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Title
ChemistryMChem
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undergraduate
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863a1528a4744849bc754c5aef0ca70e
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https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027/chemistry-mchem
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https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027
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ChemistryMChem

Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027/chemistry-mchem Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027

2027-28 entry View 2026-27 entry

Chemistry MChem

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Develop your advanced research skills in one of our leading research groups with our accredited MChem Chemistry course. Develop the fundamental knowledge that every chemist needs for a successful career and complete a research project in your final year.

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Course description

Why study this course?

Top 20 in the UK for Chemistry

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

1st in the Russell Group for learning opportunities, student voice, and assessment and feedback in chemistry

National Student Survey 2025

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) accredited course

This course is accredited by the RSC for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Opt to spend a full year on an industrial work placement

Test out a career path, build up your CV and grow your network of contacts.

This accredited four-year MChem Chemistry course will give you valuable research experience and knowledge spanning organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry.

You’ll gain hands-on experience from the start of your degree, learning laboratory skills and techniques in our specialist teaching labs.

You’ll have regular tutorials to delve deeper into the complex topics covered in lectures. These small group teaching sessions are led by your academic tutor in first year and subject experts in later years.

In your first year, you’ll study core chemistry concepts. You’ll build a strong foundational knowledge, which will prepare you to progress on to more advanced topics in future years.

In your second and third year, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise by choosing optional modules that cover topics like sustainable chemistry, and biological and medicinal chemistry. You’ll also gain valuable independent research experience through a group research project in your third year.

In your fourth year, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your degree to your interests and aspirations through more in-depth optional modules, exploring topics such as materials chemistry, catalysis and chemistry of light.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your research skills, spending most of your final year working on your own research project as part of a team of research scientists. Working on a real scientific problem, you’ll conduct experiments in our state of the art research labs, learning from academic researchers who are experts in your chosen area of research. You’ll develop the project planning, problem solving and communication skills needed to succeed in a variety of careers.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem)

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Modules

We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

Title: Chemistry MChem course structure \ UCAS code: F105\ Years: 2026, 2027

First year

Second year

Third year

Fourth year

First year

Core modules:

Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 : This is the first module that you'll take as an undergraduate student. It is designed to give you an understanding of the fundamental concepts in chemistry and introduce you to the key practical skills that every chemist needs.\ \ You'll learn how to apply key concepts and interpret chemical information to solve basic problems through lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory work.\ \

**40 credits**

Fundamentals of Chemistry 2 : This module continues to develop your understanding of the foundations of modern degree-level chemistry and associated laboratory skills. \ \ You'll learn about core principles from inorganic, biological, organic and physical chemistry through lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory work.  You'll learn how to apply these core principles to address chemical problems, and understand the behaviour of atomic and molecular systems.\ \ You'll continue to advance your knowledge of essential laboratory skills, by conducting independent experimental work and data analysis.

**40 credits**

Essential Skills for Chemists : This module provides first year chemistry students with the broader academic and professional skills required to study chemistry at degree level. The module includes fundamental physics and mathematics, data analysis, computing skills, and searching and using the scientific literature. Students will also undertake a group project on the standards and values expected of a professional chemist.\ \ The module has been designed to introduce students to varied methods of learning and teaching used throughout the programme including online self-led activities, lectures and group work.

**20 credits**

The chemical world around us: from biological chemistry to sustainability : Chemistry plays a crucial role in the world around us, acting as the backbone of fundamental biological processes and helping to create a sustainable future. This module explores how chemistry explains the principles behind the biology we experience in our day-to-day lives, and the contributions chemists can make to society, with a particular focus on sustainability. \ \ You'll learn about the strong link between human activity, the biological world around us and sustainability. You'll also develop the ability to explain scientific concepts to a range of audiences, working in groups to produce infographics, videos and magazine articles.

**20 credits**

Second year

In your second year, you’ll continue to build your essential knowledge of chemistry and develop your laboratory skills.

Example core topics covered:

You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of biological and medicinal chemistry or sustainable chemistry through optional modules.

Third year

In your third year, you’ll explore advanced concepts in chemistry and apply them to current problems, hone your laboratory skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience by undertaking a project.

Example core topics covered:

You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise through optional modules, including topics such as chemical biology, sustainable chemistry and energy technologies.

Fourth year

Core modules:

Research Skills in Chemistry : For this module, students complete an extended research project on a topic at the cutting edge of chemistry. Students work alongside professional scientists as a member of one of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences' research groups. They receive specialist training to help them develop the advanced practical skills they need for their project, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. They also put their previous research training and existing careers skills into practice through literature searches, communicating their work and presenting their findings.

**75 credits**

Optional modules: A student will take 45 credits (three modules) from this group.

Communication for Sustainability Researchers : The recent growth of knowledge and debates about sustainable development led to research in sustainability, however and to some extent paradoxically, there is often a lack of consensus on what sustainability really means. For example, in the context of Sustainable Energetic Resources, this could either mean: (i) renewables, (ii) minimization of usage, (iii) source reduction (like the redesign of manufacturing processes). Another example could be in the implementation of recycling policies, when these are actually referring to reuse and repair, which are all distinct concepts.\ \ Furthermore a full account on what makes a process or development sustainable, should consider multiple factors like: technical and scientific advances in the area, ecological, economic and societal principles, and ethical investments as a whole.\ \ This module will provide students with the tools that are needed to argue, judge and select a chemical or physical process or even the effect of a policy in terms of life cycle assessment. That is: by investigating specific case studies, students will evaluate all stages and the lifetime of products, their environmental impacts as well as services, manufacturing processes, to create and formulate decision-making aimed to determine if the implementation of a sustainable process or not.\ \ This unit aims to allow students to work as a part of a team to investigate a relevant and debated topic in sustainability, and to be able to present their findings to a general audience by means of a magazine-like article and a video. The scope is to assemble and create a piece of work soundly rooted in matter of facts, for which the students will need to carry out a detailed and updated literature involving data gathering, with the goal to address research questions in sustainability and be able to write publishable material of interest for the general public.

**15 credits**

Advanced Materials Chemistry : This module explains how structural, electronic, thermal, chemical and other properties of materials can be harnessed to help solve technological and environmental challenges. The functional materials covered are based on supramolecular assembly, leading predominantly to crystalline materials. Students learn about design strategies, molecular properties, and material function, using concepts from coordination and solid-state chemistry, organic chemistry and thermodynamics. The role of materials properties in applications such as sensing, molecular separations, gas adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, propulsion, gas generation and blasting will be discussed in the context of energy, health care, transport, engineering and the environment. \ \ Module Aims:\ \ A1. introduce a variety of materials developed and used in state-of-the-art research and technology with a focus reflecting current research interests at the University of Sheffield such as supramolecular materials, metal-organic frameworks and energetic materials. \ \ A2. explain the chemical principles behind the design and synthesis of these different classes of materials.\ \ A3. explain how the chemical structure of these materials enables their function and properties. \ \ A4. describe how the properties lead to the materials' applications in various areas such as sensing, molecular separations, gas adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, propulsion, gas generation and blasting.  \ \ A5. relate the importance of materials chemistry in tackling modern technological and environmental challenges.

**15 credits**

Catalysis and Asymmetric Synthesis : Chemists' ability to synthesise organic molecules with defined stereochemistry is the backbone of many useful applications, from medicines to new materials. Modern methods of organic synthesis rely on sophisticated and efficient chemical reactions that create exquisite levels of functional group selectivity and stereochemical control. This module will explain the cutting edge processes that achieve these objectives, in the context of catalysis and stereoselective synthesis. There is a focus on transformations that are promoted by a sub-stoichiometric amount of catalyst. Concepts behind controlling stereochemistry in important synthetic chemical reactions will also be explained. \ \ Module Aims:\ \ A1. Provide students with knowledge and appreciation of advanced organic chemical reactions involving main group and transition metal catalyst systems, as well as organocatalysts. \ \ A2. Provide students with the knowledge and skills to understand how organic reactions can be designed to generate desired products selectively. \ \ A3. Make students aware of the uses of these reactions in the context of modern organic synthesis.

**15 credits**

Chemistry of Light : Understanding processes caused by light is key in chemistry, physics, biology and engineering, and has recently led to many major scientific breakthroughs. This course explains how light and matter interact in molecules, nanostructures and materials. It will explain photoinduced electron and energy transfer - essential processes in nature and everyday life - using examples of natural and artificial photosynthesis. Modern techniques for studying light-induced processes, on time-scales from seconds to femtoseconds, are also covered. The theory is taught in the context of applications in photocatalysis, photonics and optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, and light-induced processes in medicine.

**15 credits**

Methods and Models in Theoretical Chemistry : The principles of theoretical chemistry can explain and predict chemical phenomena across all the main branches of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, analytical), and can shed light on molecular aspects of physics and biology. A wide range of methods and models are covered, including density functional theory, coupled cluster, time-dependent quantum mechanics, and more. Students are taught to assess these methods and models' suitability for different tasks, and put the theory into practice by using them to interpret chemical phenomena in hands-on projects.

**15 credits**

Modern Industrial Catalysis : Reactions catalysed by metals are hugely important in the chemical industry, where they are used to produce bulk chemicals at large scales and fine chemicals at smaller ones. This module explains the heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic processes behind some of the most economically important chemical reactions. It covers the chemical basis of these process, and their advantages and disadvantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous systems. There is a focus on reaction mechanisms and the role of the metal centre, and fundamental physical processes such as adsorption and reaction kinetics. Concepts are illustrated by analysing, in detail, catalytic reactions including hydrogenation, oxidation, carbonylation and polymerisation. \ \ Module Aims: \ \ A1. Describe and explain the physical and chemical basis of homogeneous and heterogeneous metal-catalysed processes\ \ A2. Illustrate the importance of metal-catalysed reactions in industrial chemical production \ \ A3. Discuss the mechanisms of catalytic processes, and the experimental evidence upon which these are based \ \ A4. Demonstrate recent developments in the field with state-of-the-art examples from the literature

**15 credits**

Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design : The discovery and development of new drugs requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and toxicology. In this module, students learn about these areas as they build on their organic and medicinal chemistry knowledge from earlier in their degrees. It covers concepts including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and basic toxicology, and looks in detail at strategies for optimising the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. There is also a focus on computing technologies, including computer-aided drug design tools and quantitative structure:activity relationship models. Students learn about the fundamental chemistry behind the synthesis of specific drugs throughout the module.

**15 credits**

Sustainability technologies : Our current carbon intensive technologies support our materials rich way of life and in order to maintain our living standards we need to decarbonise those technologies.  We need to make better use of both fossil-based and renewable resources, and move towards a zero-waste, circular economy. Topics include the current status of the industry, life-cycle analysis, non-fossil fuel and feedstocks, and reuse, remanufacturing and recycling, which will find applications for the areas of: fine chemicals and commodities; plastic and polymers; and other materials for construction. This module aims to: 1. Introduce students to life cycle analysis and how LCAs can be used to determine the sustainability of a process or product. 2. Provide students with a broad, critical, overview of the methods through which polymer science can be made more sustainable. 3. Discuss and explain to reduce waste and environmental impact for large scale manufacturing processes for commodities and construction materials

**15 credits**

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

Learning and assessment

Learning

To make sure you get the skills and knowledge that every chemist needs, you’ll learn through lectures, small group tutorials and workshops, practical sessions in the lab, and research projects.

We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over one million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

Learning support facilities and library opening hours

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including laboratory work, coursework, online quizzes, examinations, essays and other written work.

Entry requirements

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ AAB \ including Chemistry

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : ABB, including Chemistry + B in the EPQ; ABB, including Chemistry + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths

International Baccalaureate : 34, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry; 33, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry, and B in the Extended Essay

BTEC Extended Diploma : DDD in Applied Science (Basic, Analytical & Forensic Science or Physical Science streams only) including specific Chemistry units*

BTEC Diploma : DD in Applied Science + A in A Level Chemistry

Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s : AAABB + B in Chemistry

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : B + AA including Chemistry

Access to HE Diploma : The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject covering sufficient Chemistry units, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit. Applicants are considered individually and must provide a course syllabus

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ ABB \ including Chemistry

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : ABB, including Chemistry + B in the EPQ; ABB, including Chemistry + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths

International Baccalaureate : 33, with 5 in Higher Level Chemistry

BTEC Extended Diploma : DDD in Applied Science (Basic, Analytical & Forensic Science or Physical Science streams only) including specific Chemistry units*

BTEC Diploma : DD in Applied Science + B in A Level Chemistry

Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s : AABBB + B in Chemistry

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : B + AB including Chemistry

Access to HE Diploma : The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject covering sufficient Chemistry units, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit. Applicants are considered individually and must provide a course syllabus

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

English language requirements | 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.

Graduate careers

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

You won’t be short of career options with a degree in chemistry from Sheffield. Our courses are designed to give you the skills that will help you succeed. Employers hire our graduates because of their ability to plan projects, work to deadlines, analyse data, and solve complex problems.

Whether you want to stay in the lab after you graduate or make use of your transferable skills, a chemistry degree from Sheffield will prepare you to help work on global challenges and develop innovative technologies and processes.

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of careers, including:

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as, AstraZeneca, Barclays, Croda, the Environment Agency, Fujitsu, GSK, HSBC, Lonza, PwC, Reckitt and Unilever.

Many of our graduates also choose to pursue a career in research and go on to do PhDs at some of the world's top 100 universities.

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

95% of our chemistry research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

Research Excellence Framework 2021

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching.

Our chemistry researchers are focusing on some of society’s most pressing challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to environmental sustainability. We collaborate closely with industry to find solutions and develop innovative new technologies. Many of our academics bring first-hand industrial and business experience to their teaching.

To help our students feel part of a community, the Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) organises activities ranging from guest lectures to the annual Chemistry Ball. Our students can also take part in an LGBT+ support group and a crafts group.

Facilities

Chemistry students are based in the Dainton and the Richard Roberts Buildings, which have classrooms, lecture theatres and three specialist teaching labs for organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.

Our labs are equipped with specialist analytical equipment, including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and ultraviolet spectrometry, and gas- and size-exclusion chromatography.

We’re also home to state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories and several multi-million pound materials science facilities:

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

University rankings

A world top-100 university\ QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)

Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)\ National Student Survey 2025

92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent\ Research Excellence Framework 2021

University of the Year for Student Experience\ The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Number one Students' Union in the UK\ Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

Number one for Students' Union\ StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards

20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26\ High Fliers 2026

Student profiles

[The teaching is brilliant and the support provided is exceptionally helpful

Chris Atkinson

Undergraduate research experience, \ MChem Chemistry](https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps/undergraduate/chemistry-student-profiles/chris-atkinson)

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees

Fee status help

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

Examples of what’s included and excluded

Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

£2,500 per year scholarships for international students

We're offering automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 to overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026 - no additional application required.

Placements and study abroad

Placement

You may have the opportunity to add an optional industrial placement year as part of your course, converting the four-year course to a five-year Degree with an Industrial Placement Year.

A placement year will help you to:

If you opt to do an industrial placement year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a placement with organisations across a range of industries. Our students have secured placements with organisations, including AstraZeneca, EDF Energy, GSK and PepsiCo.

Research experience

Develop your research skills through the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme. This initiative gives you the opportunity to gain paid research experience, working in one of our research groups over the summer in an area of chemistry that you’re excited about.

Study abroad

Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget.

You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

Visit

University open days

We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

Open days: book your place

Online events

Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.

Sheffield Live online events

Subject tasters

If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

Upcoming taster sessions

Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Campus tours

Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

Campus tour: book your place

Apply

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com

Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

Contact us

Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

Contacts for prospective students

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

Our student protection plan

Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

2027-2028

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com

Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

Develop your advanced research skills in one of our leading research groups with our accredited MChem Chemistry course. Develop the fundamental knowledge that every chemist needs for a successful career and complete a research project in your final year.

No No No No Course description Modules Learning and assessment Entry requirements Graduate careers Department University rankings Student profiles Fees and funding Placements and study abroad Extra info box