Chemistry (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in chemistry, or a 2:1 degree with at least 50% chemistry content and an average of a 2:1 across your chemistry modules.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution. 

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

The taught part of the course takes place over the first 2 semesters.

Each semester includes 12 weeks of study followed by 2 or 3 weeks of exams. You'll carry out the research element of the course in semester 3 during the summer.  

A highlight of the course is the choice of a specialist pathway. Choose from:

• organic chemistry
• inorganic and materials chemistry
• physical chemistry
• general chemistry

In the final weeks of August you’ll focus on your dissertation preparation and you'll carry out a limited amount of laboratory work.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

On this master’s in chemistry your learning includes:

• staff-led lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and demonstrations
• student-led seminars and presentations
• workshops and tutorials based around instruments in the laboratory

You’ll carry out self-directed learning:

• reading summary texts and scientific literature
• exposure to technical reports
• individual practical work on instruments
• engagement with written assignments and coursework
• revision for written exams

Practical classes give you the opportunity to show your increasing independence. You'll also have meetings about research work with the supervisory team.

Assessment

You'll be assessed on the taught elements of the course with exams and coursework.

Your research is assessed on the practical outcomes of your project work. As well as on your ability to communicate your research outcomes and through your dissertation. This will be assessed by your supervisor and another academic from within the University by what is called a viva voce, a verbal examination.

You’ll also need to keep a laboratory notebook and create an archive of your research results. These primary sources of information will be reviewed throughout your research project and will be part of the final assessment.

You’ll also write short reports describing your progress throughout the summer. We’ll review these regularly to support your development in preparation for the dissertation.

Dissertation

The research project will explore in depth, one or more of the chemistry topics you covered in the taught part of the course.

You’ll agree your project topic with your supervisor and you'll complete the project preparation in consultation with them.

The project involves around 600 hours of time including 14 weeks of practical research work.

You'll submit your dissertation in mid-September.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

On this chemistry degree you’ll gain valuable postgraduate research skills. You'll develop transferrable skills including time management, and the ability to effectively communicate and present.

This will prepare you for career success in a wide range of areas such as industry, analysis, policymaking and scientific communication. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue careers in:

• electrochemistry
• material science
• energy storage
• analytical chemistry
• environmental chemistry
• computational chemistry
• biotechnical and pharmaceutics
• science communication

Completing a master’s qualification will help you take on the challenges of an advanced research degree at PhD level, ready for an academic career.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Chemistry.  

Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

Four scholarships offer international students £5,000 off their first year of study of chemistry and chemical engineering at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

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Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000