MSci Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
ApplyKey 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 2023)
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
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.
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 & 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.
Course content
Year 1
- Principles & Practice of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
- Foundation classes in Mathematics
- Practical chemistry laboratory sessions help you to master the basic preparative and analytical skills
- You’ll spend one afternoon in the laboratory; the rest of your time will be in lectures and tutorials.
Years 2 & 3
- Fundamental Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Practical Organic
- Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
- Safety Lab & Transferable Skills
- Fluid Flow & Heat Transfer
- Process Analysis & Statistics
- Mathematics
- Practical Preparative & Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy
- Mass Transfer & Separation Processes
- Chemical Engineering Design & Advanced Information Technology
- Reactors
- Chemical Engineering Practice
Year 4
This year is spent in the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering undertaking a detailed chemical engineering-focused research project.
Year 5
In the final year, you’ll undertake a chemistry research project, working with a research group, using your practical skills and knowledge to solve a new chemical challenge.
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.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements are for September 2023 entry.
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers | Standard entry requirements*:Year 1 entry: AAAB (Chemistry A, Maths A and Physics are required) 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) 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
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.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 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
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 should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | 2023/24: TBC *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 | £9,250 *Assuming no change in RUK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2023/24, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. |
| International | £22,450 |
| 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 |
International studentsInternational 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?
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.
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. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarships
If you're an international applicant applying for a full-time, on-campus undergraduate course in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 10% reduction of your tuition fees for each year of study. The first year of the scholarship will typically be £2,375 deducted from tuition fees.
Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee-paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time, on-campus undergraduate course in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time undergraduate course at Strathclyde in September 2023.
Faculty of Engineering International ScholarshipsCareers
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 starting salary is £27,000. The start salary for chemical engineers with experience is around £53,000.
Chartered chemical engineers can earn in excess of £70,000.*
Where are they now?
93% of our graduates are in work or further study.**
They compete very successfully for jobs in all branches of the chemical industry, both in the UK and overseas. The chance of employment is substantially increased by experience gained in undergraduate industrial placements and internships.
Our graduates are working in a range of interesting positions such as:
- analytical chemists
- chemical engineers
- forensic examiners
- forensic researchers
- police officers
- project engineers
- development chemists
- laboratory technicians
- technical associates
- research analysts
- chemistry teachers
Recent employers include:
- Atkins
- Begg Cousland & Co Ltd
- Ecolutia Services Ltd
- Exxon Mobile
- Intel
- Jacobs Engineering
- Maxoil Solutions
- Teijin Dupont Films
- University of Strathclyde
*Information is intended only as a guide.
**Based on the national Destination of Leavers Study.
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. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
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.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
Find out all about life in GlasgowApply
Start date: Sep 2023
Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (1 year entry)
Start date: Sep 2023
Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering (2 year entry)
Contact us
Find out more about the programme
Dr Lorraine Gibson
Director of Teaching
Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 2795
Email: lorraine.gibson@strath.ac.uk
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