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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University College LondonThis four-year MSci in Chemistry with an international year lets you dive deep into chemistry while experiencing life at a top university abroad. It’s perfect for curious students who love experimenting, want to tackle real-world scientific problems, and are excited to see how chemistry works in an international context.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll get a solid grounding in the essentials of chemistry with modules like Chemical Foundations, Basic Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Alongside, you’ll pick up key maths and analytical skills, and explore optional topics that spark your curiosity.
Year 2: Now you’ll build on that foundation, exploring organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry more deeply through compulsory modules such as Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose two optional modules — anything from Chemistry of Materials to Science Communication — to shape your own learning path.
Year 3: This is your adventure year! You’ll study at a partner university in an English-speaking country, gaining new perspectives while continuing your chemistry studies. It’s a fantastic opportunity to broaden both your academic and cultural horizons.
Year 4: Back at UCL, you’ll focus on an extended research project (Advanced Chemical Research Project) and select advanced modules that match your interests. By the end of this year, you’ll be confident working independently, tackling complex problems, and ready for either a career in chemistry or further study.
Focus areas:
Core and advanced chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical), analytical and lab skills, international study experience, research projects, and optional modules across materials science and computational chemistry.
Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate with strong chemical knowledge, practical lab skills, international experience, research expertise, and the flexibility to apply your skills across industries. You’ll also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that employers value.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), fully meeting the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Reputation (employability rankings):
UCL Chemistry is consistently ranked among the UK’s top departments — 5th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Graduates go on to careers in chemistry, biotech, nanotech, research, science communication, patent law, and more.
At UCL, you won’t just learn chemistry from books — you’ll be doing it for real. From your very first year, you’ll spend time in fully equipped teaching and research laboratories, learning hands-on skills, conducting experiments, and working alongside peers on group projects. The department’s close ties with world-class research centres like the London Centre for Nanotechnology mean you’ll get exposure to cutting-edge techniques and instruments, giving you a real sense of what it’s like to work as a professional chemist. During your third year abroad, you’ll also gain international experience, studying in an English-speaking university while continuing your chemistry education.
Here’s a snapshot of the hands-on opportunities and facilities you’ll enjoy:
Work with advanced instruments such as NMR and mass spectrometry in the Department of Chemistry’s technical services.
Use electron microscopes (both transmission and scanning) to explore materials in depth at the Christopher Ingold Building.
Take part in weekly lab classes, performing experiments, writing reports, collaborating in small teams, and presenting your results.
Undertake an Advanced Chemical Research Project in your final year, giving you a taste of real-world scientific research.
Access the Science Library and online resources to dive into journals, books, and cutting-edge research.
Study abroad in an English-speaking university during your third year, gaining both academic and cultural experience.
Graduating from this MSci programme opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers in chemistry and related fields. Many students move into roles such as Research Chemist, Materials Scientist, Patent Analyst, or Science Consultant, where they can apply the skills and knowledge gained at UCL:
Career support at UCL – UCL Careers offers tailored guidance on CVs, interviews, and networking opportunities specifically for chemistry and STEM graduates.
Employment prospects and earning potential – UCL chemistry graduates are highly sought after, giving you strong chances of entering top companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or materials science.
Industry connections – The department’s links with the London Centre for Nanotechnology and other research hubs give you access to cutting-edge projects and potential industry collaborations.
Professional accreditation – The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), helping you work toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status, a valuable professional credential.
Graduate outcomes – UCL chemistry graduates go on to careers in industry, research, and consulting, or continue with higher-level study in top universities around the world.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSci, you could continue with research-focused degrees like an MRes or PhD in chemistry, materials science, or computational chemistry. Many graduates leverage their final-year research project experience to secure positions at leading research universities and labs worldwide.
GCSEs - English Language at grade C or 4, plus Mathematics at grade B or 6.A-levels - AAA, including Chemistry plus at least one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics; third subject preferred from Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, or Psychology.IB - 38 points overall, including 18 points from three Higher Level subjects with at least 6 in Chemistry and 6 in one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics (HL Maths can be either Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation); no HL score below 5, with Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, or Psychology preferred as the third subject.IELTS - Overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each componentTOEFL - Overall score of 96 with 24/30 in reading and writing and 22/30 in speaking and listeningIndia – Year 12 (Standard XII) with five subjects at 95, 95, 95, 95, 90 from CBSE, CISCE, or approved State Boards (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal), including 95 in Chemistry and at least 90 in one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics, or one year of a recognised bachelor’s degree with an average equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class.USA – Either five APs at grade 5, including Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics, or two APs at grade 5 in these subjects plus SAT 1500 / ACT 34 with High School Diploma, or one year at a recognised U.S. university/college with GPA 3.3/4.0 (30 credits).Research ChemistMaterials ScientistAnalytical ChemistPharmaceutical ScientistBiotechnologistNanotechnology SpecialistScience ConsultantPatent AnalystLaboratory ManagerEnvironmental ChemistChemical Engineer (industry roles)Academic Researcher/PhD studentScience CommunicatorRegulatory Affairs SpecialistQuality Control Scientist
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