Materials 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

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About the degree programme

Materials chemistry has emerged as an important sub-discipline within chemistry. It cuts across the traditional organic/inorganic/physical boundaries of chemistry and overlaps many disciplines from engineering to biosciences.

Materials chemists now have a leading role in areas such as:

  • microelectronics
  • polymer science
  • catalysis
  • nanotechnology

They also make an important contribution to areas of more traditional chemistry such as the pharmaceutical sector. Understanding the 'physical properties' of intermediates and products is now recognised as essential in optimising the synthesis and properties of pharmaceutically-active ingredients in medicines.

This programme offers you the opportunity to take several taught courses, including an introduction to laboratory techniques and research methods pertinent to materials chemistry.

The programme also involves a period of full-time research project work, leading to the submission of your master's dissertation.

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.

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

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:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation 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 money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore 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

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 e.g. chemical engineering or materials science.
 
We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant work experience and supportive references.
 
Applicants should have a strong chemistry background with at least three continuous years of chemistry subjects throughout their degree. We may accept fewer chemistry courses if applicants have a strong science background e.g. mathematics/physics. 
 
Applicants should also have completed a minimum of first year university level mathematics, e.g. calculus or linear algebra.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

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 test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain 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 old

The 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 Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All 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 countries

We 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-MESC

How old your degree can be

If 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

What you will study

This programme involves taking taught courses during Semester 1 and Semester 2.

You will then proceed to a period of full-time research project work, leading to the submission of your master's dissertation.

Compulsory courses

In both Semester 1 and Semester 2, you will take a course in practical laboratory and research techniques.

Semester 1 courses
  • Concepts in Materials Chemistry
  • Optional Courses in Chemistry
  • Laboratory Techniques
Semester 2 courses
  • Advanced Analytical and Characterisation Methods
  • Advanced Materials Chemistry
  • Research Techniques
  • MSc Research Project and Dissertation

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

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 communication
  • team work
  • data handling and statistics
  • modern laboratory techniques
  • various other transferable skills

Assessment

 This programme has a strong practical element and significant continuous assessment.

You will be assessed through a combination of:

  • coursework
  • laboratory reports
  • presentations
  • exams
  • performance and reporting on the MSc research project

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, you should have developed a depth of comprehension and critique in the core elements of your subject area, including:

  • critical analysis and management of data
  • judging the relationship between theory and methodology
  • assessment of the appropriate methods of data collection/analysis to address the research question
  • assessment of relevance of previous studies
  • critical thinking

Additionally, you will have enhanced your professional and practical skills through:

  • experience of research design and management
  • advanced instrumentation or techniques
  • production of scientific reports

You will also have had the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as:

  • written, visual and oral delivery and dissemination of research findings
  • interpersonal and communication skills
  • computing proficiency
  • organisation 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 guidance

You 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

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 materials and analytical chemistry facilities at the core of the teaching and training of our students.

Resources and facilities provide the theoretical knowledge behind chemistry techniques, but also hands-on experience of operating a wide range of 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

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Chartered Chemist

Royal Society of Chemistry accredited degree

Career opportunities

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 areas
  • pursue a career in areas outside chemistry, such as in IT, management or finance sectors

Chemistry career profiles

See 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 degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Dipanjana Choudhury

Degree: MSc Materials Chemistry

Year of graduation: 2018

Current work: PhD at Cambridge University

I can safely say that the year I spent at the University of Edinburgh was an incredibly enjoyable learning experience for me. The coursework, though intensive, was extremely interesting and my professors were always willing to respond to my queries. My communication and presentation skills were thoroughly enhanced, and I attained confidence in my work. The research project was my favourite. Through it, I got a taste of the highs and lows that come with being an independent researcher.

Read more about Dipanjana's experience

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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

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 documents

You 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: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You 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.

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 application

We 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 decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

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 programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If 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.

Societies

Sport 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

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 adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Teaching Office Administrator, Zoe Burger
School of Chemistry
Joseph Black Building
The King's Buildings Campus
Edinburgh
EH9 3FJ

chemistry.pgt@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7257

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