UCAS code F161
Passionate about chemistry? Our MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry programme offers advanced modules, research projects, and the chance to contribute to published work. You'll explore broad topics, specialise, and spend a full year gaining hands-on experience in industry. This prepares you well for a PhD, research career, or a range of professional scientific roles.
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, digital chemistry, analytical chemistry and sustainability, alongside traditional areas of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry.
The MChem degree in Chemistry equips graduates for a range of career opportunities in academic or industrial research, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and other fields requiring strong scientific and numerate skills. The programme also provides a foundation for further study in specialized or interdisciplinary areas of chemistry. The programme offers a mix of interactive teaching, and practical work in our award-winning undergraduate laboratories, ensuring students develop advanced research skills, professional competencies, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s real-world applications.
During year 3, you’ll work with academics to delve into the research literature, an important aspect for all research chemists, or take an opportunity for wider research experiences through summer internships or local industry.
You’ll also spend your final year on a paid external/industrial placement, acquiring experience and awareness of practical chemistry in an industrial environment to further develop your commercial and professional skills. Previous examples of placements include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, 2M-group, Ineos, Unilever, Croda, Liverpool ChiroChem, Rolls-Royce, Innospec, to name a few.
The assessment strategy combines formative workshops and interactive lectures with summative methods including traditional exams, group projects, professional skill development and laboratory-based activities. Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics, physics and biology, which are essential for studying chemistry to a high level, we provide supportive sessions allowing you to tailor your development.
This degree offers a strong foundation in advanced chemistry with real research experience, including opportunities to engage in research within industry—ideal if you’re aiming for a future in scientific research or industry.
Please note, course information has been updated for entry 2026.
Our MChem programmes have accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.
The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned society for chemists in the United Kingdom.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In year one, you’ll study core chemistry topics and explore their broader context. You will take some compulsory and some optional modules. In semester two, choose 15 credits of subsidiary modules from chemistry or other disciplines (prerequisites may apply), or introductory open languages. Module availability, especially subsidiaries, may vary yearly.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTORY MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (CHEM104) | 15 |
| MODERN APPLICATIONS IN CHEMISTRY (CHEM106) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In year two, your journey in core chemistry continues, including aspects of analytical, sustainable, spectroscopy, symmetry, quantum and synthetic strategy/design. Development of quantitative, professional and commercial skills continues during semester one. Semester two allows 15 credits of subsidiary modules, as in year one. Module availability, especially subsidiaries, may vary yearly.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLYMER CHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS (CHEM204) | 15 |
| STEM COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION (CHEM206) | 15 |
| BECOMING ENTREPRENEURIAL (ULMS254) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In year three, you’ll study advanced core topics with clear links to our research themes. You will also be able to choose optional modules in both semesters one and two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CORE CHEMISTRY 3: CURRENT TOPICS IN SYNTHETIC DESIGN AND ADVANCED MATERIALS (CHEM301) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
You’ll spend your final year on an external/industrial placement, acquiring experience and awareness of practical chemistry in an industrial environment to further develop your commercial and professional skills.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEMICAL RESEARCH PROJECT (EXTERNAL) (CHEM400A) | 90 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Throughout every year of your degree, you’ll build your knowledge of chemistry through interactive lectures that bring together the different areas of the subject, showing how chemistry connects to the wider world. You’ll also take part in regular workshops led by our academics, where you can apply what you’ve learned, ask questions and strengthen your understanding in a supportive learning environment.
Alongside your scientific knowledge, you’ll develop the professional skills employers are looking for. Throughout the course, you’ll build confidence through activities such as group projects, presentations, poster sessions, reflective exercises and peer-to-peer learning. Interactive classes encourage you to share ideas, discuss different perspectives and develop your communication skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Your personal development is important to us, too. Dedicated academic advisors are on hand throughout your degree to provide guidance, support your academic progress and help you plan for your future career.
You’ll be assessed through a mixture of examinations and coursework, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and develop a broad range of academic and professional skills.
Depending on the modules you choose, assessments may include practical projects, individual and group presentations, reports, problem-solving tasks and subject-specific tests. This variety allows you to apply your learning in different ways while building communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial independent research project, allowing you to investigate a topic that interests you.
Working alongside expert academics, you’ll plan and carry out your own research, evaluate scientific literature and communicate your findings through a dissertation and presentation. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop the research, analytical and project management skills that will prepare you for postgraduate study or a wide range of scientific careers.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
This course is also available without an included year in industry.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
This course is also available as a four year BSc (Hons) programme.
You will study in the Department of Chemistry, part of the School of Physical Sciences. Our excellence in research strongly influences our teaching and ensures that you’re engaged in frontier science throughout taught and project modules. Our state-of-the-art Central Teaching Laboratories offer a unique environment for studying Chemistry, ranking among the top in synthetic and measurement labs, with ample 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. It makes huge impacts around the world.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The rigorous nature of a Chemistry degree is well recognised by employers meaning our graduates are well qualified to take up employment in a variety of fields in addition to chemistry across the chemical sciences, related industries and the general graduate market.
Skills developed include high numeracy and problem-solving abilities, enhanced communication skills, building resilience and confidence to tackle complex, open-ended challenges. Embedded professional skills development, and industry aligned visits and activities (including pharmaceutical industry, fast-moving consumer goods, energy sector, nuclear industry, forensics, patent law), ensure that you make contacts with prospective employers at key stages in your programme.
Typical careers of our graduates beyond moving onto postgraduate studies include:
Our graduates are employed by a vast range of employers, over 160 spanning the last 5 years. Some recent employers include:
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.
Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.
Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,508 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)
The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.
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.
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. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.
This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.
This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
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.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
ABB for ABB two science A levels including Chemistry or AAB one science A level including A in Chemistry.Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. 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. |
| 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 | Two science A levels including Chemistry and a second science. Accepted science subjects: For applicants studying A levels with English exam boards: 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 | D*DD in relevant diploma. Students will be invited to take an assessment. Applicants must be completing the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science and be studying the following optional modules: For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification: The Applied Science pathway is acceptable and the following optional modules must be studied: • Chemical Periodicity and its Applications |
| International Baccalaureate | 32 points overall and no score less than 4 and including 5 in HL Chemistry and 5 in one other HL science subject (or 6 in HL Chemistry if no other science being taken), or pass the IB Diploma with 6,5,5 in 3 Higher Level subjects, including 5 in HL Chemistry and 5 in one other HL science subject (or 6 in HL Chemistry if no other science being taken). |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 (including Chemistry and one other Science) |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | Not accepted without Advanced Highers |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus grades AB at A level including Chemistry and a second science (or Chemistry at grade A if no second science). |
| Access | Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction (including 15 in Chemistry and 15 in a second science) and 12 at Merit. Applicants will be invited to take an assessment. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| 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. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 169 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature | Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level |
| International Baccalaureate English B | Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
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.
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.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.0 overall, with no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 26 August 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions