MChem Chemistry
About this course
MChem Hons in Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on atomic and molecular science, chemical synthesis, and materials properties. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Data Analysis. The four-year degree includes a substantial fourth-year independent research project conducted alongside research groups. The first year covers atomic and molecular foundations through Fundamentals of Chemistry A, Fundamentals of Chemistry B, Introduction to Practical Chemistry, Principles of Physics and Sustainability for Chemistry, Professional and Research Skills in Chemistry, and Molecules to Cells. The second year advances chemical characterisation and practical independence via Principles of Chemical Structure Determination, Practical and Skills in Chemistry A, Practical and Skills in Chemistry B, Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Concepts in Physical Chemistry. The third year deepens theoretical and practical expertise through Physical Chemistry of Complex Systems, Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry, Strategies in Chemical Synthesis, and Chemistry Project and Skills, alongside optional modules such as Techniques for Chemical and Electronic Structure Elucidation, Applications of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, and Medicinal and Biological Applications of Organic Chemistry. The fourth year focuses on advanced Master's-level study and includes the MChem Chemistry Research Project and Skills, with optional choices spanning Frontiers in Computational Chemistry, Frontiers in Biological Applications of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, Frontiers in Organic Chemistry, and Frontiers in Chemical Process Characterisation.
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: ABB. This should include Chemistry and one other science subject from: Biology, Computing, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. IB: 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Chemistry and 6 in a further HL science subject
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 45%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North West: 60%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 10%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Chemistry A
- Fundamentals of Chemistry B
- Introduction to Practical Chemistry
- Principles of Physics and Sustainability for Chemistry
- Professional and Research Skills in Chemistry
- Molecules to Cells
- Principles of Chemical Structure Determination
- Practical and Skills in Chemistry A
- Practical and Skills in Chemistry B
- Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Concepts in Physical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry of Complex Systems
- Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry
- Strategies in Chemical Synthesis
- Chemistry Project and Skills
- Techniques for Chemical and Electronic Structure Elucidation
- Applications of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
- Medicinal and Biological Applications of Organic Chemistry
- MChem Chemistry Research Project and Skills
- Frontiers in Computational Chemistry
- Frontiers in Biological Applications of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
- Frontiers in Organic Chemistry
- Frontiers in Chemical Process Characterisation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £36,000. The £30,000 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Chemistry at Lancaster University 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 Lancaster University?
100% 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 Lancaster University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 141 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry at Lancaster University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry at Lancaster University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.