MChem Chemistry with Data Science
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: F105
Work placement: undertake a paid 12-month placement in the chemical industry, either in the UK or abroad
Study with us
- The only course of its kind in Scotland to blend the study of chemistry with data science
- Bespoke data science modules designed and delivered by expert chemistry researchers
- Digital technologies will enable chemical sciences researchers to see further and go faster, working seamlessly across disciplinary and international boundaries
- Graduates with this degree will possess a unique skill set that combines expertise in traditional chemistry with proficiency in data analysis, making them highly sought after in various industries
Why this course?
The future of chemistry is resilient, digitally enhanced, multidisciplinary and globally connected. Digital technologies will enable chemical sciences researchers to see further and go faster, working seamlessly across disciplinary and international boundaries. Having tools such as these at our disposal will herald in a new era of discovery, and one which promises to deliver bigger and more significant improvements to the world we live in.
In this course, you’ll study core chemistry classes blended with specialist courses on coding (Python), chemical informatics, AI and machine learning, and software engineering and high-performance computing.
Graduates of this course will have excellent employment opportunities for multi-disciplinary data science jobs as well as all the usual careers open to a graduate chemist.
You will gain career-relevant experience during a 12-month industrial placement. You can also spend this placement year abroad.
It’s possible to switch between other MChem courses and also the following shorter BSc degrees within the first three years:
What you’ll study
You'll study foundation classes in Chemistry and Mathematics. You'll also attend a specialist class in coding, Python 101 for Chemists.
In later years, you'll study subjects including Fundamental Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, and laboratory work increases. You will also attend specialist classes in Chemical Informatics.
In Year 4, MChem students undertake a paid 12-month industrial placement. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements are also available.
In Year 5, in addition to studying core chemistry topics, you'll specialise in data science, through classes such as AI and machine learning, and software engineering and high-performance computing. Year 5 is also when you undertake a fully independent project researching cutting-edge chemistry.
Work placement
You’ll undertake a paid 12-month placement in the chemical industry, either in the UK or abroad. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements within the Department's 'Chemistry Clinic' are also available.
The Strathclyde chemistry industrial placement scheme is one of the longest-running in the UK, and more than 70 students are placed with companies each year.
The Chemistry Clinic
Find out more about the work of the Chemistry Clinic.
Major projects
You’ll complete a research project in one of our specialist research laboratories in your final year when you'll work with full-time researchers on real chemistry challenges.
Student competitions
Strathclyde chemistry students also compete successfully for national awards. In recent years, our students have won:
- Salters’ Graduate prize (£1,000)
- Low Carbon Undergraduate of the Year Award
- Carnegie Scholarship
- Most Meritorious Student award from the Forensic Science Society
The Dean of Science recognises exceptional performance each year through the Dean’s certificate for the best students in the Faculty.
Students can also win prizes including:
- P&G Bursary (£1,000 a year plus a one-year paid industrial placement)
- Chemistry International Alumni Ambassadors UG award for overseas travel (£1,000)
- Group third-year Poster Competition sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
- The RSC Prize in Analytical Chemistry
- Andersonian Centenary Medal Prize
- Beilby and Huddleston Prize
- ICI Chemical and Polymers Group Andersonian Centenary Prize
- GlaxoSmithKline Prize
- Syngenta Prize
Guest lectures
The Andersonian Chemical Society (the longest-running student organisation in the UK) organises guest speakers and other events, including very popular social events.
Learning & teaching
Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes, which relate to different areas of chemistry and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.
In Years 1 to 3, lectures give you the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry graduates. This is supported by small and large group tutorials. Chemistry is a practical subject and you'll gain training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.
Your fourth year is a 12-month industrial placement. You’ll continue your studies through distance learning assignments.
In your final year, you’ll study advanced chemistry and complete an independent research project in your chosen field.
Assessment
Assessment methods include short-answer class tests, multiple-choice tests, end-of-year examinations, oral presentations and group project work.
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 & Transferable Skills (20 Credits)
You will have one laboratory class per week which runs in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Mathematics 1C (20 Credits)
This module will provide you with a basic understanding of mathematical functions, differentiation, integration, complex numbers, matrices and vectors.
Python 101 for Chemists (20 Credits)
This class will provide you with the essential programming skills, within a chemistry context, to enable you to tackle a broad range of data-intensive chemistry problems and research challenges.
Foundation Science: Big Ideas for Chemists (20 Credits) (optional)
This module will provide you with a broad foundation in fundamental scientific thought and theory, underpinning your future as a professional scientist.
Elective modules (0 or 20 Credits) (Optional)
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.
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.
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 the 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 (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.
Practical Physical and Applied Chemistry and Chemical Analysis (20 Credits)
You'll conduct experiments and gain practical experience of the theoretical aspects covered in lectures. You'll develop skills in the demonstration of physical chemical principles, observation, the use of statistical methods, interpretation of data and the writing of laboratory reports.
Chemical Informatics 1 (20 Credits)
The class will provide you with the key skills that you require to work efficiently with chemical data in a computer.
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.
Physical Chemistry 2 (20 Credits)
This module provides you with an understanding of intermolecular forces and their importance in defining key aspects of chemical behaviour and molecular organization. It introduces:
- surface chemistry and the common systems in which it plays a major role
- the electronic structure of atoms and molecules through the prism of quantum chemistry
- group theory and how it can be applied to the determination of the symmetry of molecules and their properties
- the principles of bonding in molecules as described by valence bond and molecular orbital theories
Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry (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.
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, Structures & Spectroscopy (20 Credits)
This module provides you with 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. Also, modern spectroscopy as it is applied in chemistry.
Practical Physical, Applied, Forensic & Analytical Chemistry (20 Credits)
In this module you'll conduct experiments and gain practical experience of the theoretical aspects covered in lectures. You'll develop skills in: the demonstration of physical chemical principles; observation; the use of statistical methods; interpretation of data and the writing of laboratory and court reports.
Chemical Informatics 2 (20 Credits)
This module will provide you with knowledge of and skills in the application of multivariate methods for the analysis of chemical datasets.
Compulsory
Distance Learning (40 Credits)
Students on placement in Year 4 continue their studies using online learning materials, with progress assessed through the submission of coursework. Topics studied through distance learning include:
- Process analytical chemistry
- Oxidation and reduction processes in organic synthesis
- Polymers and mechanism
Optional
Choose one from the following:
Industrial Placement (80 Credits)
Students may undertake a 12-month placement in the UK or overseas at a chemical company. Examples of companies with which our students have been placed include GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Roche. In addition to providing you with relevant industrial experience, you will receive a salary from the company that you work for.
Research Placement (80 Credits)
Students may opt to undertake a 12-month placement within the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, working on a research project with one of our experienced academic staff to address real-life challenges in the field.
Knowledge Exchange Placement (80 Credits)
Students may opt to undertake a 12-month placement within Strathclyde’s ‘Chemistry Clinic’. This initiative provides opportunities for businesses to access advice, facilities and instrumentation from students and staff within Strathclyde’s Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, to further their projects, processes and materials.
Core chemistry (20 Credits)
This class covers more advanced topics in chemistry, such as:
- Key reactions in organic chemistry
- Chemical biology IIa
- Chemistry in the Excited State
MChem Chemistry with Data Science Specialisation (40 Credits)
In this class, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in a number of areas within data science, including:
- AI and machine learning
- Time series analysis for chemistry
- Software engineering and high performance computing
- Computational chemistry
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.
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Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
Note: Students joining our MChem Chemistry with Data Science have the option of transferring into the following BSc degrees from year 2 onward:
- Chemistry
- Forensic & Analytical Chemistry
- Chemistry with Drug Discovery
Highers |
Year 1 entry: AAAB (Chemistry A, Maths A and Physics or Computing Science 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. Year 1 entry: AABB/AAAC (Chemistry A, Maths A and Physics or Computing Science 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. Applicants with grades slightly below the minimum requirements may be considered for admission subject to successful completion of the Strathclyde STEM Summer School. |
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Advanced Highers | Minimum entry requirements: Year 2 entry: ABB (Chemistry, Maths and Physics or Computing Science) |
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 |
*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
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.
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.
Fees & funding
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.
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. |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | To be confirmed subject to confirmation by 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 |
Additional costs |
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International students | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see for more information. |
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.
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.
Careers
There’s a continuous demand for chemistry graduates. Our graduates compete successfully for jobs in all branches of the chemical industry. These are well-rewarded careers that allow you to go on to supervisory or management roles. Your chances of employment are substantially increased by the industrial placement and training.
A degree in chemistry opens doors to a wide variety of employment opportunities. The range of available jobs is considerable and covers many different types of chemistry and industries such as nanotechnology, large scale chemical plants, the drinks and pharmaceutical industries or teaching.
The MChem Chemistry with Data Science is specifically designed to produce graduates that are equipped in the traditional fields of chemistry with expertise in the increasingly data-driven world of science and industry. This innovative degree program will equip you with a unique skill set that is in high demand across various STEM sectors, including the pharmaceutic industry, materials science, environmental science, manufacturing and regulatory roles.
Your skills will also be in demand in other areas. A study of chemistry helps you develop logical thought and numerical skills and the ability to write accurate and concise reports. As a result, our chemists are in demand in national and local government, in hospitals and in education at all levels.
Apply
Start date:
Chemistry with Data Science (1 year entry)
Start date: Sep 2025
Chemistry with Data Science (1 year entry)
Start date:
Chemistry with Data Science (1 year entry)
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