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.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions Â
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
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.Â
Find out more about our Chemistry degrees
Quality and ranking
- 24th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Chemistry category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 200 for Chemistry – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Royal Society of Chemistry
This degree is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It fully meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Find out more on the Royal Society of Chemistry’s website.
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.Â
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
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)
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Natural Science Research Impact | 10 |
| Climate Change and the Earth System | 10 |
| Mathematical Skills for Chemists | 10 |
| Introduction to Scientific Computing for Chemists | 10 |
| Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry | 10 |
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 also study advanced organic and inorganic chemistry. You’ll explore topics including chemical nanoscience and bioinorganic chemistry.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chemical Laboratory Skills 3P | 20 |
| Professional Development and Employability Skills for Chemists | 10 |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | 20 |
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 20 |
| Physical and Computational Chemistry | 20 |
| Advanced Structural Chemistry | 10 |
| Analytical Chemistry in Practice | 20 |
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 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Selectivity and Stereocontrol in Organic Synthesis | 10 |
| Advanced Methods in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery | 10 |
| Pericyclic and radical reactions | 10 |
| Chemistry Far From Equilibrium | 10 |
| Contemporary Catalysis: Principles and Applications | 10 |
| Modern aspects of inorganic chemistry | 10 |
| Energy and Materials | 10 |
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.
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
If you take an assessed year abroad or industrial placement, you’ll study both the Advanced Inorganic and Advanced Organic Chemistry modules via distance learning, alongside an 80 credit project.
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
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
Check the government’s website for more information.
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.Â
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB including Chemistry. No additional science required but Mathematics, Physics, Biology preferred. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required if not offered at a higher level. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 33 points including Higher Level Chemistry grade 6. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level. | |
