MChem Chemistry (5 years)
About this course
MChem in Chemistry. Core topics include Programming, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. This five-year programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the professional qualification of Chartered Chemist. The course includes a final-year four-month research project placement, typically undertaken at an overseas university, research institute, or industrial laboratory.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
SQA Highers Standard: Applicants that present with ABBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Highers at AB from Chemistry and another Science are required. Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 at C or above in English, Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics are required. A LEVELS Three A Levels at BBB. A Levels at AB from Chemistry and another Science are required. Widening Access: Three A Levels at BBC, for applicants who meet one or more widening access criteria. GCSE at C/4 or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science are required. IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE Five subjects at Higher, with two at H2 and three at H3. H2 in Chemistry and another Science is required. O4 in English, Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics are also required. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 34 points with 6, 6, 5 at HL including the degree subject(s). 6 points at HL required from Chemistry and another Science. SL or HL in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 2%
- South East: 3%
- Scotland: 87%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 1
- Elements of Chemistry 1
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2
- Elements of Chemistry 2
- Mathematics for Sciences
- Introductions to Materials
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
- Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy
- Organic & Biological Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Inorganic and Solid State Chemistry
- Professional Skills for Physics and Chemistry (CM30PS)
- Organic & Biological Chemistry
- Molecular Structure and Reactivity
- Energy and the Environment
- Honours Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
- Honours Analytical & Organic Chemistry
- Mchem Group Practical
- Advanced Honours Chemistry
- Integrated Chemistry
- Mchem Research Project
- Mchem Chemistry Applications
- Mchem Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £36,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is A at A level. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry (5 years) at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.