MChem Chemistry
About this course
MChem in Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on the study of atoms, molecules and ions. Students undertake an in-depth individual research project in the final year, with options to complete this work in a research group, at an overseas partner university, or through an industrial placement. The first year introduces core chemistry and mathematics alongside laboratory classes and tutorials. The second year builds on this foundation with Biological Chemistry 2, Environmental Chemistry, and Chemical Pharmacology. Subsequent years incorporate advanced lecture courses and research project options.
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
A level: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Chemistry at B, Mathematics at B) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 65 students who started
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 6%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Legal professionals: 15%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Information Technology Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 8%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 9%
- Scotland: 60%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Modules
- chemistry lectures
- laboratory classes in the state of the art Nucleus building
- tutorials with a high staff-to-student ratio
- Biological Chemistry 2
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemical Pharmacology
- work on a project in one of our cutting-edge research groups
- join a research group at one of our partner universities around the world
- take a paid industrial placement at one of our industrial partner companies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £35,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £44,000. The £35,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh?
84% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 195 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry at University of Edinburgh?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.