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Chemistry, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at UEA
Find out more about studying Chemistry, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Advanced Organic Chemistry
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
Course Overview
Why MSc Advanced Organic Chemistry at UEA?
Take your organic chemistry expertise to the next level with advanced training and hands-on research experience. You'll deepen your knowledge of modern organic chemistry while developing the practical and analytical skills valued by employers and essential for PhD study.
Why choose UEA
- Research experience: Explore an original research project within an active research group using cutting-edge instrumentation
- Problem solving: Deepen your knowledge of modern organic chemistry while developing advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
- Research ready: Build the confidence to progress from undergraduate study to independent research
What is MSc Advanced Organic Chemistry?
Train at the forefront of organic chemistry and prepare for a rewarding career in industry or PhD study. Organic chemistry plays a vital role in tackling global challenges, with applications spanning catalysis, advanced materials, biochemistry and medicinal chemistry. Through advanced lectures and seminars, you'll explore topics including synthesis, stereochemistry, medicinal chemistry, natural products, catalysis, organometallic chemistry and spectroscopy.
You'll develop advanced practical and research skills through hands-on training in modern synthetic techniques and a substantial original research project. Working alongside leading academics in active research groups, you'll gain experience of cutting-edge instrumentation while contributing to research that addresses real scientific challenges.
You'll graduate with advanced specialist knowledge, independent research experience and the confidence to innovate, whether you choose to launch your career in industry or progress to PhD study.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc Advanced Organic Chemistry degree, you could develop a career as a:
- Research and Development Chemist: Develop new chemicals, materials and technologies across industries including pharmaceuticals, advanced materials and speciality chemicals
- Medicinal Chemist: Design and develop new medicines by applying organic chemistry to drug discovery and pharmaceutical research
- Cosmetic Scientist: Create and improve cosmetic and personal care products, combining scientific research with product innovation
- Sustainable Process Chemist: Develop greener chemical processes and sustainable manufacturing methods to reduce environmental impact
- Contract Research Chemist: Deliver specialist synthesis and research services for clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries
Career Support
At UEA, Career Central supports you with finding job opportunities, including internships. You can access online resources and receive support and guidance from the very start of your studies. In our school, the Director of Employability also coordinates internal and external employability events. Employability relevant transferable skills are embedded in our curriculum. You’ll benefit from careers drop-in sessions and one-to-one guidance, plus employer events and fairs.
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.
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 medicinal/pharmaceutical, agrochemical, advanced technology, specialty, and fine organic chemicals industries.
You'll study subjects such as synthesis, stereochemistry, medicinal chemistry and natural products, catalysis, organometallics, and spectroscopy through advanced lectures and seminars, each assessed by short answer coursework (problem solving) exercises.
There is 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
- Fluorescent labelling of nanobody fragments for ultrafast detection of viral particles
- Extending the utility of palladium in cross-coupling reactions
- Allylic amine kinetic resolution
- New organic materials based on phthalocyanines and porphyrins
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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, and Assessment
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 experienced 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 one-to-one 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 on 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) 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 yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
- UK Students: £15,800
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International Students: £32,200
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); 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
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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.