Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £23,650
Taught by School of Chemistry
This is a research-focussed degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry
Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2100
chemadmiss@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
The course combines theory, practical skills and research elements. You will select three theory modules from a range of advanced chemistry topics, allowing you to tailor the course to your specific interests. All of these modules run throughout Semesters One and Two, align to the School’s research interests and will be taught by world-leading academics.
In Semester One you will receive lab-based training in advanced practical techniques covering areas of synthetic, analytical and physical chemistry. This will be complimented by a module dedicated to developing your skills as a researcher, all of which will prepare you for your research dissertation and subsequent career.
Our specialist research areas include atmospheric chemistry, chemical biology, materials and interfaces, spectroscopy and dynamics, and sustainable synthesis and catalysis. Your research project will be carried out within one of our outstanding research groups. In Semester One you will be supported in selecting a research project that interests you and aligns with your career ambitions. You will meet your supervisor, familiarise yourself with the contemporary literature around your chosen project and begin to plan your experiments. From Semester Two until mid-August you will work alongside PhD students and post-doctoral researchers in one of our research teams to conduct your experimental work and evolve your project report.
You can find out more about postgraduate research and teaching in the School of Chemistry via our on demand content:
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 in Chemistry or a related subject or equivalent.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- £10,950
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- £23,650
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
The Chemistry MSc course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to pursue a career in chemistry, whether that be academic research and teaching or industry-based roles across the sector. We will support you in choosing your theory modules and research project theme so that you specialise your skill set in a specific area of chemistry that interests you. This will open up opportunities to pursue careers across the sector, for example in green technology, pharmaceutical development, earth and space science or fine chemical production.
The core Research and Communication Skills module will support you in preparing you to embark on your chosen career path. With the support of the School of Chemistry Careers Tutor this module will challenge you to think and plan for your future career with a particular emphasis on your strengths, weaknesses and training needs. The module incorporates the Leicester Award and Leicester Award Gold schemes run by the Career Development Service.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
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Our research
Our students make a significant contribution to the School of Chemistry’s research portfolio through their research projects. They often find that their results are published in world-class scientific publications which is an excellent accolade to include on your CV!
Our research activities span the full range of chemical science, including:
- Synthetic organic chemistry
- Biological chemistry
- Polymers
- Catalysis
- Organometallic chemistry
- Green chemistry
- Fluorine chemistry
- Computational modelling
- Nanoparticles
- Molecular spectroscopy
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Chemistry education
Find out more about our research.
Testimonials
Testimonials
"Applying to Leicester was honestly the best decision I ever made. The School of Chemistry is a very welcoming and inclusive space. Each lecturer was very approachable and easy to speak to. My favourite modules were Earth System Science and Advanced Synthetic Chemistry. I also really liked the vibrancy and diversity of the people in Leicester, it made Leicester a really interesting place to live.”
Elijah, Chemistry MSc graduate (2023) and current PhD researcher in Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Leicester
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- Advanced Research and Communication Skills
- Advanced Practical Techniques and Skills
- MSc Research Project
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Advanced Structure Determination
- Advanced Synthetic Methods
- Earth System Science
- Computational Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Our MSc Chemistry course is tailored to your specific interests or needs. We will support you in selecting theory modules and identifying a research project that will best prepare you for your next career step, whether that be into a PhD, the chemical industries or other professions.
You will receive comprehensive training in laboratory techniques and research skills in Semester 1 in preparation for your research project work carried out from Semester 2 onwards.
A fully integrated curriculum has been carefully designed to allow you to gain a deep appreciation of how theoretical aspects of the subject can be applied to addressing your specific research questions.
Teaching and learning
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Course Chemistry | Qualification MSc | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |