Chemistry MChem Honours
- UCAS code: F103
- Full time
- 4 years
This professionally accredited degree provides a firm foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry in your first three years. It includes a year of advanced study at master's level, and is a good basis for a PhD or career in research.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Chemistry touches every part of our lives. From food and medicine to biotechnology and renewable energy, its influence is endless. As a Chemist, you can have a great career and make a difference in the world.
Our MChem degree follows the normal BSc curriculum, plus a further year of advanced study. The MChem programme is perfect for those pursuing a career within scientific research.
This course includes the option to spend a year studying abroad or working in industry.
You'll explore the role of chemistry in:
- drug design
- electronic properties of molecules and materials
- renewable energy technology (solar, batteries)
- nanoscience
You'll study organic, inorganic, physical and structural chemistry. You'll investigate modern analytical techniques and computational chemistry. You can create your own distinct learning experience at Newcastle. You'll explore your interests as you discover the subject.
In your final year, you'll study advanced modules including:
- catalyst application and design
- organic synthesis for drug targets
- exploring d and f block chemistry: applications and structural methods
- pericyclic and radical reactions
The facilities are outstanding at Newcastle. You'll have the opportunity to study in modern research laboratories and synthetic chemistry teaching laboratories.
BSc or MChem?
The MChem programme is perfect for those pursuing a career within scientific research.
Our MChem degree follows the normal BSc curriculum, plus a further year of advanced study. You'll undertake a research project in the fourth year. You'll gain valuable experience of working in a research environment.
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View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Additional information
Flexible degree structure
Our chemistry degrees share a common first year. This ensures that you develop a solid foundation in chemistry and its many forms.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
Our chemistry degrees share a common first year. This ensures that you develop a solid foundation in chemistry and its many forms. You’ll explore the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Chemical Laboratory Skills 1 | 20 |
Chemical Skills and Professionalism | 10 |
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry | 20 |
Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry | 20 |
Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry | 20 |
General Chemistry | 10 |
Additional compulsory module information
If you have A Level Maths grade C or below you must take the following compulsory module: Mathematical Skills for Chemists (10 credits)
You'll explore more advanced concepts in chemistry including polymers, supramolecular and computational chemistry. You’ll also investigate bioactive natural products and their role in naturally-derived drugs.
You'll take an employability module that includes a Professional Awareness Event. You'll have the opportunity to interact with a range of companies.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Sustainable Solutions | 10 |
Chemical Laboratory Skills 2 | 20 |
Structural Chemistry | 10 |
Organic Chemistry | 20 |
Inorganic Chemistry | 20 |
Physical Chemistry | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Medicinal Chemistry | 10 |
Scientific Computing for Chemists | 10 |
Chemistry of the Atmosphere | 10 |
You'll complete an independent research literature project. You will develop skills in reviewing, critiquing and presenting research material.
You'll also study advanced organic and inorganic chemistry. You'll explore topics including chemical nanoscience and bioinorganic chemistry.
Modules
In your final year, you’ll complete an investigative project. This involves creating original, unpublished work in a modern area of chemistry. As part of the project, you'll generate a researcher development record. This record highlights the specialist skills you’ve acquired from your research project.
You will also choose from a range of optional modules on specialist topics. These include catalysis and synthesis of organic compounds.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Research Project | 70 |
Advanced Problem Solving | 10 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching is by a combination of lectures, tutorials and lab-based and computational experiments. You will have practical classes for two afternoons each week in Stage 1 and these increase in later years.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Practical sessions
Skills and experience
Practical skills
During your course, you'll develop professional laboratory skills through practical experience in our high-spec teaching labs.
You'll also develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These will enable you to pursue careers outside of Chemistry, including:
- accountancy
- patent law
- marketing
Business skills
You're able to develop business skills through:
- employability skills modules across all stages
- work placements
- study abroad opportunities
- industrial visits
You'll develop key skills, including:
- writing proposals
- writing scientific reports and papers
- delivering presentations
You'll also network with industry at our Professional Awareness Day, empowering you to make decisions about your career.
Research skills
Research is at the heart of what we do. Our latest research discoveries feed into your curriculum. You'll learn on the cutting-edge of Chemistry. Our discoveries include:
- discovery of new anti-cancer drugs
- development of battery technology
- creation of nanoscale electronics
Opportunities
Study abroad
You'll spend Stage 3 studying chemistry at one of our partner institutions abroad. You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:
- Monash University
- University of Hong Kong
- University of Pittsburgh
You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
Find out more about study abroad
Industrial training year
In Stage 3, you'll take your year in industry. Gaining work experience is invaluable for your future career. You'll experience the modern workplace and explore commercial projects. If you impress your host company, it could even result in a job offer upon graduation.
Our students have completed paid placements in leading companies including:
- Akzo Nobel
- AstraZeneca
- Corus
- GlaxoSmithKline
- P&G
Facilities and environment
Facilities
During your studies, you'll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.
You'll have the opportunity to study in well-resourced research laboratories and synthetic chemistry teaching laboratories. Our facilities also include:
- physical chemistry laboratory
- mechanical, glassblowing and electronic workshops, staffed by highly trained technicians
- facilities for the synthesis and characterisation of novel materials
- extensive computational resources for molecular modelling and dynamics
- a centralised NMR facility which includes 200, 300 and 500 MHz spectrometers
Support
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a lab coat for laboratory practicals.
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with any issues.
Your future
Join a network of successful graduates
Employers hold our graduates in high regard. Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of sectors, including:
- pharmaceuticals
- accountancy
- agrochemicals
- patent law
- petrochemicals
- marketing
If you want to pursue chemistry research as a career, a good undergraduate chemistry degree is essential, often followed by a research degree.
Benefit from strong industry links
You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry, such as:
- AkzoNobel
- Astra Zeneca
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Proctor & Gamble
Enterprising students
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Careers support
During your second year, you'll attend our Professional Awareness Day. We invite a broad mix of businesses to the event, carry out mock interviews and hold Q&A sessions with alumni. You're empowered to make decisions about your future career.
In your final year, you will have one-to-one meetings with an academic to discuss your professional future.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed (see ‘Home Fee Students’ information below).
Qualification: MChem Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
Not set |
International students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
30600 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
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You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
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