Chemistry MRes
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): January 2024, September 2024, January 2025
- Duration: One year full-time / Two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
You can gain the opportunity to develop a competitive research edge to your CV, which is vital when entering the growing Chemistry market within the UK and internationally. This Chemistry postgraduate course enables you to choose from our extensive range of Chemistry modules - allowing you to match the modules with your interests and career aspirations.
If you are already working in the industry then you may be interested in studying this course part-time for over two to three years. The research project can even be studied over 10 to 12 months by doing approved 'in-house' research.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
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You can study part-time for 2-3 years if you are already working in the industry. -
100% of postgraduate chemistry students who entered employment are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
What you’ll study
You'll get a thorough grounding for your research project through the underpinning module in research methods. This module is then complemented by a choice of two additional 20 credit point modules from areas including drug detection, organic synthesis, chemotherapeutics and nano-composite materials.
Core modules
Research Methods and Independent Study (20 cp)
This module provides an underpinning in research skills relevant to independent study. You will be introduced to the techniques required to formulate a research project and 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 cp)
You 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 written thesis. Example titles can be found below.
Optional modules
Choose two modules from the following:
Drug Detection, Analysis and Screening (20 cp)
Study analysis methods include 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.
Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds (20 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.
Inorganic Chemistry Beyond the Molecule (20 cp)
Understand 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.
Physical Properties of Solid-state and Nano-composite Materials (20 cp)
Study the theoretical background, synthesis and characterization of inorganic and nanocomposite materials, and characterization using solid-state methods. You will be given direct practical experience with synthetic and characterization methods in the form of practical laboratory sessions in our state-of-the-art laboratories.
Computational Chemistry and Drug Design (20 cp)
This module explores contemporary approaches to computational chemistry, including molecular dynamics and docking, and their application to the first principles design of novel drugs.
Analytical Toxicology (20 cp)
Develop a working knowledge of various drug separation and detection techniques and the application of analytical approaches to detect and quantify drugs and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues. You'll review the use of abuse of substances used as both medicines and poisons.
Research project title examples
- MRI contrast agents
- Peptide-mineral interactions
- Small Molecule Approaches to the Elucidation of Protein Function
- Multiplexing
- Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
- Fluorescence Microscopy
- X-ray diffraction
- Development of screenable essays
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
This programme is delivered by a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and tutorials, together with laboratory classes and laboratory-based research projects.
If you are a full-time student, you will have the opportunity to carry out a research project in a chemistry research group at Nottingham Trent University or with one of our industrial, academic or health sector partners. If you are a part-time student, you will normally conduct the research project in your own workplace.
You will be assessed on a variety of components:
- written exam
- verbal presentation
- assignment
- poster presentation
- research project
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (10%) and independent study (90%)
How you’re assessed
Coursework (45%), written (42%) and practical (13%)
Careers and employability
At Nottingham Trent University, your employability and job prospects are crucial factors in your choice of university - you need to know that your postgraduate degree will be worth the time and money you spend on it. The pharmaceutical and chemical industry is a well-established market growing globally and there has been a steady increase in international employment opportunities within the industry.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of job markets including:
- pharmaceuticals
- petrochemicals
- polymers
- food and drinks
- liquid crystals
- advance materials engineering
- defence
- teaching
- finance and sales
Recent employers include:
- AstraZeneca
- Reckitt Benckiser
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Pfizer
- Alfa Aesar
- Birds Eye.
Our strength lies in the relevance of our degrees to the real world. In all subject areas, we encourage you to recognise your transferable skills and their application to a multitude of careers. By taking an MRes in Chemistry you will benefit from the progressive development of a variety of skills, such as advanced laboratory techniques and critical analysis and synthesis of breadth and depth of relevant chemistry-specific research.
Although this Chemistry Masters course does not offer a formal placement, this course is vocationally focused and benefits from strong links with industry.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
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:
- up-to-date scientific, electronic and computing equipment
- a modern electron microscope suite.
You will also have access to specialist facilities for:
- gas and liquid chromatography
- mass spectroscopy
- atomic absorption spectroscopy
- structure determination including powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction
- solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)
- infrared spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy.
Rosalind Franklin Building
This facility provides 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 Facility
We invested £2.3 million in the construction of this building and this has proven to be a worthwhile investment, as this facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.
Natural Sciences Research Facility
This facility supports and enhances the School's research in physics, biosciences, chemistry, imaging, materials and sport.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a chemistry-related subject including forensic science, pharmacology and pharmacy.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or qualifications will also be considered.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need one of the following:
- A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a chemistry-related subject including forensic science, pharmacology and pharmacy.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
Student visas
Following an update to the immigration rules in January 2024, if you intend to study in the UK on a Student visa, you can only bring your partner / children (‘dependants’) if you are studying one of the following:
- a PhD or other doctorate (RQF8)
- a research-based higher degree.
Please note that all of our MRes courses are classed as ‘postgraduate taught’ and therefore do not meet the requirement for you to be accompanied to the UK by your dependants.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Course fees for January 2024 entries are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,300 | £16,800 |
| Part-time | £4,650 | £8,400* |
Course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 entries are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,700 | £17,500 |
| Part-time | £4,850 | £8,750* |
* For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service at +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us at +44 (0)115 848 4460.
Course fees for January 2024 entries are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,300 | £16,800 |
| Part-time | £4,650 | £8,400* |
Course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 entries are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,700 | £17,500 |
| Part-time | £4,850 | £8,750* |
* For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have the offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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