MSci Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: FH18
  • Accreditation: Institution of Chemical Engineers, Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Ranked: 4th in the UK (1st in Scotland) for Chemical Engineering / Top 10 for Chemistry (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

  • International study: opportunities in Year 3

Study with us

  • for those who want to combine their interest in chemistry with knowledge of chemical engineering
  • created with industry in mind to bridge the gap between engineers and chemists
  • extensive practical work provides the preparative and analytical skills which employers are looking for
  • opportunity to undertake projects in industry or at one of our partner universities abroad
  • gain expertise to transform small-scale laboratory practice into industrial-scale chemical operations
  • benefit from bursary schemes available for Chemistry undergraduates
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Why this course?

The MSCi in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering provides a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and chemical engineering. It also gives you an appreciation of the expertise needed to transform small-scale laboratory practice into large-scale chemical operations used in the industry.

This course will ensure you're well equipped to enter the industry with the range of skills which employers are looking for.

Teaching and classes are divided equally between the Departments of Pure & Applied Chemistry and Chemical & Process Engineering. Both departments have strong industrial links and a history of teaching students specifically for the chemical industry.

The course involves extensive practical work that builds on the theory you’ll learn in lectures. You’ll also develop communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work safely.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Year 1

Classes in Chemistry, Mathematics and Chemical Engineering. Chemistry practical classes help you to master basic preparative and analytical skills. You also choose an elective subject.

Years 2 and 3

Fundamental Organic and Physical Chemistry plus supporting classes. Practical Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry and Safety. Fluid Flow & Heat Transfer, Process Analysis and Statistics, plus Mathematics. You'll have a choice of electives from chemistry, engineering or the wider university prospectus. Laboratory work increases and your practical skills are enhanced with computer modelling and group exercises to develop presentation skills.

Year 4

Students undertake a Chemical Engineering Design research project, plus further Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry & Spectroscopy and Process Control & Environmental technology.

Year 5

You'll specialise in the areas and applications of chemistry and chemical engineering that interest you most. An Applied Chemistry research project will enable you to use your practical skills and knowledge to solve a new chemical challenge, working in one of our specialist research laboratories with full-time researchers on real chemistry challenges.

Facilities

Our high-quality, bright and modern laboratories include a range of specialist equipment in both departments. You'll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art machinery used in industry and research.

Student competitions

In recent years, our students have won:

  • Salters Graduate prize
  • Low Carbon Undergraduate of the Year award
  • Carnegie Scholarship

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Chemical Engineers for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemical Engineer.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemist.

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If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Science student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

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Course content

Personal Development Planning (PDP)

You normally have the same Personal Development Adviser (PDA) throughout your degree. PDP is an important part of learning and personal development. It's not only associated with your university course, it allows you to plan for the future.

Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2 (40 Credits)

These lectures and tutorials cover all the broad areas of chemistry including: Analytical Chemistry, Structure & Bonding, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Spectroscopy.

Practical Chemistry for Chemical Engineers (10 Credits)

You will be introduced to the basic aspects of the chemical laboratory.

Mathematics 1B (20 Credits)

This class will reinforce and extend your knowledge and understanding of the basic algebra, trigonometry, calculus and complex number theory required by engineering students.

Mathematics 2B (20 Credits)

This class will provide you with an understanding of further calculus, geometry, vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations and numerical methods.

Basic Principles in Chemical Engineering (20 Credits)

In this module you will gain an understanding of:

  • chemical engineering terminology and how to construct and interpret simple process flow diagrams
  • how to convert units for given quantities, and interconvert mass flow-rates, molar flow-rates and volumetric flow-rates
  • how to perform mas balances across simple unit operations, including non-reactive and reactive systems using component balances, element balances and total mass balances
  • how to perform energy balances across simple unit operations, including the determination of heats of reaction at standard conditions and elevated temperatures
  • transferable skills in researching literature and report preparation following a themed laboratory session on renewable energies

Chemical Engineering: Fundamentals, Techniques and Tools (20 Credits)

In this module you will be provided with an understanding of scientific concepts underlying chemical engineering and processes. The first semester covers engineering principles including process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, pressure and fluid flow, and phase behaviour. The second semester covers energy concepts, including renewable energies, thermodynamics, radiative heat transfer and electronic material properties relevant to chemical engineering. The computing labs demonstrate how to use computers to analyse data and solve equations. This module also embeds transferable skills into the course work, including research skills, presentations, written reports, teamwork, and time management.

Mathematics 3B (20 Credits)

In this module you will develop the means of solving certain differential equations; to consider applications of Taylor and Maclaurin series; to generalize earlier ideas in calculus to deal with functions of several variables; to discuss in more detail matrices; determinants and functions of a complex variable; and to introduce vector calculus and eigenvalues/eigenvectors.

Fundamental Organic Chemistry (20 Credits)

This module covers the fundamental principles of infra-red, ultra-violet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy; develops competence in the interpretation of spectra and your awareness of the role of spectroscopic techniques. It will also develop your knowledge of reactions, understanding of mechanisms and appreciation of the role of reactivity in organic chemistry.

Physical Chemistry 1 (20 Credits)

This module provides a broad knowledge of the important concepts in Thermodynamics, investigating the major features as applied to chemical systems. Topics include:

  • the importance of reaction rates in chemical systems
  • concepts of the electrode/solution interface
  • equilibrium and electron transfer kinetics
  • mass transport
  • the composition and utilisation of fossil fuels with their environmental pollutants
  • nuclear and renewable energy sources

Practical Organic, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Safety (20 Credits)

You'll receive a practical demonstration of topics contained in the lectures. You'll develop basic laboratory skills in preparative chemistry and analysis, and gain experience in the applications of spectroscopy and common instrumental techniques. You’ll also develop skills in the demonstration of physical chemical principles, observation, the use of statistical methods, interpretation of data and the writing of laboratory reports.

Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer (20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to the properties and behaviour of fluids and the principles of heat transfer and the application of these concepts to practical engineering problems.

Process Analysis and Statistics (20 Credits)

In this module you will gain knowledge in material and energy balances, the behaviour of gases, vapour pressure, vapour liquid equilibrium and thermochemistry/physics. This knowledge forms the foundation of Chemical Engineering. You will also gain a fundamental understanding of the basic statistical techniques (probability distributions, method comparisons and regression analysis), that are routinely used in the chemical industries.

Elective Modules (10 Credits)

You can select elective modules freely from the University timetable subject to your possessing appropriate entrance qualifications, there being places available, and the times do not clash with compulsory chemistry classes.

Subjects are available in:

  • Science
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Arts & Humanities

Chemistry students are provided with a list of classes where the timetable is suitable, although other options are also available. Students often choose a language class as an elective.

Study abroad (Optional)

You have the option to spend your third year studying abroad in a sister University in the European Union or the European Free Trade Area. We're leading practitioners of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), designed to simplify and facilitate the planning and recognition of periods of study in other universities. Additional EU funding under the ERASMUS programme may be available to some students each year to supplement their SAAS grants. There will also be opportunities to spend third year at one of the premier universities in the USA or in Canada, but you will have to find some money towards the costs.

Practical Preparative and Physical Chemistry (20 Credits)

In this module you'll receive a practical demonstration of topics contained in the lectures. You'll develop basic laboratory skills in preparative chemistry and analysis, and gain experience in the applications of spectroscopy and common instrumental techniques. You’ll also develop skills in the demonstration of physical chemical principles, observation, the use of statistical methods, interpretation of data and the writing of laboratory reports.

Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy (20 Credits)

This module teaches you modern NMR spectroscopy as it is applied to chemistry. It covers:

  • skills for handling and interpreting NMR data for the purposes of chemical structure elucidation
  • theoretical basis of the NMR experiment using the vector formalism
  • reactivities of organic molecules
  • organic syntheses using the disconnection approach
  • synthesis and reactivities of electron-poor and electron-rich heterocyclic molecules

It provides an insight into the role of computational chemistry in chemical research and training in the use of modern computational chemistry software.

Inorganic Chemistry (20 Credits)

This module will provide you with a broad knowledge of the important concepts in inorganic chemistry from which more specialist topics can be tackled. This includes investigation of the chemistry of the main group and transition metals and introduces topics at the forefront of inorganic and materials chemistry.

Mass Transfer and Separation Processes (20 Credits)

In this module, you will gain a thorough understanding of mass transfer and industrial separation processes.

Chemical Process Design and Simulation (20 Credits)

This module aims to build your competence on the analysis, synthesis and integration of chemical processes and enable you to develop preliminary plant-wide designs. An important element of the module involves the use of simulation software to carry out process design calculations.

On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:

  • extract and use information about a process presented in process diagrams
  • implement process calculations based on process diagram information (for example thermodynamics, mass, heat and energy balances) to check whether a design is feasible
  • develop process design, size the main pieces of equipment and perform preliminary synthesis and integration, using simulation software where appropriate
  • present process design documentation in a concise and coherent manner and work collaboratively in teams

Reactors (10 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to the principles of chemical reactors and reactor design across a range of chemical engineering contexts, as a first and fundamental course in reactors. From fundamentals of energy and mass balance the course proceeds in increasing complexity of reactor design and performance. The module also aims to bring about an appreciation and judgement of how to optimise for single and multiple reactions as well as the effect of multiple reactors for increased capacity and performance.

Chemical Engineering Practice (10 Credits)

This module aims to

  • provide you with an introduction to the operation of various items of process plant equipment, related health and safety considerations and relevant chemical engineering principles, including process control
  • provide you with an opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with unit operations
  • enable you to be able to perform laboratory experiments, analyse data and present the outcomes/results
  • provide you with a fundamental understanding of scientific programming and the operation of MATLAB
  • provide you with the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with solving problem using MATLAB
  • enable you to present outcomes/analysis using professional software

On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:

  • gain confidence in handling equipment and in taking basic measurements; acquire basic laboratory skills
  • develop a facility for critically appraising experimental procedures and results; present results of experimental work in a logical and concise manner of writing
  • develop an appreciation of the need for safety in industrial environment and introduction to risk assessments
  • plan and carry out a given piece of practical work with a minimum of supervision; contribute to teamwork
  • develop MATLAB algorithms to solve statistical and numerical problems
  • present outcomes/analysis using professional software

Physical Chemistry 2 (20 Credits)

In this module you will be provided with core knowledge and skill in physical chemistry, as an essential basis for a competent graduate in chemistry. This will include: the electronic structure of atoms and molecules; the principles of bonding in molecules as described by valence bond and molecular orbital theories; group theory, the symmetry of molecules and their properties; statistical mechanics; and, intermolecular forces.

Inorganic Chemistry, Structures and Spectroscopy (20 Credits)

In this module you will gain a more advanced view of main group and transition metal coordination and organometallic chemistry. Themes to be covered include ligands and their influence on complexes, trends in structure and bonding, stereochemistry, reactivity, and the application of spectroscopic and other methods of identification.

Process Control and Environmental Technology (20 Credits)

This module aims to meet the requirements of the IChemE model syllabus for basic chemical engineering control knowledge and to teach application of chemical principles, biochemical engineering and reaction engineering to solve pollution control issues including design of water treatment plants.

Chemical Engineering Design (60 Credits)

In this module you will have the opportunity to apply chemical engineering knowledge in the context of applications and industry-focused chemical engineering in a design project. The project allows students to work in a team-based process design project as is expected and experienced in an industrial situation.

Topics in Chemistry (20 Credits)

This module covers more advanced topics in chemistry. You will study the core topic:

  • Polymers: Synthesis and Chemical Properties

 and you can choose from:

  • Key reactions in organic chemistry
  • Cage & cluster molecules
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Chemistry in the Excited State
  • Molecular Catalysis
  • Solid State Chemistry
  • Interpretative Spectroscopy
  • Nanochemistry Applications in Medicinal Chemistry
  • Surface Analysis And X-ray Techniques
  • Atomic And Nuclear Spectroscopy
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Process Analysis

MSci Chemical Engineering Modules (40 Credits)

In this module, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in a number of areas within chemical engineering, such as:

  • Safety Management Practices 
  • Molecular Simulation in Chemical Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Clean Combustion Technologies
  • Electrochemical Energy Devices
  • Advanced Process Analysis & Simulation
  • Project Planning, Management & Methods

Final-Year Project & Dissertation (60 Credits)

Over the course of the year, you'll complete a practical research project relating to your chosen area of chemistry under the supervision of one of our experienced academics, leading to the production of a dissertation.

Learning & teaching

Each year contains compulsory classes. Some years contain either optional classes, which relate to different areas of chemistry and chemical engineering and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.

In Years 1 to 3, you’ll learn the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry and chemical engineering graduates. This is supported by group tutorials and workshops. Chemistry and chemical engineering are both practical subjects so you’ll also be trained in chemical engineering and all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.

Year 4 involves some taught classes and an engineering design project. In your final year, you'll study advanced chemistry and chemical engineering and complete an independent research project in your chosen chemistry field. It may be possible to undertake Year 4 & 5 projects in industry or at one of our partner universities abroad.

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Entry requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

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Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: AAAB

(Chemistry A, Maths A and Physics are required)

Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics.

Advanced Higher Chemistry and Maths recommended for S6 study and to compensate for missed Higher grades in S5.

Minimum entry requirements**: 

Year 1 entry: AABB/AAAC (Chemistry A, Maths A and Physics)

Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics.

Advanced Higher Chemistry and Maths recommended for S6 study and to compensate for missed Higher grades in S5. Applicants with grades slightly below the minimum requirements may be considered for admission subject to successful completion of the Strathclyde STEM Summer School.

Advanced Highers

Year 2 entry: ABB

(Chemistry, Maths, Physics)

A Levels

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: ABB

(Chemistry, and one of Maths or Physics) 

Year 2 entry: ABB

(Chemistry, Maths, Physics)

International Baccalaureate

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 2 entry: 34

(Chemistry, Maths, Physics all at HL)

Year 1 entry: 34

(Chemistry at HL and one of Maths or Physics at HL)

HNC/HND

Year 1 entry: relevant HNC, A in Graded Unit

Year 2 entry: relevant HND, AAA in Graded Units

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

Deferred entry

Accepted

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Contextual Admissions for Widening Access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.

Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

To be confirmed.

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

To be confirmed subject to confirmation by the UK government.

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£27,800

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs
  • lab coats and safety goggles (approximately £30)
  • molecular modelling kits are recommended but are not a compulsory requirement (£20)
  • class materials (such as lecture notes and exercise sheets) for PAC classes are freely available for download
  • students may wish to supplement their material by accessing textbooks which are in the range of £40 to £80, however all recommended reading texts are available in the library

International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my studies?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

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Careers

A degree in chemistry opens doors to a wide variety of employment opportunities both in the UK and further afield. The range of available jobs is considerable and encompasses many different types of chemistry and industries. From nanotechnology to large-scale chemical plants, from the drinks and pharmaceutical industries to teaching, the opportunities are numerous.

This course's dual accreditation from both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institution of Chemical Engineers and can lead to careers as a chemist or chemical engineer.

Chemistry graduates compete very successfully for jobs in all branches of the chemical industry as a result of their recognised expertise. These are well-rewarded careers that will allow you to go onto supervisory and management roles.

The range of problem-solving, analytical and management skills gained during a degree in Chemical Engineering means that chemical engineers are highly employable in a wide range of businesses. Jobs range from research and development, the design, commissioning and management of plants, to product marketing and technical services. Employers include large organisations such as ExxonMobil, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Diageo.

How much will I earn?

The average graduate salary is around £28,600. The salary for chemical engineers with experience is around £53,000.

Chartered chemical engineers can earn around £78,500.

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

  • Biotechnologist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Colour technologist
  • Energy engineer
  • Nuclear engineer
  • Petroleum engineer
  • Product/process development scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

  • Analytical chemist
  • Energy manager
  • Environmental engineer
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Mining engineer
  • Production manager
  • Quality manager
  • Waste management officer
  • Water engineer

Information taken from Prospects (June 2024).

International alumni

Our chemistry international alumni are almost 4,000 strong in locations all over the globe. After completing a chemistry course here at Strathclyde, they're now living and working in locations across Europe, including Spain, Germany and Italy as well as further afield, in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Middle East and the USA.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Apply

Start date:

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date:

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (2 year entry)

Start date:

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date:

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (2 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2025

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

Apply now

Start date: Sep 2025

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (2 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

Apply now

Start date:

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date:

Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (2 year entry)

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Contact us

Find out more about the programme

Roslyn Nimmo

Admissions Assistant

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 2282

Email: chemistry.enquiry@strath.ac.uk

Dr Fraser Scott

Academic Selector

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 2800

Email: chemistry.enquiry@strath.ac.uk

Charlie O’Hara

Director of Teaching

Telephone: 0141 548 3537

Email: Charlie.ohara@strath.ac.uk