Chemistry / Chemistry (Professional Practice) MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): January 2024, September 2024, January 2025
- Duration: One year full-time / Two years full-time with one year placement / Two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
You can take this accredited MSc Chemistry degree as a one-year full-time study option, or alternatively, you can undertake this course as a one-year full-time study with a year-long work placement for the MSc Chemistry (Professional Practice) route.
Your satisfaction is very important to us so we make sure you're taught by experts - the Chemistry team is comprised of academic and support staff that are subject experts in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, who have won awards and recognition for this aspect of their work.
As well as working and studying under the direction of world-leading pharmaceutical and medicinal science staff, you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of modern instrumentation including:
- multi-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR)
- mass spectrometry
- transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
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Module content is delivered by scientists from AstraZeneca and Vectura, as well as other guest lecturers. -
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). -
100% of MSc Chemistry (SW) students are satisfied with their course. (PTES 2023)
What you’ll study
You will be taught four core modules, two optional modules and you will conduct a research project. If you are a part-time student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.
Scientists from Vectura deliver some of the module content. Other guest lecturers will also present their research to you from a variety of other companies and universities.
Core modules
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
Physical Properties of Solid-state and Nano-composite Materials (20 cp)
This 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 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.
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 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 (60 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. Examples of project titles can be found below.
Optional modules
Choose two from:
Drug Detection, Analysis and Screening (20 cp)
Study 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.
Computational Chemistry and Drug design (20 credit points)
In this module you will develop: concepts of quantum chemical approaches to molecular drug design, and the properties which can be determined with this approach; concepts in the dynamics of molecules in complex molecular environments using molecular dynamics simulation techniques and concepts of the potential energy surface.
Examples of project titles
- Hydrogen storage
- Supramolecular materials
- Liquid crystals
- Organic superconductors
- Drug delivery devices
- MRI contrast agents
- Metal phosphonates
- Ionic liquids as solvents for materials synthesis
- Layered metal halide perovskites
- Peptide-mineral interactions
- Biomineralisation
- Super-hydrophobic / hydrophilic surfaces
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Asymmetric Synthesis of P-Chirogenic Phosphines
- Small Molecule Approaches to the Elucidation of Protein Function
- Multiplexing, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
- Fluorescence Microscopy
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%)
Careers and employability
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
Many graduates choose to undertake further study and this course provides a good basis for progressing onto a PhD.
Professional Practice
Placement
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
In this course, you have the opportunity to take a year’s placement after you have completed your taught modules (nine months). If you take a placement the course will be two years full-time.
The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.
You will then return to NTU for three months to complete your research project.
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?
- 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.
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.
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 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,300 | £16,800 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,300 + £1,850 | £16,800 + £1,850 |
| 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 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,700 +£1,850 | £17,500 +1,850 |
| Part-time | £4,850 | £8,750* |
*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be 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 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,300 | £16,800 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,300 + £1,850 | £16,800 + £1,850 |
| 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 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,700 +£1,850 | £17,500 +1,850 |
| Part-time | £4,850 | £8,750* |
*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be 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 an 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 our Admissions Team 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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