students with hands-on experience and opportunities to link theoretical knowledge from lectures to the real world. As a result, our students develop practical lab experience as well as much needed teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.
Your career prospects
Chemistry graduates from Heriot-Watt University have a good reputation with employers who appreciate their practical abilities, confidence, and communication skills in addition to the extensive, cutting-edge theoretical knowledge they possess.
Graduates from chemistry can work in a number of roles across a diversity of fields within the pharmaceutical, biomedical, biochemical, health care, agriculture, food, drink and water industries. Opportunities also exist in the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace and communications industries.
In addition to career pathways that directly use practical skills and chemical knowledge, graduates from chemistry are actively sought by a diverse range of employers seeking their problem solving abilities, numeracy and other transferable graduate skills appropriate for management roles.
Study abroad
Students on MChem Chemistry can choose to study one year of their degree with a Heriot-Watt University partner institution in Australia, North America, Spain, Germany or France.
Global College pathway for this degree
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Specialisms
Through the selection of complementary optional courses, students can choose to study a specialist field within chemistry and enhance their employability. Our specialist routes include Chemistry with: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Materials and Nanoscience. Students should apply for BSc Chemistry (UCAS code F100) or MChem Chemistry (UCAS code F101) to follow these specialisms.
Learning at Heriot-Watt was never just theoretical, and links with practical and commercial applications were made clear to help bring learning to life. Now, as Senior Director at the World Energy Council, I lead engagement with corporate partners, governments and institutions, and our Future Energy Leaders Programme.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way.
You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
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European Exchange
This Exchange Programme enables you to study or work in Europe as part of your degree programme, usually for a full academic year.
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Non-European Exchange
This Exchange Programme enables you to study outside of Europe as part of your degree programme, usually for a full academic year.
Course content
Year 1
Semester one
- Principles of Chemistry
- Chemical Applications (one)
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (one)
You'll choose one optional course, either from a language unit of your choice or from:
- Introductory Biology (one)
- Mechanics, Fields and Forces
Semester two
- Chemical Reactivity
- Chemical Applications (two)
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (two)
You'll choose one optional course, either from a language unit of your choice or from:
- Introductory Biology (two)
- Waves and Matter
Year 2
Semester one
- Atomic and Molecular Structure and Chemical Bonding
- Organic Structural Identification, Stereochemistry and Reaction Mechanisms
- Chemical Thermodynamics and Introductory Chemical Kinetics
You'll choose one optional course, either from a language unit of your choice or from:
- Metabolism in Human Nutrition
- Mechanics, Fields and Forces
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (three)
Semester two
- Chemistry of the Elements
- Synthesis in Organic Chemistry
- Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
You'll choose one optional course, either from a language unit of your choice or from:
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Waves and Matter
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (four)
- Statistics for Science
- Mathematical Modelling for Chemical Engineers
Year 3
Semester one
- Organometallic Chemistry and Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopy
- Organic Reactions (one)
- Applications of Chemical Kinetics
You'll choose one optional course from:
- Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Chemistry of Materials
- Molecular Biology
- Software Development (one)
Semester two
- Chemical Structure
- Organic Reactions (two)
- Molecules to Systems
You'll choose one optional course from:
- Principles of Drug Discovery and Development
- Analytical Chemistry
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Software Development (two)
- Solid State Physics
Year 4
Semester one
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Advanced Physical Chemistry
You'll choose one optional course from:
- Advanced Synthesis with Pharmaceutical Applications
- Physical Mathematics (one)
Semester two
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Advanced Physical Chemistry
You'll choose one optional course from:
- Human Diseases and Therapeutic Interventions
- Functional Inorganic Materials
- Physical Mathematics (two)
- Laboratory Regulation and Project Management
Year 5
Semester one
- MChem Extended Research Project
- Computer Simulation of Molecules
You'll choose one optional course from:
- Advanced Synthesis with Pharmaceutical Applications
- Quantum Theory and Solid State
- Sustainable Development and Engineering Management
- Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
- Programming Languages
- Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
Semester two
- MChem Extended Research Project
You'll choose one optional course from:
- Human Diseases and Therapeutic Interventions
- Functional Inorganic Materials
- Laboratory Regulation and Project Management
- Biophysics
- Chemistry of Food
- Quantum Devices
- Quantum Theory and Spectroscopy
- Data Structures and Algorithms
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our MChem Chemistry students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 75% are working
- 20% are studying
- 0% are working and studying.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £24000
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £26000
Potential career paths
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
- Natural and social science professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (including A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science)
- A-Levels BBC - ABB (including Chemistry and Maths with one at B)
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics at 5)
- BTEC DDM (in relevant subject)
- HNC A in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including Chemistry at B and one of Maths or Physics or Engineering Science)
- A-Levels CCC (including C in Chemistry and Mathematics or Physics)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Year 2
- Advanced Highers BB (including Chemistry and Mathematics plus Highers AABB)
- A-Levels ABB (including Chemistry and Mathematics with one at A)
- Int. Baccalaureate 33 points (with Higher Level 6 Chemistry and Mathematics)
- HND BB in graded units (in relevant HND)
- BTEC DDD (in relevant subject)
- Global College Successful completion of Science with Accelerator Programme
Year 3
- HND AA in graded units (in relevant HND)
Additional information
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | International** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £24,048 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.