MSc Advanced Organic Chemistry
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Train to be at the forefront of organic chemistry. Underpinning research and development in many areas of the chemical industry, organic chemistry couldn’t be more important. In fact, it’s the central discipline that drives innovation across many diverse areas of the science and technology industry - from forensics to food, pharmaceuticals to energy.
Advanced level training is becoming increasingly important in this field. On our MSc Advanced Organic Chemistry degree, you’ll broaden your organic chemistry knowledge and study subjects such as stereochemistry, catalysis, organometallics, and spectroscopy.
Whether you’re a chemistry graduate who wants to specialise, or you have a degree in combined science with a chemistry component, our dynamic MSc course is designed to take your knowledge to the next level. Building on your undergraduate training in chemistry, this MSc allows you to develop advanced knowledge in important modern aspects of organic chemistry. This high-level training is sought after by employers in the chemical industry and academic institutions working on fundamental research.
You can expect to reach the frontiers of knowledge in organic chemistry, including organic reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and synthetic strategy. You’ll learn through advanced lectures, seminars, and laboratory classes - which are specifically relevant to the needs of the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, specialty, and fine organic chemicals industries.
You’ll also complete an in-depth laboratory research project, which allows you to work closely with our pioneering, award-winning academics. Through this, you’ll showcase your skills and learning - as well as bring new original thought and research to bear on your topic. You’ll graduate with high-level specialised skills and knowledge in organic chemistry, ready to embark on a rewarding career in the industry or progress to PhD-level study.
Study and Modules
Structure
During this course, you'll take general and advanced level lecture courses. We specifically select subject areas to enhance your training on techniques and knowledge that are in high demand in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, speciality, and fine organic chemicals industries.
Subjects include: synthesis, asymmetric target-oriented synthesis, spectroscopy, organometallic chemistry, stereochemistry and catalysis.
There’s also a large laboratory component of the course, which runs throughout the working year. You’ll start with a programme of advanced laboratory exercises and experiments designed to provide realistic training in experimental chemistry by building on basic preparative skills.
Following this, you’ll work on a research project, which will be assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation. Some examples of previous dissertation titles include:
- Gold catalysed syntheses of complex heterocyclic systems.
- Enzymes in synthesis.
- Extending the utility of palladium in cross-coupling reactions.
- Discotic triphenylene liquid crystals.
- New organic materials based on phthalocyanines and porphyrins.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn from experienced lecturers and research group leaders alongside students studying integrated Master’s courses and postgraduate researchers in organic chemistry.
During your laboratory training, you’ll benefit from direct supervision from experienced researchers and faculty supervisors. Your supervisors will also lead your seminars and direct the research project (dissertation) element of your course and independent study.
Alongside your formal teaching, you’ll join an organic chemistry research group led by supervisors. This will give you the chance to develop your research training and fully integrate into the graduate student community. You’ll also have frequent 1-1 meetings with your supervisor.
Assessment
A key part of the assessment for this course will be your original research project. You’ll get support throughout your research from an experienced supervisor, who will also guide you in preparing your final dissertation and presentation.
Alongside this, you’ll hand in periodic coursework to help us assess your understanding of lecture material and write short reports to help us assess your laboratory training.
You’ll get written feedback on your work as well as direct feedback sessions with your faculty leader to give you the chance to ask questions and agree areas to focus on.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2.
Degree Subject
Chemistry or a related joint discipline (depending on content).
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Chemistry or a related joint discipline (depending on content).
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £14,325
-
International Students: £29,200
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with all the skills you need to start an exciting career in the chemical industry – or you may choose to take your studies even further with a PhD in organic chemistry.
We’re proud of our past graduates’ superb record of achievement – with careers in a wide range of industrial and academic positions.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Chemical industry (research and development)
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages.