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Chemistry for Sustainable Energy

Apply for this course

The deadline for UK students to apply for this course for entry in 2023 was 25 January 2023.

The deadline for international students was 30 June 2023.

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Master of Chemistry

Master of Chemistry (MChem) is an integrated master’s degree which combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single course.

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Course overview

Understanding the chemistry behind sustainable energy is central to creating the solutions to meet the world’s future energy needs.

Introduction

This MChem programme is unique in the UK and demonstrates the breadth and depth of research being carried out to address issues of sustainability and global energy demand.

The programme will give you a foundation of knowledge in areas of energy conversion, that show the most promise of achieving sustainability at this point, including:

  • Fuel cells
  • Solar photovoltaics
  • Biomass and biology energy conversion processes
  • Green chemistry synthetic routes.

In addition, energy storage options through battery and supercapacitor technology will be critically examined. The programme offers you a broad understanding of relevant fundamental chemical principles and in-depth exposure to the development of new and creative approaches to sustainable energy development.

Understanding the chemistry of the energy sector and having the skills and knowledge to change and develop systems away from fossil fuels to green energy, is a growing necessity. Sustainable energy is a critically important area of chemistry and we need to significantly increase the number of people skilled to tackle the multitude of challenges facing our planet.

Throughout this programme you will be taught by leaders and innovators active within sustainable energy research and will have the opportunity to link in with the outstanding work being progressed by the University of Liverpool’s world renowned Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy.

What you'll learn

  • Explore energy conversion options using fuel cells, solar photovoltaics, biomass and biology energy conversion and green chemistry synthetic routes
  • Examine energy storage options through battery and supercapacitor technology
  • Gain a broad understanding of fundamental chemical principles

Accreditation

Our MChem programmes have bachelor accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

Our MChem programmes have bachelor accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In the first year, you will take modules that cover the fundamentals of Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, plus necessary key skills. Four Chemistry modules combine theoretical and practical aspects and one Chemistry module develops Quantitative and General Key Skills.

You will spend three to six hours per week in the laboratory and so will receive a comprehensive training in practical aspects of the subject.

In addition, you will have a choice of subsidiary modules from other Departments including Environmental Sciences, Biological or Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Physiology), Mathematics, Physics and Archaeology.

There are also optional courses within Chemistry covering, eg the Chemistry-Biology interface, and in the second semester you can opt to take a research inspired course ‘Innovative Chemistry for Energy and Materials’ delivered by staff in the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy.

Compulsory modules

Innovative Chemistry for Energy and Materials (CHEM184)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The module covers a wide variety of topics in the area of innovative chemistry for energy and materials. This will act as an introduction to these areas to enable the student to pursue their interests to a deeper level independently, and to provide a foundation level knowledge in materials and electrochemistry, to be expanded in subsequent core and optional chemistry modules.

Introductory Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM111)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module gives an introduction to the chemistry of the main group elements, using the periodic table as the underpinning framework for understanding this chemistry, and develops students’ analytical chemistry skills including volumetric and spectrophotometric techniques applied to materials that are familiar in everyday life.

Introductory Organic Chemistry (CHEM130)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

An Introduction to Organic Chemistry consisting of lectures, workshops and laboratory classes assessed continuously and by four class tests

Introductory Physical Chemistry (CHEM152)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module builds on the thermodynamics and kinetics that students have studied prior to University. Learning is supported by both problem-solving workshops and undertaking experiments in the laboratory

Introductory Spectroscopy (CHEM170)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

This module will provide an introduction to a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Students will explore the theory underpinning various spectroscopic methods, how they are put into practice when acquiring spectra, and the interpretation of spectra to identify unknown substances.

Key Skills for Chemists 1 (CHEM180)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

The aim of this module is: (i) to equip students with the basic quantitative transferable skills required for the first year of a Chemistry degree programme. (ii) to broaden a student’s perspective of chemistry whilst developing their general transferable skills with a focus on communication and employability. The overarching learning outcome is for students to have the key skills that will equip them to perform well in the rest of their chemistry degree programme.
Quantitative Key Skills will be taught using a lecture/workshop format involving problem solving classes, using computers where necessary. General Key Skills will involve a series of lecture-based presentations given by staff from the Department of Chemistry and the Careers Service together with a database workshop and small group tutorials. Extensive use of on-line platforms will be made.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Your experience

Central Teaching Laboratories offer a unique environment for the study of physical sciences. Chemistry occupies the top floor, which houses synthetic chemistry and physical chemistry labs with new equipment for a wide range of experiments.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

The research that takes place in the chemistry department here in Liverpool is internationally leading, and makes a huge impacts around the world.

, MChem Chemistry

Careers and employability

Our graduates develop a wide range of skills including numeracy, problem-solving and IT in addition to scientific skills. Visits to the Department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year.

Typical careers of our graduates include

  • assistant analyst
  • development chemist
  • research assistant
  • site chemist.

Recent employers:

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Unilever
  • IOTA Nanosolutions Ltd
  • Perstorp Caprolactones
  • Shell
  • Towers Watson
  • United Utilities.

4 in 5 chemistry students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Meet our alumni

Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £26,100
Year abroad fee £13,050
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about tuition fees, funding and student finance.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.

Scholarships and bursaries you can apply for from the United Kingdom

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAB including two science A levels; Chemistry and a second science. Acceptable second sciences are: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Computer Science and Economics.

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABB with A in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism. Additional test required

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements

For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Not accepted – applicants should apply for F100.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 6 points from Chemistry at higher level and 5 points from one other science at higher level.

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3 (including Chemistry and one other Science)
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Not accepted without Advanced Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at grade B, including 2 science A levels at grades AA including Chemistry.
Access Not accepted – applicants should apply for F100.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Chemistry for Sustainable Energy MChem

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

6 December 2022: Module changes

Compulsory module list updated

 

Year 2 compulsory modules

Added – CHEM280: Key Skills for Chemists 2

 

Year 3 compulsory modules

Added –

CHEM385: Key Skills for Chemists 3

CHEM354: Further Physical Chemistry (MChem)

 

Year 4 compulsory modules

Removed –

CHEM482: Nano Energy Materials

CHEM464: Solar Energy Conversion

CHEM442: Solid State Chemistry and Energy Storage Materials

 

Year 4 optional module list updated – See course page