MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Key details

MCHEM CHEMISTRY WITH A YEAR IN INDUSTRY

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Chemistry

UCAS course code

F104

Entry Requirements

AAB (specific subject requirements apply)

Duration (years)

From the materials we make to the medicines we take, chemistry shapes our relationship with the world around us. So understanding how chemicals interact at a molecular level is not only fascinating, it’s also of critical importance.

Our Master’s course will provide the academic training you need to become a professional chemist. Our cutting-edge research in chemical sciences underpins our teaching – through lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practicals – ensuring your learning is at the forefront of scientific thought.

What’s more, our Year in Industry programme will allow you to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the workplace, giving you a distinct advantage when you graduate.

About

Taught with the same academic rigour and structure as our MChem in Chemistry, in the third year of this four-year course you’ll join an industrial chemical laboratory, gaining extensive experience in a research-led work environment. Your placement will typically last 10 to 12 months, and after an initial training period you’ll be fully integrated into a research team, contributing to the day-to-day requirements of the organisation.

At the end of your placement, you’ll prepare a detailed report, together with a presentation. And during the placement you’ll undertake a distance-learning module to continue your academic development and prepare you for your final year.

This is the chemistry degree you should choose if you aspire to becoming a professional chemist and want to give yourself a head start. This four-year course will give you the in-depth academic training and hands-on experience you need to follow your chosen career path.

A key benefit to our MChem course is the emphasis we place on laboratory-based teaching, and the development of practical skills. Your lab work will include synthesis of new compounds, characterisation of these compounds by spectroscopic methods, and the study of their individual properties.

In the final year of your degree, you’ll tailor your study to specialise in the areas that reflect your interests and career aspirations. You’ll also undertake an individual research project.

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UEA Chemistry ranked 4th for Impact by THE

We’re 4th for research impact!

UEA is ranked 4th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research impact in Chemistry.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

After the Course

What are your career options after Chemistry?

A better question might be what career options are not open to you after chemistry, as you’ll see from the huge range of careers that our graduates have followed.

Our chemistry degrees provide the skills that employers are looking for – high level subject knowledge combined with problem solving, IT, analytical skills, instrumentation, time management, organisation, and team and individual work.

UEA Chemistry has been ranked 1st for career prospects in The Guardian 2020 and again 1st for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2022.

Many of our graduates secure positions in emerging chemistry industries, such as Iceni Diagnostics (a UEA spin off company developing lateral flow test technology, including for Covid-19), and leading pharmaceutical companies (Glaxo SmithKline, AkzoNobel or Sanofi), chemical and advanced technology companies (Johnson Matthey, Dell or British Airways) with roles in research, management, product development and quality control.

Others have used their chemistry degree to pursue more diverse career options. These range from further research degrees (MSc or PhD) towards academic positions, to teaching training (PGCE) to become schoolteachers, through to careers in publishing (RSC and Wiley editors), computing (ANDigital) and even banking (Barclays), insurance (Aviva), and almost everything in between.

At UEA, we have a great team to support graduates in securing excellent career starts through CareerCentral. In the School of Chemistry, our Director of Employability coordinates internal and external events and makes sure that all additional key skills training elements are present in our curriculum from year 1, allowing Chemistry graduates to present a highly competitive CV. The skills training is embedded within our modules, especially in years 3 and 4, but, in addition, all students benefit from chemistry careers drop-in sessions and 1to1 guidance, plus chemistry specific employers events and fairs.

We also encourage our students to participate in the UEA award, which is a certificate from the University, recognising a range of extracurricular activities that students can undertake while at university, to help them develop other skills to become highly employable.

The Year in Industry option of the MChem degree provides extra practical experience in an industrial setting during your degree. We have strong links with industries in the UK and abroad. For example, in 2020, our students undertook placements in companies like AstraZeneca, OxfordBioMedica, Anglia DNA, Treatt, LGC, Makevale, Dermal, Airbus and Robinson Brothers, and one of our students went to ARCNL (Advance Research centre for Nanolithography) in Amsterdam.

To complement undergraduate studies, we offer a wide range of internships during the summer break (6-12 weeks) supported by the University and different funders, for students in their second and third year of their degrees. These provide additional opportunities to experience work and develop key skills in one of the many diverse research areas being pursued in the School of Chemistry.

“During the internship I have been exposed to a range of techniques such as bacterial transformation, recombinant protein expression and SDS-PAGE, all of which I would only have read about or been briefly introduced to in my undergraduate studies. I strongly suggest that if you are focused on research that you apply for as many experience opportunities as possible and refine your CV as best you can for that first interview.”- Jack Fendley, 2nd Year intern student, working on oligomerisation of the chlamydia protein TarP for cell invasion, with Dr Tharin Blumenschein over the summer 2021, funded by a Tim Pickup UEA Internship.

Career destinations

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

Research scientist
Healthcare
Government
Data analyst
Academic
Teacher

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

We’re 4th for research impact!

UEA is ranked 4th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research impact in Chemistry.

FIND OUT MORE >

Course Reference Number: 6774505

Assessment for Year 1

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Structure

Our Master’s in Chemistry programme will develop your existing knowledge and give you a detailed understanding of chemistry across a broad range of specialisms.

Due to the subject’s strong practical component, we place great emphasis on laboratory skills training. This could take the form of the synthesis of new compounds, the characterisation of these compounds by spectroscopic methods, or the study of their properties.

Throughout your four years, our modules will help you develop transferable skills in the areas of communication, team working and problem solving. Such skills are vital to professional scientists and prized by employers.

In your first year of study, you’ll develop your scientific skills, building upon your existing knowledge. You’ll also study topics such as mathematics and physics, which will prove particularly beneficial if you have not taken A levels in these subjects.

In this year, there will be an emphasis on practical work, and you will develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your degree.

Teaching and Learning

Our teaching will combine lectures, small group seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Some of your lectures and practicals may take an active approach to learning, encouraging you to interact with your fellow students within the sessions.

Independent study
You will have plenty of opportunity for independent study throughout your degree programme as you complete coursework and prepare for exams. However, your final year research project will truly exemplify your independent work, allowing you to get to grips with an aspect of chemistry that really interests you.

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Compulsory Modules

CHEMISTRY SKILLS A

Code CHE-4002A

Credits 20

This is the first of two modules which cover core chemistry skills in the first year. In the laboratory, you will cover experimental aspects of analytical and inorganic chemistry, linked to the modules CHE-4501A and CHE-4301A. In lectures, you will develop mathematical skills relevant to the understanding of chemical concepts and you will use spreadsheets for analysing and presenting data.

CHEMISTRY SKILLS B

Code CHE-4003B

Credits 20

This is the second of two modules which cover core chemistry skills in the first year. In the laboratory, you will cover experimental aspects of physical and organic chemistry, linked to the modules CHE-4202B and CHE-4101B. In lectures, you will cover statistics as applied to experimental chemistry: error propagation in physical chemistry and physical principles through applied mathematics.

BONDING, STRUCTURE & PERIODICITY

Code CHE-4301A

Credits 20

After an introduction to chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure and chemical principles, this module will provide you with an introduction to the structures, properties and reactivities of molecules and ionic solids. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between chemical bonding and the structures and properties of molecules. The lectures of this module are supported and illustrated by the bonding, structure and periodicity experiments of the first-year practical modules, Chemistry Skills A or Research Skills in Biochemistry.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

Code CHE-4202B

Credits 20

This module introduces students to the major areas of classical physical chemistry: chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, and electrolyte solutions as well as spectroscopy. Chemical kinetics will consider the kinetic theory of gases and the rate of processes, in particular either in the gas phase or in solution. The appropriate theoretical basis for understanding rate measurements will be developed during the course, which will include considerations of the order of reaction, the Arrhenius equation and determination of rate constants. Thermodynamics deals with energy relationships in large assemblies, that is those systems which contain sufficient numbers of molecules for 'bulk' properties to be exhibited and which, are in a state of equilibrium. Properties discussed will include the heat content or enthalpy (H), heat capacity (Cp, Cv), internal energy (U), heat and work. The First Law of Thermodynamics will be introduced, and its significance explained. It is very important that scientists have an understanding of the behaviour of ions in solution, which includes conductivity and ionic mobility. The interaction of radiation with matter is termed spectroscopy. Three main topics will be discussed: (i) ultraviolet/visible (UV / Vis) spectroscopy, in which electrons are moved from one orbital to another orbital; (ii) infrared (vibrational) spectroscopy, a technique which provides important information on the variety of bond types that a molecule can possess; (iii) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), which allows 'molecular skeletons' to be identified.

CHEMISTRY OF THE CARBON-BASED COMPOUNDS

Code CHE-4101B

Credits 20

Building on the ideas of atomic structure and periodicity, you will be introduced to the concepts of bonding and hybridisation, conjugation and aromaticity, the mechanistic description of organic reactions, the organic functional groups, the shapes of molecules and stereochemical issues including the concepts of enantiomers, diastereoisomers and racemates. The module also introduces the chemistry of polar multiple bonds, SN1/SN2 and E1/E2 reactions, the addition reactions of alkenes, the electrophilic substitution reactions of aromatic compounds, organic synthesis and spectroscopy including the use of IR, UV and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to identify the products of organic reactions.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-4501A

Credits 20

Introducing important concepts in analytical chemistry, this module covers a range of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques that underpin more complex instrumental analytical methodologies. Exploring these techniques, you will learn how to apply them to ‘real-life’ analytical problems.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Assessment for Year 2

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Compulsory Modules

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5101A

Credits 20

This course builds on Chemistry of Carbon-based Compounds (the first year organic chemistry course). You will cover four main topics. The first 'aromaticity' includes benzenoid and hetero-aromatic systems. The second major topic is the organic chemistry of carbonyl compounds. Spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds is reviewed and the final major topic is 'stereochemistry and mechanisms'. This covers conformational aspects of acyclic and cyclic compounds. Stereoelectronic effects, Neighbouring Group Participation (NGP), Baldwin’s rules, Cram’s rule and cycloaddition reactions are then discussed.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

Code CHE-5201B

Credits 20

The module covers a number of areas of modern physical chemistry which are essential to a proper understanding of the behaviour of chemical systems. These include the second law of thermodynamics and entropy, quantum mechanics, electronic spectroscopy, the thermodynamics of solutions and chemical kinetics of complex reactions. The practical part of the module features experiments highlighting key aspects of the chemistry explored.

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5301B

Credits 20

In this module, you’ll study the structure, bonding and reactivity patterns of inorganic compounds. The module is a prerequisite for the 3rd level inorganic course Inorganic Compounds: Structure and Functions. You’ll cover the electronic structure, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes (ligand field theory), the chemistry of main group clusters, polymers and oligomers, the structures and reactivities of main group and transition metal organometallics, and the application of spectroscopic methods (primarily NMR, MS and IR) to inorganic compounds. You’ll have laboratory classes linked to the lecture topics and so you will need to have completed either of the level 4 practical modules, Chemistry Laboratory (A) or Research Skills in Biochemistry.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

POLYMERS AND MATERIALS

Code CHE-5350A

Credits 20

Specialist materials dominate the modern world, and it is our ability as chemists to control their properties. Understanding and controlling material properties is the central theme of this module. In this module you will learn about two key classes of material: polymers and inorganic solids. You'll gain a firm grounding in the specialist methods used to characterise these materials. This will enable you to appreciate the unique properties of these materials, and how they can be controlled. In the practical element of the module, you'll gain skills in synthesising and characterising polymers and inorganic solids. In the polymers thread, you'll begin by gaining an appreciation of the role they play in society and why they are unique. You'll then encounter methods we can use to understand the properties of polymers, and how we can control them. You'll also explore the wide range of mechanisms that can be used to make organic polymers. In the thread focussed on inorganic materials, you'll explore the ionic model for inorganic solids, before gaining an appreciation of the synthesis and characterisation methods that allow access to these materials. You'll then explore the variety of properties that solids can exhibit, including semiconduction and magnetism. This lecture-based content is complemented by the practical component of the course, where you'll gain hands-on experience in both synthesis and characterisation.

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5501B

Credits 20

The module covers the theory and practical application of some key instrumental techniques for chemical analysis. Molecular spectroscopy (UV-Vis and fluorescence), chromatography and electroanalytical techniques are the important instrumental methods included. The module also includes laboratory practicals using the instrumental techniques covered during the lectures and therefore reinforcing the more theoretical materials covered. In this module the students will gain skills in sample preparation, using instrumental techniques, data analysis and interpretation, report writing, teamwork, organisation and time management.

Optional B Modules

(40 credits)

MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5150B

Credits 20

Medicinal chemistry is a highly interdisciplinary area, and this module is designed to introduce a variety of topics in the field of medicinal chemistry. Some of the topics that will be discussed in a series of lectures include, molecular and biomolecular interactions, biomolecules: proteins and nucleic acids, phases of drug action, pharmacokinetics, proteins and receptors as drug targets, DNA as a drug target and development of antitumor agents.

POLYMERS AND MATERIALS

Code CHE-5350A

Credits 20

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5501B

Credits 20

BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5601A

Credits 20

This module will equip you with an understanding of the principles and techniques used in contemporary biophysical chemistry. You will learn experimental techniques for measuring thermodynamic and kinetic properties of biological molecules. You will gain firm grounding in the physical principles describing those properties and their use to provide quantitative descriptions of those properties. Using predominantly examples from protein biochemistry you will explore three major themes; i) spectroscopic properties of biomolecules, ii) thermodynamic and kinetic properties of proteins and enzymes, and, iii) methods defining biomolecule size and mass. You will benefit from putting your knowledge into practice, communicating your ideas and growing your confidence in quantitative data analysis and problem solving. During laboratory based practical work, you will develop your skills in sample preparation together with the collection and interpretation of spectroscopic data. Your participation in this module will give you the knowledge to appreciate how, and why, biophysical chemistry contributes to advances in medicine, sustainable energy solutions and healthy ageing.

HEAT, ATOMS AND SOLIDS

Code PHY-5004B

Credits 20

Exploring fundamental aspects of thermodynamics and condensed matter physics, you’ll be introduced to ideas about the electronic structure based on the free-electron Sommerfeld and band theories, along with the concept of phonons and their contribution to the heat capacity of a solid. Also you’ll consider the structure, bonding and properties of solids, in particular electronic conductivity and magnetism, as well as atomic structure and atomic spectroscopy, and Entropy in terms of a macroscopic Carnot cycle and the statistical approach. Two important distributions of particles will be treated; Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac. Changes of state, 1st and 2nd order phase transitions and the Clausius–Clapeyron equation will be described.

QUANTUM THEORY AND SYMMETRY

Code PHY-5250A

Credits 20

You’ll cover the foundation and basics of quantum theory and symmetry, starting with features of the quantum world and including elements of quantum chemistry, group theory, computer-based methods for calculating molecular wavefunctions, quantum information, and the quantum nature of light. The subject matter paves the way for applications to a variety of chemical and physical systems – in particular, processes and properties involving the electronic structure of atoms and molecules.

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Open Days

Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Compulsory Modules

PROJECT AT INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT

Code CHE-6020Y

Credits 40

Spend a year working on a specific project for an industrial partner before preparing a report and presentation covering aspects of your placement work. Your presentation will typically be given at UEA on your return to university. Please note this module is only available to MChem students on their year in industry. Students taking this module will need to take the Core Chemistry distance learning module to ensure their Chemistry knowledge is maintained.

PLACEMENT EVALUATION

Code CHE-6021Y

Credits 40

You will be evaluated against the goals of your work during your industrial placement. This assessment will be made by the UEA supervisor in consultation with the industrial supervisor(s).

CORE CHEMISTRY (DL)

Code CHE-6022Y

Credits 40

This module is only available to MChem students on their year in industry and to Forensic and Investigative Chemistry (MChem) students attending the Florida International University (FIU) in Miami during the second semester. Students will study core level 3 chemistry through a series of distance learning assignments. It provides, through distance learning, the essential material from the third year chemical sciences syllabus. Study of this material will equip the student for further study at Masters (M) level in all major sub-disciplines of Chemistry. It is a pre-requisite for entry to the level M units for students on industrial placement degrees.

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Open Days

Important Information

Assessment for Year 4

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Compulsory Modules

YEAR-LONG RESEARCH PROJECT

Code CHE-7001Y

Credits 60

A supervised research project available only to students registered for the MChem programme.

Optional A Modules

(60 credits)

ADVANCED TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

Code CHE-7101Y

Credits 20

Organic chemistry differs from most other areas of science in that we study what we create using the power of synthesis. In this context this module on advanced organic chemistry is the study of supermolecules – catalysts and supramolecular structures – and the methods and principles required to understand how these work. The topics are related closely to the research interests of the lecturers involved, and we hope that our enthusiasm for, and specialist knowledge of, the subjects covered will create an interesting and rewarding course that extends beyond organic chemistry to several other areas of science. In the Autumn semester the topic is asymmetric synthesis and catalysis, a discipline that is increasingly utilised in organic chemistry. In Part A the principles of asymmetric catalysis will be introduced and exemplified using metal catalysis, organo catalysis and enzyme catalysis. Such is the importance of catalysis to life that this part will include an investigation into asymmetric catalytic reactions of relevance to the origins of life. In Part B we review other methods of asymmetric synthesis, such as the use of chiral auxiliaries, and the use of asymmetric methodology for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and natural products of relevance to drug discovery programmes. In the Spring semester Part C will cover how the mechanism of an organic reaction, including a catalysed reaction, may be determined. This physical organic chemistry component of the course will provide a detailed insight into techniques and principles of use in several other areas of chemical science. Finally, in Part D, supramolecular structure will be discussed, including methods of synthesis, together with the application of these molecules in areas including materials chemistry.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICAL AND NANOCHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7201Y

Credits 20

How big is a nanoparticle? What special properties do nanomaterials possess? Can we monitor chemical reactions with fast laser techniques? These are fundamental questions in this module of advanced topics in nanochemistry and physical chemistry. This module aims to present you with material that is not necessarily covered in standard textbooks, but rich references will be listed within lecture slides. You’ll gain a firm grounding in synthesis methods, characterisation techniques, and concepts in nanoscience and nanotechnology and modern physical chemistry. The module provides M level coverage in selected topics of nanochemistry and physical chemistry and follows on from the respective third-year modules. You’ll begin with an overview of the module and introductory to the history and development of the discipline. The material will be presented in two lecture blocks, covering (i) advanced synthesis of nanomaterials and related considerations, functionalisation and characterisations, single molecule methods in biophysical chemistry, and nanoparticles in nanomedicine; (ii) physical chemistry and reaction kinetics, molecular photophysics and spectroscopy. There are two course tests in this module with the first one in nanochemistry at the end of semester 1, and the second in physical chemistry at the beginning of semester 2. A series of seminar-style sessions will be integrated into the teaching programme and all materials presented in this module will be assessed in the final examination.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7301Y

Credits 20

This module is an option for all final year students on our integrated Master’s degree. It builds on previous modules to present commercially relevant cutting edge science. You will learn how to tailor homogeneous catalysis to control the properties and value of commodity polymers. You will be able to describe the applications and suggest solutions to challenges in dehydrocoupling. You will be able to design novel combinations and explain the remarkable catalytic and stoichiometric reactivity of frustrated Lewis pairs. You will spectroscopically characterise and interpret multi-nuclear NMR. You will understand the principles of metallopharmaceuticals for applications in organ transplant surgery and in treating conditions like cancer and diabetes.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7501Y

Credits 20

CHE-7501Y is the third step in a progression of analytical modules. It is available for MChem students who were unable to select CHE-6501Y previously, but who want to further their studies of analytical topics. Please note that because the module is co-timetabled with CHE-6501B, ALL teaching will take place in Semester 2. A number of more advanced and more specialised analytical techniques are covered including: Techniques to determine atomic composition Approaches to materials characterisation using vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman, including imaging) Use of mass spectrometry to assist with molecular structure determination and confirmation Introduction to some bio-analytical methods Analysis in the real world (QA/QC, SOPs, working in regulated environments) There will be a strong focus on real-world analysis and interpretation/use of data, rather than extensive underlying theory. Employability aspects will be emphasised throughout to assist students considering next destinations after graduation.

TOPICS IN ADVANCED BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7601Y

Credits 20

You will develop your knowledge on important biophysical concepts and methods that are widely employed in Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry. There are two main areas upon which you will focus: The first being biological systems covering key areas such as the role of metal-containing proteins; biocatalysis, membrane proteins, including transport across biological membranes and modern developments in chemical biology. The second part of the module develops further your understanding of key biophysical characterisation tools used in chemical and structural biology. You will develop on the spectroscopic/structural theme covered in the B.Sc. course by providing an in depth, specialist view of selected key biophysical methods at the forefront of research. These include (i) high resolution crystallographic techniques and x-ray spectroscopic techniques (ii) magnetic resonance techniques (both advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods); (iii) advanced optical techniques (eg MCD and Mößbauer), (iv) Computational approaches (eg molecular dynamics) for structure determination and structure-function studies as well as understanding and determining protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions.

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Open Days

Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB including Chemistry. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Health, Healthcare Science, Science.

BTEC

DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) is acceptable. Specific modules required or A Level Chemistry grade B. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration

Scottish highers

AAAAA including Chemistry

Scottish highers advanced

BBC including Chemistry

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Chemistry

Access course

Not accepted

European Baccalaureate

80% overall with 70% in Chemistry

International Baccalaureate

33 points with HL 5 in Chemistry

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.

BTEC applicants must be studying the following modules:

Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
Applications of Organic Chemistry
Practical Chemical Analysis

If you have not studied all of the listed modules, A Level Chemistry grade B will be required to meet the subject specific requirement.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Chemistry with a Foundation Year.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Sciences

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering

Students for whom english is a 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 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry

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.

If you do not yet 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 English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

We’re 4th for research impact!

UEA is ranked 4th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research impact in Chemistry.

FIND OUT MORE >

Course Reference Number: 6774505

MChem CHEMISTRY WITH A YEAR IN INDUSTRY