Chemical Physics MChemPhys Level: Undergraduate Subject: Chemistry Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code F333 Award MChemPhys Duration of study 4 years, 5 years Delivery Full-time Study location King's Buildings campus Start date September 2026 School School of Chemistry College College of Science and Engineering Study abroad Available Accreditation Available Placement Available Second year entry Available Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Chemical physics is an interdisciplinary subject that cuts across two major fields of physical science:from the fundamental physics of individual atoms and molecules to soft and hard condensed matter physicsfrom dealing with matter from the molecules of life to the latest technological materialsA modern chemical physicist is equipped with the tools to make contributions to a sustainable, secure and healthy future for the coming generations, through the development of:efficient renewable energy sourcessmart materials and devicestargeted medicinal therapiesThe Master of Chemical Physics (MChemPhys) degree programme covers topics in all branches of the discipline, from the fundamentals to the most advanced understanding and application.In the early years, we will provide a solid foundation in the core subjects of:chemistrymathematicsphysicsThe extra year of study (compared to the corresponding BSc degree) will introduce you to more advanced knowledge, with a focus on the skills needed for original scientific research, including:methodsintellectual approachespractical skillsassociated IT skillsYou will develop greater leadership and organisational skills through group-based learning and open-ended projects.In your final year, you will gain hands-on experience of research and carry out an in-depth full year individual research project with a choice of location and content. Studying chemistry at the University of Edinburgh What do our students think? How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme takes 5 years to complete.If you are eligible for a direct entry into the second year, this programme takes 4 years to complete. Programme rankings 6th in the Complete University Guide 20257th in The Times Good University Guide 202512th in the UK in The Guardian Subject Rankings 2025 Programme benefits Our chemical physics programmes are accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.The School of Chemistry scored 75% in the National Student Survey 2024 for overall student satisfaction. Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for MChemPhys (Hons) Chemical Physics View the tuition fees for one academic year of MChemPhys (Hons) Chemical Physics. Additional costs You will need a white lab coat, which cost £15 in 2024. You should also buy three core textbooks in Year 1, which cost around £160 in 2024. If you are on placement, you might have to spend money on travel. However, you could receive a salary or stipend from the host company on an industrial placement. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Featured funding Chemistry Tercentenary Access Bursary Access bursaries have been available for UK students of outstanding potential who started their studies in 2023, 2024 and 2025 academic years at the School of Chemistry. Please check the website for the latest opportunities. Value: £2,000 per year Chemistry Tercentenary Access Bursary Programme details What you will study Second year entry We have incorporated flexibility into our programme structures. This includes the option to change between Bachelors or Masters and potentially choosing entry into Year 1 or Year 2. You can discuss this with your student adviser and academic cohort lead early in Semester 1. Year 1 In Year 1 you will study chemistry, physics and mathematics by taking:the same introductory chemistry course as those for the other chemistry degreesphysics and mathematics courses taught by the School of Physics and AstronomyThe chemistry and physics courses each include a weekly laboratory practical programme for both chemistry and physics. Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 You will continue with your chemistry, physics and mathematics courses. You will take the following courses:Physics of Fields and MatterDynamics and Vector CalculusLinear Algebra and Several Variable CalculusModern PhysicsChemistry for Chemical Physics 2Programming and Data Analysis or Experimental Physics 2In the Chemistry 2 and Practical Physics courses, you will continue to train in:computer programmingdata analysisexperimental laboratory techniques Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 You will take a modified version of the Year 3 chemistry courses that cover the same material in physical and inorganic chemistry.You will also take the following physics courses:Fourier AnalysisStatistical MechanicsElectromagnetismComputer Modelling or Experimental Physics 3Quantum Mechanics Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 In your penultimate year, you will take a mix of taught courses in chemistry and physics.You will also take a laboratory-based research training course to prepare for your final year project. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 5 In your final year, you will do one of the following:work on a project in one of our cutting-edge research groupsjoin a research group at one of our partner universities around the worldtake a paid industrial placement at one of our industrial partner companies Find Year 5 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad You can include a year-long placement with one of our partner chemistry departments at a range of universities overseas. Year abroad destinations include:USAAustraliaCanadaChileSingaporeHong KongTaiwanSouth Koreamany European countriesStudy and Work Away Service Placements You can include a full year paid placement in industry or take a research project with one of our partner universities around the world as part of your MChemPhys programme.Your placement will form the final year of your programme.Placements may be in the UK or overseas and include research institutes or companies such as:UnileverNTT Labs, TokyoProcter and GambleEach year, many MChemPhys students carry out one of these industrial or year abroad placements.If you do not take one of these options, you will complete a full academic year long research project in one of our cutting-edge research groups. This may be in either the School of Chemistry or the School of Physics and Astronomy. Teaching and assessment Teaching You will be taught through a combination of:lectureslaboratory classesproblem-solving workshopstutorials with high staff-to-student ratiosHow long should I study?In your first two years, you will have around 20 hours per week of timetabled study.You should also dedicate about 15 hours to prepare for:tutorialswriting lab reportsprivate studyIn later years, you will experience more practical learning and research project work.What skills will I gain?All our programmes include:training, practice, and feedback in communication skillsteamwork and collaborationexposure to the latest technology of scientific information retrieval and organisationIn addition to the lecture topics you will develop skills in:written communicationreport writingoral presentation skills from formal presentationsYou will also develop practical skills and an awareness of the safety aspects of laboratory work and risk assessment throughout the programme.You will build on these skills through a full-time research project in the final year, conducted either in an academic or industrial context. Assessment You will be assessed through a combination of:courseworkreports on laboratory practicalspresentationsexamsassessment of your final year research project Sample timetable This is an example of what your timetable could look like in Semester 1 of Year 1 of a Chemical Physics degree programme.Monday9am to 9:50am Chemistry 1A (lecture)10am to 10:50am Physics 1A: Foundations (lecture)12:10pm to 1pm Mathematics for Physics 1 (lecture)2pm to 4pm Physics 1A Foundations (lab)Tuesday9am to 10:50am Mathematics for Physics 1 (tutorial)2pm to 5pm Chemistry 1A (lab)Wednesday9am to 9:50am Chemistry 1A (lecture)10am to 10:50am Physics 1A: Foundations (lecture)12:10pm to 1pm Mathematics for Physics 1 (lecture)Thursday2pm to 3:30pm Chemistry 1A (tutorial)4pm to 6pm Physics 1A Foundations (tutorial)Friday9am to 9:50am Chemistry 1A (lecture)10am to 10:50am Physics 1A: Foundations (lecture)12:10pm to 1pm Mathematics for Physics 1 (lecture) 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.Support for your studies Where you will study Study location All teaching and labs are based at the King's Buildings campus with Year 1 chemistry labs taking place in the Nucleus building.The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus. Academic facilities You will have access to:research laboratoriesthe University's librariescomputer facilitiesFind out more about the Nucleus Building Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the School of Chemistry and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.Take a virtual tour of the School of ChemistryView panoramas of the School of Chemistry Career paths and further study Accreditation This degree programme is accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Institute of Physics. It fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem).RSC development information for Chartered Chemists Career paths A degree in chemistry is a wise choice for your future employability and earning potential.Employability of chemistry graduatesChemical Physics graduates find careers in a range of technology sectors and industries like:petrochemical and renewablesaeronautical and space explorationnuclearThey also use their numerical, problem-solving and analytical skills in sectors such as:financemarketingadvertisingMany of our graduates progress to a higher degree, typically a PhD. Careers Service The Careers Service works closely with students and staff within the school to help you to:review what you have doneexplore your optionsplan next stepschart progress along the waySupport, which you can access throughout your studies and for two years after graduation, includes:tailored careers adviceone-to-one appointments and practice interviewsa comprehensive range of workshops and careers fairsaccess to a range of online resourceshelp to find work while you study and after you graduateVisit the Careers Service website Further study After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:a masters degreea postgraduate diploma or certificatea PhDa second undergraduate degreeFind out about options for further study Graduate profiles Read our undergraduate alumni profiles to find out more about their student experience and their careers.School of Chemistry graduate profilesOur global alumni networkWe have a diverse community of alumni spread across the world. In the School of Chemistry, we provide opportunities for you to connect with this global network during your studies through panel discussions, workshops and dedicated online communities.From getting to know Edinburgh to transitioning to life after graduation, you will benefit from the valuable insights of our supportive School of Chemistry alumni. Max SchererDegree: MChem Chemical PhysicsYear of graduation: 2017My time in Edinburgh and at the University has to include some of my most fond memories and formative experiences. The friends I made and the skills I learned over the five years will be with me for the rest of my life; and will always be rooted in Edinburgh.I chose Edinburgh for its unique Chemical Physics programme, a keystone interdisciplinary subject accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.My year in industry at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US; where I built laser optics systems for Brillouin spectroscopy instrumentation and ran atomistic simulations. This was my first real taste of independent scientific research.Alumni profile Max Scherer Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Academic Technology Approval Scheme If you need to apply for a Student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme. Academic Technology Approval Scheme Life at Edinburgh What our students say I chose to come to Edinburgh primarily because it offered a Chemical Physics degree. In high school I knew I wanted to study physics, but I also wanted to continue to learn about chemistry, because the science that lies at the interface between the two fields was what interested me the most.Edinburgh is an amazing city to live and study in, particularly because of how many outdoor spaces there are around. Want to get away from the library? Just go for a stroll in the Meadows, or hike up Arthur’s Seat. There’s also plenty of cosy cafes and interesting galleries around to go for a study break. Simone Eizagirre Barker MChem Chemical Physics, graduated 2019 Alumni profile Simone Eizagirre Barker Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf 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.SocietiesSports clubs Chemistry Society (ChemSoc)The Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) is here to catalyse the bond formation between chemists alike. The society organises both academic talks and social events, with an end of semester ceilidh and games night with professors being hits in previous years.You will be able to meet like-minded peers in mixer events and be a part of the oldest chemistry society in the world. ChemSoc also organise the iconic end of year ChemBall.ChemSocChemistry Academic Families (CAcFams)Chemistry Academic Families (CAcFams) is an inter-year group where you are sorted into families with 'parents' from Year 3 and Year 4.It is a great opportunity for you to get involved in the chemistry community and meet chemistry students from both your year and other years who will be able to give advice on all aspects of university life.CAcFams Physics and Astronomy Society (PhysSoc)The Physics and Astronomy Society is open to all students who are interested in physics and astronomy, whether you study physics or are just interested in it.We host a wide variety of events from pub quizzes to academic talks by professors. We also have observing nights and observatory tours which run throughout the year.We welcome all to our society and strive to create a space where people can share their love for the subject and get to know each other in a casual setting.PhysSoc 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 to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association 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 servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
