MChem Chemistry with Teaching
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: F1XC
- Accreditation: Royal Society of Chemistry, General Teaching Council for Scotland
Ranked: Top 10 for Chemistry (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
Placement: teaching practice in schools
Study with us
This degree combines a Royal Society of Chemistry-accredited MChem course with professionally-accredited teacher training (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, Secondary).
Strathclyde provides this dual-accredited course at a higher level than anywhere else in the UK. Dual accreditation means you can move between careers in secondary education and the chemical industry.
The ability to change between the different courses offered is an important positive, and regardless of the specialisation you choose, when you leave the University at the end of your undergraduate course you will have a strong foundation in chemistry.
Craig,
Chemistry Graduate
Why this course?
The image of chemistry is rapidly changing. It’s recognised as an important aspect of forensic science, technological advancement and environmental protection. Inspirational teachers convey the exciting challenges chemists face and the importance of continuous discovery to our daily lives.
Uniquely, your final year project can be in educational approaches to chemistry, such as the development of practical experiments for schools.
Transferable skills are taught in all years and include IT, scientific writing, presentation skills, report writing and problem-solving.
You can study at a European university for one year of your degree.
It’s possible to switch between the other MChem courses and also the following shorter BSc degrees within the first three years:
- BSc (Hons) Chemistry
- BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Chemistry
- BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Drug Discovery

What you’ll study
You'll take foundation classes in chemistry and mathematics, and physics or biology at an introductory or advanced level. Classes in forensic science, drug discovery and chemical engineering are available.
Practical chemistry laboratory sessions help you to master basic preparative and analytical skills.
In the later years, you’ll take classes in fundamental inorganic, organic, biological and physical chemistry and laboratory work increases.
In Year 4 you will take classes that develop the pedagogy of teaching. Alongside these classes, a major part of year 4 in the School of Education at Strathclyde is school placements in Scottish secondary schools. There are 18 weeks of placement in total with one placement in each semester of the programme.
In your final year, you’ll specialise in the areas and applications that interest you most and undertake a research project in Chemistry with an educational aspect.
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.
Postgraduate study
This course equips you for life after graduation, be that employment in teaching or industry or further study.
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
Accreditation
Accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemist.
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2
- analytical chemistry
- structure & bonding
- physical chemistry
- inorganic chemistry
- organic chemistry
- spectroscopy
Practical & Transferable Skills
Mathematics
- mathematical functions
- differentiation
- integration
- complex numbers
- matrices & vectors
Elective classes
You can select elective classes from the University if you have the appropriate entrance qualifications, there are 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, or Introduction to Forensic Science as an elective.
Transferable Skills
Inorganic Chemistry
Fundamental Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry 1
- the importance of reaction rates in chemical systems
- concepts of the electrode/solution interface
- equilibrium & electron transfer kinetics
- mass transport
- the composition & utilisation of fossil fuels with their environmental pollutants
- nuclear & renewable energy sources
Forensic Trace Analysis & Analytical Chemistry
This class provides fundamental concepts of separation science and outlines its importance in obtaining information about analytes in a sample. It also covers the fundamental concepts of recovery of trace evidence and treatment of materials to provide identification. You're taught how to handle, examine and assess errors in chemical measurements.
Study abroad
You'll have the option to spend 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.
Transferable Skills
Physical Chemistry 2
- 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
Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy
- skills for handling and interpreting NMR data for the purposes of chemical structure elucidation
- the theoretical basis of the NMR experiment using the vector formalism
- the reactivities of organic molecules
- organic syntheses using the disconnection approach
- the synthesis and reactivities of electron-poor and electron-rich heterocyclic molecules
- insight into the role of computational chemistry in chemical research and training in the use of modern computational chemistry software
Inorganic Chemistry, Structures & Spectroscopy
This class provides 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
- the application of spectroscopic and other methods of identification
- modern spectroscopy as it is applied in chemistry
Practical Physical, Applied, Forensic & Analytical Chemistry
- the demonstration of physical chemical principles
- observation
- the use of statistical methods
- interpretation of data and the writing of laboratory and court reports
Practical Physical, Applied & Drug Discovery Chemistry
You'll conduct experiments in physical and applied chemistry and in chemistry relating to drug discovery, gaining practical experience of theoretic aspects of physical, applied and synthetic medicinal chemistry covered in lectures.
You'll develop laboratory skills in:
- physical chemistry and analytical observation
- the use of statistical methods
- synthetic medicinal chemistry and analysis
- applications of spectroscopy and common instrumental techniques
- the writing of laboratory reports
Analytical Chemistry & Drugs of Abuse
This class covers the fundamental analytical methods and advanced theories in chromatography, mass spectrometry and electro-separations. It introduces the concept of experimental design and its application in analytical, forensic and preparative chemistry, and how to perform analytical calculations and interpret data.
The analytical procedures used to identify substances controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, the Medicines Act 1968 and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Students are introduced to methods of clandestine synthesis and how drug profiling can identify the synthetic route used. The pharmacology of drugs of abuse and the various biological matrices used in drug screening will also be described.
Chemical Biology
This course provides a detailed overview on the structure, function and chemistry of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates.
Topics include:
- protein & nucleic acid folding
- energetics of macromolecular interactions (kinetics & thermodynamics)
- mechanistic enzymology
The overarching theme in this course is that structure and function are intimately linked.
Educational Studies: Professional Values
This class will explore the theoretical underpinnings of education: its nature and purpose, its ethical and political significance in terms of social justice, equality and the environment, and the expression of these ideas in policy and legislation.
Professional Learning Through Enquiry
Professional Learning through Enquiry aims to develop students as enquiring, self-reflective practitioners who are able to work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of professional practice that will benefit children and young people throughout Scotland and beyond.
Professional Skills: Professional Practice
In this module, students will explore, experience and extend the links between effective pedagogy, the curriculum and the learner’s experience in a secondary school environment.
Professional Skills: Curriculum and Pedagogy Chemistry 1
The module will provide active and collaborative opportunities for students to explore how to plan discrete, integrated, and interdisciplinary curricular learning with a particular focus on the teaching of chemistry and general science.
Distance Learning Assignment
Students will complete two assignments by distance:
- Oxidation and Reduction in Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Mechanisms.
Transferable Skills
You'll complete two oral presentations, and are given feedback on both presentation style and content.
You'll also attend sessions on:
- thesis writing
- including plagiarism software
- Endnote referencing
- scientific writing
- chemical drawing software
Core Chemistry
- organic chemistry
- cage & cluster molecules
- environmental chemistry
- interpretative spectroscopy
- transition metal chemistry
- nanochemistry
- understanding molecules & materials
Chemistry Specialisation
Subjects include:
- advanced & modern methods in organic synthesis
- molecular catalysis
- photochemistry & industrial catalysis
- polymers: synthesis & chemical properties
- solid state chemistry
- advanced electrochemistry
MChem Project & Dissertation
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 so students will also gain training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.
The fourth year of the course is equivalent to the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education and qualifies you to teach. During this year, you’ll also continue to learn chemistry through some distance learning assignments.
In your final year, you’ll study advanced chemistry and complete an independent research project in your chosen field, including chemistry education.
Assessment
Assessment methods include short answer class tests, multiple-choice tests, end of year examinations, oral presentation and group project work.
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.
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 GlasgowEntry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
Highers | Standard entry requirements*:Year 1 entry: AABB/AAAC (Chemistry B, Maths B and English C 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: ABBC/BBBB (Chemistry B, Maths B and English C) 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 | Year 2 entry: ABB (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology, and Higher English C) |
A Levels | Standard entry requirements*:Year 1 entry: ABB (Chemistry and one of Maths, Physics or Biology. GCSE English Language 4/C and English Literature 4/C) Year 2 entry: ABB (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology, GCSE English Language 4/C and English Literature 4/C) |
International Baccalaureate | Standard entry requirements*:Year 2 entry: 34 (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology all at HL, English SL6) Year 1 entry: 34 (Chemistry at HL and one of Maths, Physics or Biology at HL, English SL6) |
HNC/HND | Year 1 entry: relevant HNC, A in Graded Unit, (Higher English C or equivalent required) Year 2 entry: relevant HND, AAA in Graded Units, (Higher English C or equivalent required) |
International students | International students should apply to our BSc Hons Chemistry with Teaching (International). |
Additional information
- deferred entry is accepted
- students are required to register with the Scottish Government’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG) before they start year 4 of the programme
- please note that applicants who are made an offer of study will be required to attend an interview
*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' sectionFees & 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. |
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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 | We have a wide range of scholarships available. Have a look at our scholarship search to find a scholarship. |
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.
Careers
Most graduates from this course follow the career path of a secondary teacher but you can also compete very successfully for jobs in all branches of the chemical industry.
There are also major opportunities for chemists in other areas. A study of chemistry develops logical thought and numeric skills, and the ability to write accurate and concise reports. As a result, our chemists are in demand for employment in national and local government services, in hospitals and education at all levels.
How much will I earn?
The starting annual salary for a probationer teacher in Scotland is £21,867. After your probationary year, your salary will increase to £26,235 and increase an increment each year up to £34,887. A principal teacher can earn up to £49,086 while a headteacher can earn from £43,137 to £84,201.
If you teach in a remote school or on certain islands you may get an additional allowance. £1,928 for a distance island and £1,320 or £2,475 for a remote school.
Visit Teach in Scotland website for more information.
Apply
International students should apply to our BSc Hons Chemistry with Teaching (International).
Start date:
Chemistry with Teaching (2 year entry)
Start date:
Chemistry with Teaching (1 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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