MChem Chemistry

5 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how chemistry shapes the world — from medicine and materials to sustainability — this five-year MChem degree is built for you. At Heriot-Watt, you’ll combine a strong foundation in core chemistry with hands-on lab experience and specialist training in areas like pharmaceuticals, computational chemistry, and materials science.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your journey begins with the fundamentals. You’ll study Principles of Chemistry, Chemical Applications 1, and Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1 to build a solid scientific base. You’ll also explore Chemical Reactivity and Chemical Applications 2, linking theory to real-world lab work and developing the digital and analytical skills essential for a modern chemist.

Year 2:
In second year, you’ll dive deeper into the subject with modules such as Atomic & Molecular Structure and Chemical Bonding and Organic Structural Identification, Stereochemistry & Reaction Mechanisms. You’ll also learn about Chemical Thermodynamics & Introductory Kinetics and Chemistry of the Elements, giving you a strong grasp of how molecules behave, react, and transform.

Year 3:
Year three is where things get really exciting. You’ll explore Organometallic Chemistry and Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopy, Organic Reactions 1, and Applications of Chemical Kinetics. Optional modules like Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Chemistry of Materials let you start shaping your own scientific interests and career direction.

Year 4:
You’ll take on a major Chemistry Dissertation Project while studying advanced topics such as Modern Organic, Modern Inorganic, and Modern Physical Chemistry. This year helps you pull everything together — applying your knowledge to real challenges and developing your independent research skills.

Year 5:
Your final year is all about professional-level research and specialisation. You’ll complete an Extended Research Project and study Computer Simulations of Molecules. Optional topics like Quantum Theory & Solid State, Nanomaterials and Catalysis, or Chemistry of Food give you the freedom to focus on what inspires you most.

Focus areas:
Core and specialist chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical), laboratory and computational skills, research and innovation, materials and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Learning outcomes:
Gain a deep understanding of modern chemistry, master experimental and digital techniques, and learn to solve real scientific problems with creativity and confidence. You’ll graduate ready to work across research, industry, education, or further postgraduate study.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this degree meets the professional standards required for becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem), giving your qualification extra credibility worldwide.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Heriot-Watt is ranked #1 in Scotland for graduate outcomes and among the UK’s top 5 universities for producing company CEOs and managing directors. Within 15 months of graduating, 75% of Chemistry graduates are working and 20% are continuing further study, earning around £24,000 on average.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Heriot-Watt, chemistry isn’t just something you study — it’s something you do. From your very first year, you’ll be learning in modern laboratories, handling the same equipment and techniques used by professional chemists, and developing the practical and digital skills that employers look for. You’ll move beyond textbooks, working on live research projects, using advanced simulation software, and collaborating in teams to solve real chemical challenges.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Learn and experiment in Heriot-Watt’s professional chemistry labs equipped with industry-standard instruments like NMR spectrometers, X-ray diffractometers, FTIR, and micro-analysers — the same tools used in research and industry.
Research-driven learning: Take part in the Chemistry Dissertation Project (Year 4) and the Extended Research Project (Year 5), where you’ll plan, execute, and present your own original research under expert supervision.
Advanced digital tools: In your final year, modules such as Computer Simulations of Molecules train you in computational chemistry and molecular modelling — vital digital skills for modern chemical research.
Collaborative group projects: Many modules include teamwork, lab group investigations, and problem-solving projects that help you build leadership and communication skills.
Specialist research facilities: Access the Continuum Flow Lab, a cutting-edge research hub for synthetic and polymer chemistry, where innovative flow reactions are developed and tested.
Supportive learning environment: You’ll also have full access to the university’s library, computing suites, and data-analysis software to support your practical and research work every step of the way.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Heriot-Watt chemistry degree opens the door to a world of possibilities. As an MChem graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, lab skills, and analytical mindset that employers in science and technology are actively looking for. Whether you want to work in cutting-edge research, develop new materials, or enter the pharmaceutical or environmental sector — this degree gives you a strong start. Typical career paths include chemical researcher, process development scientist, pharmaceutical analyst, or even environmental consultant.

Here’s how Heriot-Watt helps you turn your degree into a career:

Dedicated career support: The University’s Careers and Graduate Futures Service offers one-to-one guidance, mock interviews, CV reviews, and employer networking events — all designed to help you stand out in the job market.
Strong employability record: Within 15 months of graduating, around 75% of Chemistry graduates are working and 20% continue their studies, with an average starting salary of £24,000.
Industry partnerships: Heriot-Watt’s Industrial Advisory Board connects students with major employers and keeps the course closely aligned with industry needs, so what you learn in class matches what companies look for.
Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) — a globally recognised mark that supports your pathway to becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem), giving your qualification lasting career value.
Excellent graduate reputation: Employers consistently value Heriot-Watt graduates for their practical lab experience, problem-solving ability, and confidence using modern chemical tools — all of which you’ll gain throughout this MChem.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to go even further, your MChem qualification sets you up perfectly for advanced study. Many graduates continue on to MSc or PhD programmes in areas such as materials chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or computational chemistry — leading to careers in advanced research, academia, or specialist consultancy.