Chemistry MSci (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The Chemistry MSci is a four-year programme that takes you from the building blocks of chemistry to cutting-edge research in areas like nanomaterials, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry. It’s perfect for curious minds who love problem-solving, hands-on lab work, and are excited by the idea of shaping the future of science.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start with the essentials of chemistry, covering modules like Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry, Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, and Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry. These classes help you understand how molecules interact, how reactions happen, and how chemists measure and analyse chemical behaviour. Practical lab sessions give you a chance to start experimenting and build confidence in basic techniques.

Year 2: In your second year, things get more applied and detailed. Modules like Applied Spectroscopy, Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry, Solid State & Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical & Quantum Chemistry introduce you to deeper concepts. You’ll also spend more time in the lab, honing your practical skills and learning to solve real chemical problems.

Year 3: Now you move into advanced topics and begin to specialise. You’ll study Organic Synthesis, Topics in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Bioorganic Chemistry. This year includes a significant research project, giving you your first taste of independent investigation and how professional chemists work.

Year 4: The final MSci year is all about research and applying everything you’ve learned. You’ll complete a major MSci Chemistry Research Project alongside advanced modules like Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Nanomaterials. This year focuses on developing your problem-solving, critical thinking, and professional research skills to prepare you for either further study or a career in chemistry.

Focus areas: Analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis, nanomaterials, and independent research.
Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate ready to design and run experiments, analyse complex chemical data, communicate your findings, and apply chemistry in both academic and professional settings. You’ll also have strong problem-solving, lab, and teamwork skills.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving you professional recognition and the chance to become an Associate Member.
Reputation (employability rankings): Queen Mary is ranked 11th in the UK for employability, and chemistry graduates typically enter skilled roles with strong starting salaries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, chemistry isn’t just something you read about — you get to do it. From the very first year, you’ll spend time in modern labs equipped just like professional research environments, using advanced instruments and tools to explore chemical reactions, analyse materials, and test your ideas. The programme is designed so that lectures, labs, and projects all connect, giving you real‑world experience and helping you develop the skills that employers and researchers value.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and practise through:

Hands-on lab work: Each student gets time in dedicated teaching labs with fume-hoods and research-grade equipment, so you’re comfortable with professional chemistry tools.
Independent research projects: In Years 3 and 4, the MSci Chemistry Research Project lets you design and carry out your own experiments from start to finish.
Advanced instrumentation: Access facilities like NMR (400–600 MHz), mass spectrometry suites, X-ray diffraction labs, and clean-rooms for materials and synthetic chemistry.
Computational chemistry tools: Use software to model molecules and reactions, complementing your lab work with digital skills.
Teamwork and communication: Collaborate with peers on lab experiments, presentations, and reports — mirroring how chemists work in industry and academia.
Industrial experience: Options for placements or internships with pharmaceutical companies and research institutes give you a taste of professional chemistry.

You’ll learn, experiment, and solve problems in an environment designed to prepare you for a career in research, industry, or beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Chemistry MSci programme leave Queen Mary with skills that open doors in a wide range of exciting careers. Many go on to become research scientists in pharmaceuticals or chemicals, data analysts and consultants in business, or even educators and science communicators. You’ll graduate ready to tackle challenges in both industry and academia:

Some of the ways the university supports your career journey include:

Careers & Enterprise support: Specialist guidance for chemists, including CV and cover letter help, interview coaching, and access to employer events.
Employment outcomes: Around 93% of graduates from chemistry and chemical sciences are in employment or further study within six months, with typical starting salaries around £27,000.
Industry connections: Opportunities for placements and internships with pharmaceutical and chemical companies, plus a “Year in Industry” option to gain hands-on experience.
Professional recognition: Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving your degree long-term professional value and a stepping stone toward chartered status.
Versatile graduate outcomes: You’ll leave with strong analytical, problem-solving, and laboratory skills, enabling careers in chemistry, business, finance, and beyond.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSci, you could continue with a PhD or other postgraduate research degree in chemistry or chemical sciences, or pursue a one-year MSc in areas like medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, or materials science. Queen Mary’s strong research environment and industry links make it easy to continue your studies and specialise further.