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Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation and Robotics

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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.

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Course overview

The programme will enable students to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and machine learning to their applications in chemistry research. Students will extend specific skills and knowledge to a level at which they will be prepared for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.

Introduction

Digital (AI) Chemistry is a rapidly evolving, growth industry and AI tools such as machine learning, automation and robotics have the potential to support faster chemistry discoveries in order to address key societal needs and global challenges.  The University of Liverpool, in conjunction with Imperial College London, is creating a research hub to develop state-of-the-art Digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Chemistry interfaces. This ground-breaking hub aims to position the UK as the global leader in Digital Chemistry and be at the forefront of the Digital AI Chemistry revolution.

Our exciting new Digital Chemistry MSc is a cross-disciplinary programme that offers Chemistry graduates the opportunity to be taught the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and digitalisation relating to chemistry research. This MSc will develop students’ skills and knowledge in digital processes and methodologies, in order to critically apply them in a variety of chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals and formulated materials.

Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for UK BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degree graduates with a 2.2 or equivalent. It aims to develop their skills and knowledge in the Digital Chemistry domain, equipping them for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.

What you'll learn

  • Students will be able to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and digitalisation, to their applications in chemistry research.
  • Students will develop critical thinking in the application of digital methodologies across various chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals, and formulated materials, among others.
  • Students will extend specific skills and knowledge, for example, in collaboration, digital literacy and working in interdisciplinary teams, to a level at which they will be prepared for contemporary and ground-breaking professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.

Course content

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

Semester one

The programme will enable students to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and machine learning to their applications in chemistry research. Students will critically apply selected digital methodologies in a variety of chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals and formulated materials. Students will extend specific skills and knowledge, for example, in collaboration, digital literacy and working in interdisciplinary teams.

Compulsory modules

Digital Alchemy: Synthesising Code and Chemistry (CHEM501)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Digital Alchemy provides students with practical abilities to implement emerging digital technologies in the lab to improve the productivity, reproducibility, and quality of their experimental Chemistry workflows. This module provides a broad overview of a wide range of digital techniques, from raw data acquisition and processing to real-time visualisation, and is underpinned by hands-on, workshop- and project-driven learning in a Chemistry context.

Key Skills for Digital Chemistry (CHEM503)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Molecular modelling and chemical database skills are crucial in all areas of chemistry. The module introduces students to molecular modelling techniques in chemistry and develops their chemical database skills. In addition, the students’ employability awareness and skills will be enhanced. The students will prepare for their research project through a literature review.

Maths and Statistics for AI and Data Science (COMP533)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Computer Science in general, and data Science in particular, has its roots in Mathematics. This module is designed to bring you up to speed with the necessary mathematical and statistical underpinning required to study Data Science and AI.

Programming Fundamentals (COMP517)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of COMP517 is to help you to learn how to design and create software. Central to this will be an understanding of and practical experience with a modern programming language, but you will also be made aware of the importance of using sound software engineering techniques to develop high quality programs. As with many endeavours (swimming, chess-playing, story-writing) programming is a skill that must be learned and improved upon by constant practice. In this module, therefore, the emphasis will be on self-study. Although lectures will be used to introduce the various topics, you will be expected to spend the majority of your time attempting numerous exercises and completing the specified assignments.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

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.

Your experience

Students will explore the relationship of AI, automation, robotics, and machine learning with chemistry. They will apply these concepts to various chemical contexts.   Students will develop skills essential for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or advanced academic pursuits through interdisciplinary collaboration and digital literacy.

Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, students will be qualified to enter a wide range of employment or pursue further study leading to a PhD.

The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.

Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.

Occupations linked to students who have studied chemistry in a higher education setting are set to grow across the UK. There is an anticipated growing demand for adaptable scientists who can harness the knowledge and skillsets of digital chemists.

Supporting your learning

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

Careers and employability

Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, students will be qualified to enter a wide range of employment or pursue further study leading to a PhD.

The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.

Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.

Occupations linked to students who have studied chemistry in a higher education setting are set to grow across the UK. There is an anticipated growing demand for adaptable scientists who can harness the knowledge and skillsets of digital chemists.

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

The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.

Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.

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 £12,500
International fees
Full-time place, per year £29,900
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 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 fees and funding.

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 that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Pre-Master’s? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from an online Kaplan Pre-Master’s programme.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Achievement

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your prior academic achievement, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Country

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

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your nationality, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

FUNED Scholarship for Women in STEM Subjects

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a female Mexican student joining an eligible master’s course in a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subject and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 25% tuition fee discount. Up to five awards are available in each academic year.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • China
  • Columbia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Libya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zimbabwe

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. If your application is successful, you could expect to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Hong Kong Graduate Association & Tung Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

Do you have recognised status as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection outside the UK? Or are you a Ukrainian who’s sought temporary protection in the EU? You could be eligible to apply for the full payment of your master’s fees and additional financial support.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

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

The minimum entry requirements are UK BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degrees 2.2 or equivalent.

In addition, international candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a Chemistry-related degree.

In addition, international candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.

International qualifications

The minimum entry requirements are equivalent to the UK BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degrees 2.2.

International candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

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
IELTS other
IELTS English language requirements for this course are to be confirmed.

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

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.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Our Pre-Sessional English courses vary from 6, 10, 12, 20, 30 or 40 weeks.

You can email us at elc@liverpool.ac.uk for advice on the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require. Please let us know your most recent score in one of the following English languages tests so we can assess your current English language ability:

  • IELTS
  • LanguageCert Academic
  • Pearson PTE
  • Skills for English
  • Oxford Test for English
  • Duolingo English Test

We’ll be in touch to let you know the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require. We’ll also confirm whether you can study Pre-Sessional English on campus or online.

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.

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Fees and Finance

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Changes to Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation and Robotics 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.

19 November 2024: Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation and Robotics MSc – modules

CHEM506A added as compulsory module for semester two and removed from ‘Summer’.

Qualifications changed from 2.1 to 2.2 (Who is this course for? and International qualifications).