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Chemistry

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

Course overview

If you've studied chemistry to the level equivalent to a good UK BSc (Hons), this MSc will equip you with the necessary additional skills and depth of knowledge to become a professional chemist.

Introduction

The 12-month course runs from September and consists of a taught component and a major research based project totalling 180 credits.

Studying alongside our Integrated Master’s MChem students, you will take 90 credits of advanced chemistry modules in Semesters 1 and 2, chosen from a wide range of topics. Module topics range from core physical, inorganic and organic chemistry to specialist cutting-edge research areas, and choices can be made to suit your individual skills and interests.

Alongside these taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2, you will start to gain relevant research skills by taking a common 30 credit module, PGSC003 Introduction to Research, tailored to suit your particular background and research area.

During the Summer, you will undertake a substantial 60 credit research project PGSC004, working in an active research group. The project will be carried out in an active research group within one of the main research areas of the Department i.e. Energy and Catalysis, Materials Chemistry, Medicinal and Bio-nano Chemistry, Functional Interfaces or Theoretical and Computational Chemistry.

Who is this course for?

This course is open to anyone who has the desire to expand as professional chemist and/or undertaking chemical research.

What you'll learn

  • Comprehension of key chemical concepts and provide them with an in-depth understanding of specialised areas of chemistry
  • The ability to plan and carry out experiments independently and assess the significance of outcomes
  • How to adapt and apply a methodology to the solution of unfamiliar types of problems
  • Critical awareness of advances at the forefront of the chemical science discipline
  • Preparation for professional employment or doctoral studies in chemical sciences.

Course content

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

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

Compulsory modules information

You will gain relevant skills for your project in Semester one and two by taking PGSC003 Introduction to research.

You then undertake a research project in the summer.

The project will be carried out in an active research group within one of the main research areas of the department i.e. Energy and Catalysis, Materials Chemistry, Medicinal and Bio-nano Chemistry, Functional Interfaces or Theoretical and Computational Chemistry.

Optional modules information

Over the first two semesters, you will take 90 credits of advanced chemistry modules, choosing a maximum of 30 credits at level 3, subject to timetable constraints.

Module choices and pathways:

Please discuss your choice of modules with your supervisor and the Programme Director, Prof. Sedghi, and your supervisor before registering for your Chemistry-based modules. This ensures that your choice will be most appropriate to your background, experience and research interests.

  • Students who completed their first degree at Liverpool cannot take modules they completed as undergraduate students.
  • Students may take up to 30 credits of modules at FHEQ level 6; this may include up to 15 credits of the Open Languages modules at FHEQ levels 4, 5 or 6.
  • Students must take either CHEM495 (non-Liverpool graduates) or CHEM473 (Liverpool graduates) modules.
  • Students can take up to 15 credits of non-chemistry modules.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Research (PGSC003)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

The aim of this module is to give students the necessary background and research skills to be able to undertake a chemical research project. PGSC003 is the first step into the research project. After completion of this module students will have developed sufficient skills to be able to work in a research laboratory and sufficient background knowledge to be able to complete a successful chemical research project. In the first few weeks of their MSc programme, students will be assigned a research project supervisor in an area relevant to their background and interests. The supervisor and student will establish what skills the student needs to personally develop in order to be able to complete a successful research project in this area. Students will then agree a series of activities to complete in order to develop the necessary skills. Skills to be developed could include basic practical techniques, computing skills, mathematical skills, additional background knowledge etc. It is expected that these skills will be project specific so the exact nature of the module will therefore vary depending on a student’s background. In addition, all students will develop more generic research skills in information retrieval, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Health & Safety using a combination of Vital-based on-line exercises, a workshop delivered by library staff and attendance at Departmental & University safety training sessions. Students will prepare a final report, involving a comprehensive literature survey in their area of interest and a short project proposal to ensure that they can use their time constructively in their main research project.

Optional modules

Lanthanoid and Actinoid Chemistry (CHEM411)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module will give students an overview of the most important aspects of the unique chemistry and spectroscopy of the lanthanoid and actinoid elements, illustrated with contemporary examples of the applications of their compounds in chemistry and technology.

Organic and Molecular Electronics (CHEM413)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module is designed to give students in the chemical sciences an appreciation of the foundations and working principles underlying the new technologies of organic electronic devices, and of the possibilities offered by the new science of single-molecule electrical measurements.

Main Group Organic Chemistry (CHEM431)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of this module is to broaden and extend the knowledge of modern Organic Chemistry, so that students will be able to enter directly into a PhD program or embark on a career as a specialist chemist. By the end of the module students will have achieved a solid foundation in Organic Chemistry.

Asymmetric Synthesis and Synthetic Strategy (CHEM433)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module will develop and extend the students’ knowledge of modern organic chemistry, so that they will be able to enter directly into a PhD programme or embark on a career as a specialist chemist.

Advanced Spectroscopy (C OPTION) (CHEM451)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This is an advanced module that introduces the student to modern spectroscopic techniques and their applications in materials characterisation. Emphasis is given to those techniques, which are currently most important to chemical research both in industry and academia. At the end of the module, students should be able to understand the basic physical principles of these techniques and be able to decide which combination of techniques is best employed to tackle a particular problem of materials characterisation.

Electrochemistry (C Option) (CHEM453)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of this module is to develop the students’ knowledge of interfacial electrochemistry. This includes both the understanding of fundamental aspects of electrochemistry, as well as techniques for characterising surfaces under electrochemical conditions. Applications of electrochemistry will also be discussed.

FORMULATION ENGINEERING (ENGG413)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

​This module will provide engineering, chemistry and potentially other students an overview of  complex fluids, their processing, rheology and applications. The students will gain knowledge on: different formulations (suspensions, emulsions, foams); colloidal processing ( starting from clay as archetype, and delving into ceramic, polymer and 2D colloids); their flow and rheology; and their role in manufacturing in a diversity of processes from food processing and personal care to additive manufacturing.

Inorganic Materials Chemistry (CHEM313)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module builds on the fundamental inorganic chemistry that students have studied previously to give an appreciation of the science underpinning the development of modern materials. It will discuss the fundamentals of crystalline and disordered solids, and magnetism; methods for synthesising materials; characterisation techniques; applications of inorganic materials; and the link between the chemistry, structure and function of materials.

Further Organic Chemistry (CHEM333)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

An extension of second year organic chemistry, covering pericyclic reactions, rearrangements and fragmentations, radical reactions, uses of phosphorous, sulphur and selenium in synthetic chemistry, as well as some core physical-organic concepts.

Medicinal Chemistry of Anti-Infectives (CHEM335)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module will introduce students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry of anti-infective drugs, building on the principles taught in the introductory medicinal chemistry module CHEM248.

Key Skills for Chemists 4 (CHEM473)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

Molecular modelling and chemical database skills are crucial in all areas of chemistry. The module introduces students to further molecular modelling techniques in chemistry and further develops their chemical database skills. In addition the students’ employability awareness and skills will be enhanced.

Advanced Key Skills for MSc students (CHEM495)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module will develop essential skills for MSc students which will be needed both during the programme and beyond, whether this be further education opportunities (ie., PhD) or employment in a wide range of chemical and non-chemical based sectors. Activities include molecular modelling, use of databases, and general employability development.

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.

Placement opportunity

This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.

Explore more about Careers and Employability at Liverpool.

Your experience

Supporting your learning

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

Careers and employability

Our graduates have progressed to a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors. Their roles include research chemists, scientific managers in the chemical, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries, university lecturers, teachers, and accountants.

Many have gone on to further postdoctoral research either in the UK or overseas before entering employment.

The Department has strong research links with industry providing opportunities for you to meet industrial colleagues and discuss career options.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

Following this MSc, you will be suited to working as a professional chemist and/or undertaking chemical research. Opportunities could include employment within the chemical industry or progression to PhD study.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,700
Part-time place, per year £4,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year £23,400
Part-time place, per year £11,700
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.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans.

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.


ANID CHILE Awards

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Commission Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

The John Lennon Memorial Scholarships were set up by a trust fund endowed in the University for the provision of scholarships in the memory of John Lennon. The award is intended to support students from Merseyside who might be in financial need and enhance, among other things, awareness of global problems and environmental issues.

Current or prospective UK (taught and research) students, either born in or with very strong family connections to Merseyside can apply for these awards.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Recipients must have been in receipt of one of the University’s Widening Access Awards as an undergraduate.

UK University of Liverpool graduates who have graduated in the last two years and are progressing to a standard master’s course, including MRes programmes, in 2023.

Graduates must have been in receipt of the University’s Widening Access Award during their undergraduate studies i.e.

Liverpool Bursary
Mature Students’ Bursary
Liverpool Scholars’ Award
Realising Opportunities Award
North Liverpool Academy Scholarship
Estranged Students’ Bursary
Young Adult Carers’ Bursary
Care Leaver’s Opportunity Bursary
The Liverpool Life Sciences UTC Scholarship
Recipients of the Asylum Seekers Bursary who now have a ‘home’ fee status classification.

Postgraduate Progression Award – International Students

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Current international University of Liverpool students and alumni are eligible for a £2,500 fee reduction when progressing to a master’s course.

If you’re a current international University of Liverpool undergraduate or alumni, including Study Abroad and Exchange students and students from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, progressing to either a full or part-time new postgraduate taught programme you’re eligible to receive our Postgraduate Progression Award.

Postgraduate Progression Award – UK students

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

The Postgraduate Progression Award is available to all UK University of Liverpool undergraduate students or alumni considering a postgraduate taught/master’s course, including MRes qualifications, at our Liverpool campus.

Eligible applicants MUST have completed their undergraduate degree at the Liverpool campus.

Sport Liverpool Scholarships

  • Home and international students

The University is pleased to be able to offer scholarships to talented athletes competing at national and regional levels. See https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/sports/team-sport-liverpool/performance-programme/  for more information.

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

The University of Liverpool together with the Aziz Foundation are offering master’s scholarships to support British Muslims who are dedicated to bringing positive change to society and have career aspirations in media and journalism, technology, sustainability and the environment, law, policy (excluding health policy) and creative content.

Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship for their tuition fees and access to a programme of training days and career mentors via Aziz Scholarships Plus and the Aziz Scholars Association.

Students in receipt of one of the Aziz Scholarships are not eligible for other University of Liverpool bursaries or scholarships.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary

  • International students
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cyprus
  • Dominica
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda

The University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary fee reduction for students from Commonwealth countries new to studying at the University of Liverpool on master’s programmes.

University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Impact Progression Scholarship

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship

  • International students

Open to all new international students starting a one-year full-time postgraduate master’s programme in September 2023 who:

  • Achieve a UK first-class undergraduate degree award or equivalent qualification as defined by the University of Liverpool (click here for a list of equivalent qualifications) are studying at the Liverpool campus.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

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

Postgraduate entry requirements

You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This should be in chemistry.

You will need to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of chemistry and should have previously studied organic, inorganic, physical and analytical/laboratory chemistry.

You may be required to pass an assessment to test this knowledge as part of the selection process.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS B
View our IELTS academic requirements key.
International Baccalaureate

Standard Level 5

TOEFL iBT 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 17, Reading 17, Speaking 19
INDIA Standard XII 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards
WAEC C4-6
Hong Kong use of English AS level C

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 application 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.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

Why study at Liverpool? Victoria Gallery & Museum

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

Accommodation Postgraduate students walking through the campus.

Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Chemistry MSc

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.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.