Analytical Chemistry MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Chemistry Year of entry: 2026 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026 Key facts School School of Chemistry College College of Science and Engineering Study location King's Buildings campus Accreditation Available Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme Analytical chemistry is a fundamental science in high demand for employment in chemistry and related industries, focusing on the separation, identification, and quantification of matter using a diverse range scientific techniques.This 1-year MSc programme covers both the theory and the applications of many of the commonly used techniques in modern analytical chemistry, introducing students to the principles of the “analytical process” and data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.The School of Chemistry hosts world-class analytical chemistry facilities at the core of the teaching and training of our students.With access to our resources and facilities, you will gain the theoretical knowledge behind analytical chemistry techniques as well as hands-on experience of operating a wide range of analytical instruments. Programme benefits This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). It fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem) status.Courses on our programmes are taught by world-class experts and are supported by an extensive tutorial system.Our research community includes over 50 academic staff members with international reputations in their research fields.You will benefit from extensive training in practical chemistry, presentation skills, scientific writing and team-working.Take part in transferable skill sessions organised weekly by cohort leads.Study in Edinburgh, which is regularly voted as the best city to live in the UK.Become part of an internationally diverse cohort from many different nationalities. Being part of the School of Chemistry has been a fulfilling experience and has allowed me to explore chemistry in a safe space, filled with incredibly knowledgeable lecturers, an international cohort and a wonderful research group. Although the coursework of the MSc was challenging, it exposed me to new analytical techniques that I previously hadn’t had the opportunity to explore... Overall, this experience (and degree) has made me more confident in my abilities as a scientist. It has also reminded me that I can do anything that I put my mind to! Shannon Misplon MSc Analytical Chemistry (graduated 2025) Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time MSc Analytical Chemistry (1 year) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Deposit If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place:£1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)How and when to pay the deposit Costs Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.Living costs include:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.University postgraduate accommodation options and costs Funding opportunities Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with a strong chemistry component. We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant work experience and supportive references. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component. Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components. Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details What you will study Topics covered on this programme include:Chromatography and Separation ScienceOptical SpectroscopyNuclear Magnetic ResonanceMass SpectrometryElectrochemistry and SensorsSampling and data analysisAnalysis of BiomoleculesCharacterisation of MaterialsDuring the programme, you can specialise in different streams of analytical chemistry, such as analysis of biomolecules or characterisation of materials. Compulsory courses In both Semester 1 and Semester 2, you will take:a course in practical laboratory and research techniques, worth 20 credits2 other taught courses, worth 20 credits eachIn Semester 2, you will complete your MSc research project and dissertation, worth 60 credits.Semester 1 coursesConcepts in Analytical ChemistryLaboratory Techniques 1 ChemistryOptional courses in ChemistrySemester 2 coursesResearch TechniquesAdvanced Analytical ChemistryMSc Research Project and Dissertation Option courses In Semester 2, you will take one of the following 2 option courses, worth 20 credits each:Bioanalytical ChemistryAdvanced Analytical and Characterisation Methods Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Full-time MSc Analytical Chemistry (1 year) (2025-2026) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Teaching and assessment Teaching Lectures are given by leading researchers in the area, and are supported by tutorial sessions and workshops.Most of the teaching on this programme is delivered in small groups.The programme also provides experience and training in activities that are important to professional chemists and to the research process, such as:science communicationteam workdata handling and statisticsmodern laboratory techniquesvarious other transferable skills Assessment This programme has a strong practical element and significant continuous assessment.You will be assessed through a combination of:courseworklaboratory reportspresentationsexamsperformance and reporting on the MSc research project Learning outcomes On completion of the degree, students will be able to:demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts in Analytical Chemistry and associated techniques.critically evaluate the relative merits of different techniques used in analytical chemistry and their application to a real-world analytical chemistry challenge.use a broad range of analytical techniques to address research problems in analytical chemistry, showing creativity and lateral thinking in response to a specific problem, while being able to make well-informed independent decisions.show competence in a range of routine and advanced technical skills by effectively applying academic knowledge in a research lab, including operation of common analytical instruments.critically analyse and interpret complex data, offering professional-level insight.Design and carry out a multicomponent work plan independently and as part of a team in a professional and equitable manner.demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a chosen research area acquired through literature and research.communicate research findings and present complex data at a professional standard in various formats to peers and wider audiences.Additionally, you will have enhanced your professional and practical skills through:experience of research design and managementhands-on experience in advanced instrumentation and techniquesproduction of scientific reportsYou will also have the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as:interpersonal and communication skillscomputing proficiencyorganisation skills Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Your student adviser is part of the Chemistry Student Support Team. They will also help you to matriculate when you begin your studies.You can contact your student adviser throughout the year for support, either by email, via Microsoft Teams or in person.Academic support and guidanceYou will also be assigned a cohort lead. This is an academic member of staff in the school who is familiar with your area of study.Throughout the year, your cohort lead will meet with you and your fellow classmates (your ‘cohort’) to support your academic development with drop-in sessions, study skills advice, and events and activities specific to your degree. Our academic staff Learn about current research at the School of Chemistry Where you will study Study location All teaching and labs are based at the King's Buildings campus. Tutorials and lectures take place in the Nucleus building.The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus. Academic facilities The School of Chemistry hosts world-class analytical chemistry facilities at the core of the teaching and training of our students.With access to our resources and facilities, you will gain the theoretical knowledge behind analytical chemistry techniques as well as hands-on experience of operating a wide range of analytical instruments. Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the School of Chemistry and explore our facilities, labs, lecture theatres and social areas.View panoramas of the School of Chemistry Careers and further study Accreditation This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.Chartered Chemist Career opportunities Analytical chemists are employed by a range of industries and services, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, in both private and government sectors.Our MSc Analytical Chemistry graduates are also qualified to play important roles in areas such as:environmental analysis and protectionhealthcare servicesdiagnosticsvaccine developmentconsumer safety A degree in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh will equip you with the knowledge, skills, networks and confidence to make an impact in numerous sectors. Through exposure to high-quality research addressing new and emerging global challenges, our graduates are encouraged to find innovative and sustainable solutions and to make a difference in whatever career they pursue.The analytical skillset and experience gained by our chemistry graduates are in high demand from employers globally.In addition to developing your research skills, making friends, meeting eminent researchers and being part of the research community, you will also develop invaluable transferable skills which you can apply to academic life or a variety of professions outside of academia.At the end of your studies, you will have developed excellent analytical and practical skills, as well as problem-solving, presentation and communication skills that will have you prepared to:continue towards a PhD degree (for MScR and MSc students)pursue a career in chemistry within science, industry, commerce or other areaspursue a career in areas outside chemistry, such as in IT, management or finance sectorsChemistry career profilesSee the wide range of careers a chemistry degree can lead to on the RSC website Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Graduate profiles See what jobs our alumni go on to Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin. If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 3 applications from the same applicant. When to apply Programme start date Application deadline 14 September 2026 30 August 2026 We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. When to submit your supporting documentsYou must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit one reference with your application. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -MSc Analytical Chemistry (1 year) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh What our students say Video: The MSc Student Experience at the School of Chemistry Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Teaching Office Administrator, Zoe BurgerSchool of ChemistryJoseph Black BuildingThe King's Buildings CampusEdinburghEH9 3FJ chemistry.pgt@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7257
