This analytical chemistry masters is structured around a solid core comprised of the three main analytical techniques – Mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Each of these techniques contains a number of key common themes (data collection, analysis and management). Supporting modules feature further analytical techniques and serve to embed themes of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), facility management and enterprise into the programme. A group analytical project develops interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team and will be the first opportunity for students to independently fully exercise some of the components of the course taught in the first semester. The integral research project provides an opportunity to explore any of the main themes directly or as part of a collaborative synthetic/analytical investigation.
Analytical Chemistry is the largest employment area for the chemical sciences. The Instrumental Analytical Chemistry MSc gives you a boost to your bachelor’s degree that significantly increases your employability. We offer an advanced, instrumentation-driven postgraduate education in modern analytical chemistry with some elements in combination with one or more specialist research areas such as synthesis or data science.
You will receive comprehensive, hands-on, training with state-of-the-art research-led instrumentation in the techniques and provision of Mass Spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. This training will then be used in your research project, which focuses on the application of these techniques to most areas of mainstream chemistry.
The MSc masters in analytical chemistry programme will provide you with knowledge, understanding and strong practical skills in:
¹ Analytical science currently defined by the EPSRC as principally consisting of mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction
View the programme specification document for this course
With a masters in analytical chemistry you could find employment with:
Analytical chemistry underpins many important commercial enterprises from jet engine development to food production, and is also applied to many other academic disciplines such as Earth sciences, medicine, archaeology, pharmacy and forensics. This MSc seeks to train the next generation of analytical scientists in state-of-the-art methods and skills to tackle the challenges of this broad range of applications.
This programme is designed to provide comprehensive training in analytical chemistry and its implementation. A thorough understanding of error analysis, data processing and data presentation will be at the foundation of this programme.
The programme will contain minimum formal instruction, but emphasise self-learning and originality of thought. Students will develop and demonstrate self-direction and originality, and the independence required for continuing professional development.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a report (60 credits).
Core modules
Students take the following core modules (105 credits) and submit a research dissertation (60 credits).
*Students take these core modules in term one and only proceed to term two and select the research project if they have achieved 50% or greater in all three of the taught core modules.
Optional modules
Students choose one of the following options:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake a substantial research project selected from a range (60 credits).
Teaching and learning
This degree emphasises self-learning and is delivered through individual and team-based tasks. The programme will focus on developing students’ knowledge of analytical methodology, philosophy and design.
Assessment is by presentations, vivas, and problem-solving coursework. Only optional modules are presented more formally with lectures and written examinations.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Applied Analytical Chemistry MSc
Graduates will be equipped for varied employment in industry and the public sector: analytical science techniques have a very broad range of applications in many sectors, ranging from forensics to global climate change and medicine to the automotive industry.
Employability
The programme includes a module on project management offered by the UCL School of Management which will prepare students for careers in research or in analytical sciences. There are also modules on mastering entrepreneurship, and new technology ventures which will help students transform ideas into commercial entities.
Using a non-traditional approach this programme will prioritise independent learning and research. Students also participate in peer-review assessment of posters and talks. Peer assessment is an important transferable skill that is used widely in industrial and academic environments.
Emphasis will be on designing appropriate analytical methodologies and the relevant underpinning data handling, analysis and interpretation. The physics and chemistry behind state-of-the-art measurement technologies, their methods and application limitations will also be prioritised.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Chemistry
94% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Advance your knowledge of analytical chemistry, your practical skills and professional and organisation skills on this course. You learn the fundamentals of analytical chemistry and how it is applied to pharmaceutical, environmental and materials analyses.
The course is taught by researchers with an international reputation in advanced analytical techniques, such as the application of mass spectrometry to the analysis of biological matrices. Tutors also have expertise in production and detection of nanoparticles and detection of pollutants, particularly in soil.
This course is suitable if you wish to increase your knowledge and skills and increase your competitiveness in the job market or pursue a PhD. It will also suit you if you work in a chemistry-related profession and are seeking to further your career prospects.
You gain experience and understanding of
This is a multi-disciplinary course where you learn about various topics including statistics, laboratory quality assurance and control, environmental analysis and fundamentals of analytical instrumentation.
You also gain the transferable skills needed to continue developing your knowledge in science, such as data interpretation and analysis, experimental design and communication and presentation skills.
You complete a research project to develop your research skills and their application to real world situations. You are supported by a tutor who is an expert in analytical chemistry.
Your laboratory work is carried out in our teaching laboratories which are extensively equipped with the latest models of analytical instruments such as HPLCs and GCs. This is supplemented by access to our research facilities where you have access to more sophisticated equipment, such as NMR and a suite of various types of mass spectrometers.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Applicants should normally have a degree (bachelors or equivalent) in chemistry that is accredited by the RSC. Applicants whose first degree is not accredited by the RSC, or with overseas degrees or degrees in which chemistry is a minor component will be considered on a case by case basis on submission of their first degree transcript.
Candidates who do not meet the RSC criteria for accreditation will be awarded a non-accredited masters qualification on successful completion of the programme.
Applicants will be informed in writing at the start of the programme whether or not they possess an acceptable qualification and, if successful on the masters programme, will receive an RSC accredited degree. If you do not meet the RSC criteria for accreditation, you will be awarded a non-accredited masters after successfully completing the programme.
The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.
The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.
The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits.
Core modules:
Assessment methods include written examinations and coursework including
Research project assessment includes a written report and viva voce.
This course is aimed at either recent graduates or those already in employment who wish to develop a career in analytical chemistry or enhance their laboratory skills and knowledge in the techniques and methods used in a modern analytical science laboratory. It also offers you the training and knowledge to go on to research at PhD level in analytical science.
The MRes in Analytical Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students. In particular, it is geared towards the analytical professionals seeking to refresh their knowledge of analytical chemistry and recent graduates in a wide range of sciences allied to chemistry including, biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensic science and physics.
This course enables you to develop and further your knowledge of chemical analysis, with a carefully put together range of core modules. You can expand your interests further by selecting module options and an analytical chemistry led research project within one of the diverse range of internationally recognised analytical chemistry research groups (alongside PhD students and post doctoral research fellows).
We have links with scientists from AstraZeneca and Vectura who deliver some of the module content relevant to their workplace. Other guest lecturers from a variety of other companies and universities also present their research.
Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.
Chemists have always been in demand worldwide with pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, fine chemicals, and within research laboratories across the globe. The programme at Aberdeen is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Aberdeen is noted for Nobel prizes within Chemistry which include the invention of modern chromatography (Synge 1952) and the discovery of a new element - protactinium (Soddy 1921). Teaching at Aberdeen is informed by world class research within food security. Class sizes are kept small to enable you to have strong teaching interaction and support in your studies. You will be taught by many staff in the environment group (TESLA) and (MBC)
The programme focuses on specialised modern analytical methodology. The range of industries or institutes where these skills are asked for includes the pharmaceutical industry, environmental institutions, research institutes and also the oil & gas industry. There are many new innovations which require chemists with advanced skills to analyse and test new methods of providing health via IOT devices, smart phones and small sensors deployed throughout the body to quickly provide analysis and customised recommendations.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about fees:
Find out more from the programme page
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities
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