Program Overview
The Chemistry at University of St Andrews is a Master programme in Natural Sciences over 60 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of natural sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Chemistry programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 60 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: GBP 17,040 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: St Andrews, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Chemistry programme are prepared for diverse careers in natural sciences:
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Laboratory Manager
- Science Writer
- Policy Advisor
- Academic Researcher
Program Curriculum
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
Apart from the research project, you will take three compulsory modules during the taught part of the course and choose six optional modules, typically three optional modules in Semester 1 and three optional modules in Semester 2.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Research Skills in Chemistry: develops knowledge of specialised research techniques for the prospective research project.
- Contemporary Research Awareness: research colloquia and seminars delivered by external speakers and covering areas within current chemical science research.
- Literature Review for MSc: an in-depth survey of the published literature within a specified research area which is related to the prospective research project, including peer-review-like assessment and a short oral presentation.
- Research Project for MSc: The research project aims to develop the students' skills in experimental design and problem-solving; abstraction, evaluation and interpretation of data in the chemical literature; practical skills and teamwork; communication of results. The project is supervised by a member of the academic staff.
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Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
Semester 1 – students typically choose three optional modules for the first semester.
- Advanced Metal Chemistry and Green Chemistry
- Advanced Spectroscopic Methods
- Asymmetric Synthesis
- Heterocyclic and Pericyclic Chemistry
- Homogeneous Catalysis
- Integrating Chemistry
- Nanostructured Materials
- Processing of Materials
Semester 2 – students typically choose three optional modules for the second semester.
- Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Main Group Chemistry
- Blockbuster Pharmaceuticals
- Blockbuster Solids
- Chemical Biology
- Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
- Energy Conversion a
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
A good 2.1 UK Honours Degree (or overseas equivalent). If first language is not English, an IELTS 7.0/TOEFL 100IB score is required.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 17,040 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 17,040 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of St Andrews directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
St Andrews, United Kingdom
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland’s oldest university and one of the most prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom. Located in the historic coastal town of St...
University Profile- Application Deadline 6 August 2026
- Start Date August 2026
- Language English
- Duration 60 months