The course covers a diverse range of topical chemical areas and includes a research lead project. Students can take the MSc Chemistry route with one year full-time study, or alternatively you can also undertake one year full-time study plus a year long work placement for the MSc Chemistry (Professional Practice) route.
Entry requirements
Course length
One year FT/two years FT + placement/two years PT
Study location
Clifton campus
Fees and funding
Please see the fees, funding and scholarships section.
Start date
October and January
Why study this course?
The course enables you to further your knowledge of chemistry with a range of core modules. You can expand your interest further by selecting from a range of optional modules. You will benefit from working on a research project within one of the diverse range of internationally recognised research groups.
Gain hands on experience
As well as working and studying under the direction of world leading chemistry staff, you will gain hands on experience of a variety of modern instrumentation including multi-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometory (NMR), mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
Academic staff
Our staff were entered in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) and were ranked as 4* (world-leading). These results put chemistry research at NTU at the highest level and will inevitably appeal to potential students interested in furthering their studies in chemical sciences.
Scientists from AstraZeneca and Vectura deliver some of the module content. Other guest lecturers also present their research from a variety of other companies and universities.
Contact detailsEmail usTelephone: +44 (0)115 848 3242
Terms one – two: taught modulesTerm three: Research project
Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds - 20 Credit Points (CP)Develop knowledge in the synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules. Topics include: retrosynthetic analysis and total synthesis of biologically important molecules; the controlled formation of C-C bonds and functional group transformations; and structure elucidation of complex molecules
Physical Properties of Solid-state and Nano-composite Materials - 20 CPThis module covers the fields of solid-state and nanocomposite materials chemistry. You’ll understand the functional roles, characteristics and synthesis of nanocomposites and inorganic materials.
Inorganic Chemistry Beyond the Molecule - 20 CPUnderstand the use of the biomimetic and supramolecular approaches in materials chemistry. You’ll learn the importance of interfaces in structure regulation and recognition in the generation of new materials including the recognition and incorporation of materials into the human body.
Research Methods and Independent Study - 20 CPThis module provides an underpinning in research skills relevant to the independent study. You will be introduced to the techniques required to formulate a research project and to carry out a literature review. You will be given practice in the use of the library and learning resources including relevant IT packages.
Research Project - 120 CPYou will work on laboratory-based research and will evaluate and review the scientific literature relevant to the topic. Design and conduct experimental work, and present the findings in the form of a presentation, poster and a written thesis.
Optional modules
Chemotherapeutics - 20 CPThis module covers drug action and synthesis including the underlying methodology applied to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Areas include: cancer therapies, antibacterial agents and synthetic methodology.
Drug Detection, Analysis and Screening - 20 CPStudy analysis methods including IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques, GC / HPLC, related hyphenated techniques, and immunoassays. Other areas include spectroscopy, chromatography, multivariate data processing, biophysics and related disciplines to the analytical chemistry of drugs and drug containing materials.
Example of project titles
Assessment methods
You will be assessed on a variety of components:
You will have access to a range of first-class facilities and equipment at the School of Science and Technology. Our laboratories are modern and well-equipped with:
You will also have access to specialist facilities for:
Rosalind Franklin BuildingThis new facility, opened in 2012, will provide you with access to some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment ensuring that you receive excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research FacilityWe invested £2.3 million in the construction of this building in 2002. This has proven to be a worthwhile investment, as this facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.
Natural Sciences Research FacilityThis facility supports and enhances the School's research in physics, biosciences, chemistry, imaging, materials and sport.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of job markets including:
Many graduates choose to undertake further study and this course provides a good basis for progressing onto a PhD.
This course offers you the opportunity to take a one-year placement following completion of the taught modules (nine months). Study by this route will be two years full-time with a placement.
The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement advisor and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. During the placement year, an academic member of staff will visit at least twice to check on your progress and offer any advice. On completion of the placement year students will submit a placement report and continue back at NTU for three months during which time they will complete their research project.
How to applyApplications should be made directly to the University via the online application form.
You will need to provide documents to support your application. Please prepare all relevant academic transcripts and certificates to support your qualifications. Copies are accepted at the time of application however you need to show the originals when you arrive at the University.
Application advice
ScholarshipsThe University offers several bursaries and scholarships. For the latest information please visit the Fees and funding section of the website.
Postgraduate open eveningsOur open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer as well as the bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
