Course details
- A level requirements: AAB
- UCAS code: F002
- Study mode: Full-time
- Length: 5 years
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Do you want to pursue a high-level research career as a professional chemist? This course brings you to the frontiers of chemistry where you will join one of the research teams in the department.
Study Chemistry at Liverpool and learn in a culture of research excellence. Chemistry is a great choice for those with a keen interest in materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry and theoretical and computation chemistry. You’ll thrive in our award-winning undergraduate laboratories. All our chemistry programmes have a common core in the first two years, this provides a good measure of flexibility and choice for you during the first two years. These first two years progress rapidly, with a mix of theory and practical modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject.
During your year abroad, you will gain transferable skills that come with living and adapting to life in a different country; skills that will help with your employability and career prospects.
By year four you will be a proficient chemist, and will be able to extend your knowledge in the three traditional branches of chemistry. You will also be offered a choice of optional chemistry and non-chemistry modules, or modules in science education for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching. Practical modules in year three will continue to develop your skills and knowledge learnt in the first two years. This may involve conducting mini-projects, relevant in the modern world, developing your skill set to make you industry-ready.
In your final year, you will take a range of advanced core modules in inorganic, physical and organic chemistry and can tailor your studies to choose high-level modules in areas that interest you and that are related to our research areas. Chemical research is particularly important in year four and involves you conducting a significant project as a member of one of the research groups in the Department.
Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics (which is essential for studying chemistry to a high level) we provide a flexible tiered maths for chemistry course allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.
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.
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
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.
An Introduction to Organic Chemistry consisting of lectures, workshops and laboratory classes assessed continuously and by four class tests
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
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.
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 focusing 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 online platforms will be made.
This module will introduce the area of medicinal chemistry and the underpinning cellular biology where it is applied. The course will delve into the chemical aspects of molecular and cellular biology and the processes that allow life to exist, and subsequently discuss the key cellular targets of interest to a medicinal chemist in the drug design process. This material will form the foundations needed to progress onto higher years of medicinal chemistry where modern case studies and the principles of pharmacology will be looked at in greater depth.
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.
You will learn more advanced topics within all the main branches of chemistry and continue to develop your quantitative and key skills.
Practical skills will be developed through stand-alone practical modules and you will have the opportunity to spend between six and nine hours per week in the laboratory.
The module introduces the descriptive coordination and organometallic chemistry and the concepts underpinning our understanding of this chemistry.
This module shows how an understanding of the symmetry properties of molecules can be applied to the understanding of spectroscopic selection rules and bonding.
This module is the core Organic Chemistry module for Year 2 Chemistry students. It introduces important carbon-carbon bond forming reactions within a mechanistic and synthetic framework, together with exposure to a selection of stereochemical issues.
The module presents a unified approach to the synthesis and characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds, introducing a range of synthetic techniques, experiments and analytical methods.
This is a practical module in which students learn the practice of taking physical measurements, the critical analysis and evaluation of experimental data, the application of measurements to the study of chemical phenomena and the dissemination of results.
This module expands on the fundamentals of Physical Chemistry that were introduced in Year 1. The principles and applications of thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy are covered in detail with more emphasis on derivation of key results than in Year 1. Quantum mechanics is developed from the basic principles and mathematical description of quantum phenomena. It is applied to describe bonding in small molecules and in solids, and is linked to spectroscopy via detailed description of molecular energy levels and the possible transitions between these permitted by quantum mechanics.
This module aims to (i) further develop the quantitative skills of a student, (ii) introduce students to the Chemistry Key Skill of Molecular Modelling, and (iii) maintain student development of general transferable and employability skills. The overarching learning outcome is that students will gain the necessary key skills to perform well in their chemistry degree programmes. By the end of the module students will have improved their ability to perform and apply mathematical techniques to problems in kinetics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and molecular symmetry. They will have developed abilities to employ force-field and Quantum Chemistry techniques in Molecular Modelling using the Spartan package. They will also have further developed their range of transferable and employability skills, including written and oral communication and team working.
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry.
This is an introductory module that aims to illustrate the fundamental theoretical principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their roles in industrial and academic research, to include chemical and pharmaceutical analysis.
This module introduces the basic concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, particularly in relation to their technological underpinnings. The module will address the role of chemistry in relation to broad societal, environmental and developmental questions. The module also gives a fundamental understanding of the principles and technologies in Green Chemistry and the generation of Renewable Energy and Chemicals.
Organic functional materials are of increasing global importance with applications in energy, medicine and electronics. This module will highlight how functional organic materials such as high-performance polymers, crosslinked polymers and composites, and porous materials can be designed for specific applications. The module will also explain how advanced characterisation methods (including scattering techniques, gas sorption, size exclusion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile measurement, and electron microscopy) are used in the development of modern materials. Additionally, this module will provide an introduction to polymers, outlining aspects of polymer synthesis, properties and characterisation. Some of the history, importance, and current issues of polymeric materials – such as sustainability – will be discussed to provide an understanding of the wider context. CHEM241 will be useful to chemists who wish to develop a deeper understanding of how organic compounds can be designed to provide functional materials
This module is designed to give students experience of communicating in a variety of media and in a variety of contexts. It will also introduce students to contemporary issues in education, and educational practice. This will be achieved by seminars, interactions with educational professionals, and the design and delivery of enrichment materials, utilising the existing and highly successful outreach activity within the school.
You are required to spend the year abroad on an approved placement at a European or overseas partner institution.
The fourth year will concentrate entirely on chemistry, extending your knowledge in the three traditional branches of the subject and the interdisciplinary subject of catalysis.
Importantly, year four will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the application of chemistry to the modern world, in modules that examine the chemistry and chemical processes that are fundamental to the production of pharmaceuticals, polymers / plastics, pigments and novel materials.
The practical modules in this year will be more challenging than those encountered in previous years, involve up to 15 hours laboratory work per week and in some cases will be organised as mini-projects.
This module will give students a broad, interdisciplinary, background in catalysis across the traditional divides within chemistry.
An extension of second year organic chemistry, covering pericyclic reactions, rearrangements and fragmentations, radical reactions, some important palladium-catalysed coupling reactions and the uses of phosphorous, sulphur and selenium in synthetic chemistry.
Some core physical-organic concepts are introduced along with revision of basic mechanisms.
The aim of this module is to extend a student’s knowledge of physical chemistry, in particular to demonstrate the understanding of electrochemical cells, surfactants and colloids, and the quantum mechanical description of chemical bonding.
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.
This module aims to help Chemistry students develop skills needed for further educational opportunities (i.e. MSc/PhD) or employment in a wide range of chemical and non-chemical based sectors. During the ‘Employability skills’ section, students will look at a variety of employability related skills, job application exercises, interview preparation techniques and presentation experience. This will be in the form of asynchronous lectures, online and in-person workshops and in-person tutorials and will require reflective thinking and group work – this will be facilitated by the module staff and other colleagues from the institution and wider industry. During the ‘database’ section, students will further their knowledge of the scientific literature developed during years 1/2 by engaging with more advanced aspects of various databases and writing a scientific electronic report of an experiment the students have completed in the laboratory.
In this module, students will carry out a bespoke collection of advanced experiments in three of the areas of Organic, Inorganic, Physical or Computational Chemistry
This module is taken by year 3 MChem students in the 2nd semester. Students will be assigned mini research projects based on their project preference and potential projects offered by academic staff. Students carry out these projects in research labs for 9 weeks.
This module will focus on energy conversion processes found in nature. Energy as a commodity is described as "reducing power" or as "high energy electrons" and the concept of nutrient or fuel is introduced. Biological energy conversion processes are discussed from an evolutionary perspective, and it is described how they have contributed to the current composition of the planet’s atmosphere and crust. Sustainability issues will become apparent when comparing the time scales of biogenic fuel accumulation and human consumption of fuel.
This module provides the scientific and technical foundation to understand the utilisation of biomass and other renewable feedstocks in the emerging renewable chemicals industry. Most of the reactions and processes studied are currently used in biorefineries and other industries and in this module we will further explore newest development and future outlook in the production of renewable chemicals and materials within the circular economy.
The module presents the synthesis and reactivity of the most important classes of heterocyclic compounds and shows case studies drawn from major drug classes.
This module discusses the application of basic physical chemistry concepts for understanding protein structure and dynamics and shows how advanced physical chemistry methods are used for investigating these important aspects of proteins.
The research internship is designed to give students the experience of working in a research environment or setting that is quite different from any project work that they undertake in the laboratories in the Department of Chemistry. It should provide an insight into how students may apply skills and experiences later in their career; whether working abroad, in industry or in any other scientific setting.
At the surfaces of materials, the Chemistry can be very different from that in molecules and in the bulk of materials. Having fewer neighbouring atoms and molecules than in the bulk, the surface atoms can adopt quite different bonding environments. The electronic structure is affected and therefore the reactivity of surface atoms is different. This course will introduce students to the Chemistry at surfaces, how surface structure is determined and described, what chemical processes occur at surfaces and how this knowledge is applied in particular surface chemistries and surface nanotechnology.
Further Analytical Chemistry provides the students with a knowledge of the principles of structural elucidation and application of various spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical techniques for identification and structural characterization of small molecules. This module will include the fundamental principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (solution NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their application for structural analysis in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis.
Organic functional materials are of increasing global importance with applications in energy, medicine and engineering. The module will build on content from CHEM241 to take a detailed look at recent developments in organic materials including high performance/speciality polymers, porous materials and drug delivery systems.
The final year of your programme will be dominated by the chemical research project which accounts for 60 of the 120 credits.
You will choose which branch of chemistry you wish to pursue research in (and usually also which research group you wish to be in), and work throughout the year on original research at the frontiers of chemistry.
You select four of the available optional modules each semester that best reflect your interests.
The aim of this module is to develop the skills necessary to undertake independent chemical research. Students carry out a research project of their choice in an area that is presently active in the department and that is aligned with our research clusters in Chemical Models, Chemistry of World Health, Energy and Interfaces, Materials Chemistry, and, Organic Chemistry and Catalysis. This is delivered by becoming a member of a research group led by academic staff of the Department of Chemistry and by carrying out experimental or theoretical/computational work as a member of that research group.
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.
The aim of this module is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the application of enzymes in organic synthesis with a focus on selectivity and sustainability. Selected industrial examples will illustrate where biocatalysis can replace or be combined with conventional chemical reactions in drug synthesis. The module will include an introduction to molecular biology, exciting new developments in the field such as directed evolution for the creation of designer enzymes, creation of artificial enzymes by combining chemo-and biocatalysis and development of synthetic pathways using enzymes. Industrial biotechnology is an important area for a sustainable future and this module will provide a solid foundation from a chemistry perspective.
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the main aspects of asymmetric catalysis and its application in synthetic organic chemistry.
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.
Nanomedicine is an increasingly important multidisciplinary, global science. This is an introductory module which aims to provide students with the essential knowledge required to understand the rapidly advancing field of Nanomedicine. Following some introductory lectures, students will undertake self-directed learning alongside lectures to examine leading published research related to the design of advanced nanomedicines and clinical trials.
This module will be useful chemists who wish to develop a deeper understanding of colloid materials, gain a detailed insight into the advanced synthetic approaches used to produce nanomedicines and broaden their knowledge of pharmacology concepts.
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.
The module will deal with nanoscale energy materials focusing on the aspects relevant to catalysis, electrocatalysis, plasmonic heating, batteries and thermal energy storage. Particular emphasis will be placed on the reasons why nanomaterials are desirable for energy storage applications.
The goals of the module are (i) to introduce nanomaterials for energy storage; (ii) to introduce nanocarbons for thermal energy storage; (iii) to describe general methods for synthesis of nanomaterials.
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.
This module discusses the application of basic physical chemistry concepts for understanding protein structure and dynamics and shows how advanced physical chemistry methods are used for investigating these important aspects of proteins.
In part 1 the course covers the underpinning theory of electronic structure of solids relevant to solar energy conversion materials. In part 2 the course examines a range of established and developing solar energy conversion technologies using the concepts developed in part 1. The course revises and builds on the contents of core inorganic and physical chemistry modules from years 2 and 3.
The course will build upon foundations of descriptive aspects of solid state chemistry delivered in Year 1 (CHEM111) and more advanced topics delivered in Year 3 (CHEM313) to address a wide variety of research-led topics in the area of solid state chemistry synthesis and characterisation, with a focus on some of the relevant applications in energy materials. This will provide the student with a deep and high level understanding of the properties of solids, and currently active areas of research, to enable the student to pursue their interests to a deeper level independently (for example to PhD level).
Supramolecular chemistry – or, "chemistry beyond the molecule" – covers a wide range of systems including host-guest systems, clathrates, cavitands, supramolecular polymers and gels, and makes use of non-covalent interactions. These weak and reversible forces—such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces, and metal–ligand coordination—are key to understanding biological processes and self-assembling systems, and to constructing complex materials and molecular machinery. This module is an introduction to this truly interdisciplinary and evolving field.
In this module, the students will be introduced to concepts such as molecular self-assembly, host-guest complexes and biological mimics. The course will also cover the latest developments in supramolecular chemistry, and highlight some of the key challenges in the field being addressed by researchers at Liverpool and beyond.
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.
This module focuses on the utility of organic chemistry for the industrial synthesis of a range of important natural products used in medicine, agriculture, food and perfume industry and domestic sector. It will help students to put a general knowledge of different classes of organic compounds and their reactivity into the context of real-world applications. The module will also highlight the history of discovery of some notable natural products and will demonstrate how rather obscure original findings were translated into successful industrial processes using recent developments in organic synthesis and catalysis.
This is an advanced module that aims to introduce the student to modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques and their applications in analytical chemistry. The students will be able to understand the basic physical principles of NMR and to decide how to use it to tackle a particular problem of molecules and materials characterisation.
Laboratory classes in years one and two prepare you for independent laboratory work in years three. In year three you will carry out mini research projects, applying learning in computational modelling and molecular visualisation that are introduced in year one.
You will be able to perform your own calculations to underpin final year research projects.
You are assessed by examination at the end of each semester (January and May/June) and by continuous assessment of laboratory practicals, class tests, workshops, tutorials and assignments.
You have to pass each year of study before you are allowed to progress to the following year. Re-sit opportunities are available in September at the end of years one and two. If you take an industrial placement, a minimum standard of academic performance is required before you are allowed to embark on your placements. All years of study (with the exception of Year One) contribute to the final degree classification.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The research that takes place in the chemistry department here in Liverpool is internationally leading, and makes a huge impacts around the world.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of Chemistry student Amy
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
Recent employers:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Victoria is graduated from our BSc Chemistry with a year in industry degree in 2020. She received an offer to work as a Global Operations Graduate Associate at AstraZeneca.
Fizah is a graduate from 2018 who completed a degree in chemistry, nonetheless has started a graduate career in commercial at Johnson Matthey, and has gone on to be appointed Strategy Execution Analyst.
Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £27,200 |
Year abroad fee | £13,600 |
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 paying for your studies.
Lab coats and safety goggles are provided free of charge.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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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. |
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. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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 |
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IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
Duolingo English Test | 105 overall, with no component below 95 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 59 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 65 overall, with no skill below 60 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall. |
International Baccalaureate | Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language |
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 169 overall, with no paper below 162 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 27 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions