Program Overview
The Master of Science in Chemistry at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in natural sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in natural sciences.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Natural Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
Why a career in Chemistry? Chemistry underpins every aspect of our modern lives, from the medicines, materials and fuels we use daily, all the way through to the agrochemicals that provide us with the food that sustains our society. This MSc courseprovides graduates with a strong grounding in the knowledge of these key chemical processes, as well as both the transferrable and specific skills needed for careers that spanmany fields. Our graduates therefore have excellent employment prospects, and havegone on to become: Directors; Researchers; Research Scientists Chemists. Our graduates have secured roles in organisations such as: Unilever Research; GlaxoSmithKline; Astro Zeneca; University of Oxford; ICI Pharmaceuticals. Many of our masterâs students also progress to PhD study. Several of our PhD graduates have taken up postdoctoral research positions in the UK or overseas, and others have chosen careers in academia or moved into industry.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Gain a broad groundingin the theory and applications of organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry, with the chance to complete a project within our large research community. Study at a University ranked fourth in the UK and seventh in Europe for chemistry (QS World University Rankings 2025). Follow in the footsteps of seven Nobel prize winners who have taught, studied or researched in the subject at Manchester. Our department has been ranked seventh in the UK for the quality of our research and third for research power. (REF 2021)
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities. Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible. Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab. Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Explore how you'll make your mark Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals , so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet. You will explore the following goals in your course: Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production Goal 15: Life on land
Open days
For details of the next University Postgraduate open day, visit open days and visits
Contact details Department Department of Chemistry Contact name Admissions Office Telephone +44 (0) 161 306 0888 Email pgt.chemistry@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.manchester.ac.uk/chemistry School/Faculty overview Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Chemistry
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We require a UK bachelor's degree with an Upper Second (2:1) Class classification or the international equivalent in Chemistry. Candidates should demonstrate a background in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical/laboratory chemistry. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved, your academic references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. If you have been out of education for more than two years, please contact us before applying to enquire about your eligibility for this course. Please also provide details of any relevant work experience since leaving education.Â
English language
All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score: IELTS: at least6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6.0. TOFEL iBT: at least90 overall withno sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. Pearson PTE: at least 70 overall with no sub-test below 64. We do not accept âHome Editionâ. Further information onlanguage requirementscan be found on our website . Pre-sessional English We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course. To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores: 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course: Minimum 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5. 10 Week Pre-sessional Course: Minimum 5.5 overall with no sub-test below 5.5. If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course. Applicants from Majority English-speaking countries If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country  (or have studied for a full bachelor degree or higher from one of these countries) you may be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our country-specific information page  for guidance on the academic and English language qualifications which may be accepted from your country.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 23,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £14,200 International, including EU, students (per annum): £36,800
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year. The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Master's Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups. We also welcome the best and brightest international students each year and reward excellence with a number of merit-based scholarships. See our range of masterâs scholarships for international students . And, if you have completed an undergraduate degree at The University of Manchester, or are currently in your final year of an undergraduate degree with us, you may be eligible for a discount of 10% on tuition fees if you choose to study on a taught postgraduate course here. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply . For more information on master's tuition fees and studying costs, visit the University of Manchester funding for master's courses website to help you plan your finances.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £14,200 International, including EU, students (per annum): £36,800
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year. The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Master's Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups. We also welcome the best and brightest international students each year and reward excellence with a number of merit-based scholarships. See our range of masterâs scholarships for international students . And, if you have completed an undergraduate degree at The University of Manchester, or are currently in your final year of an undergraduate degree with us, you may be eligible for a discount of 10% on tuition fees if you choose to study on a taught postgraduate course here. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply . For more information on master's tuition fees and studying costs, visit the University of Manchester funding for master's courses website to help you plan your finances.
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)