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Chemistry is the science of everyday life – allowing us to explain properties of substances, their structures and the changes they undergo. Consequently, the chemical industry is central to the modern world economy and chemistry graduates have a wide range of employment options open to them in oil, gas, energy and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in consumer products.
Overview
At the School of Physical Sciences we have a strong teaching record in analytical chemistry and we are proud to link our world-leading research on materials chemistry to our undergraduate programmes. All practical classes take place in our newly refurbished laboratories, where you use the latest equipment.
This four-year MChem programme gives you the opportunity to work as part of a research group conducting cutting-edge research.
Think Kent video series
Dr Barry Blight, Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the University of Kent, discusses the use of lanthanide phosphorescence to create a Turn OFF sensor for bacterial spores such as Bacillus Anthracis (used as the carrier for the Anthrax bioweapon).
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2016, Chemistry at Kent was ranked 3rd for overall satisfaction. Chemistry students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey).
*conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Teaching and assessment
The degree is made of a combination of lectures, laboratory classes, project work and problem solving seminars.
Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and other assignments. You must pass the Stage 1 examinations in order to go on to Stage 2.
Coursework assessments include practical laboratory skills, presentation skills as well as essay and report writing.
Please note that there are degree thresholds at stages 2 and 3 that you will be required to pass in order to continue onto the next stages.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- instil a sense of enthusiasm for chemistry, an appreciation of its application in different contexts and involve students in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying
- provide a broad, balanced foundation of chemical knowledge and practical skills
- extend this knowledge and practical ability to an advanced level in a selected specialist area and develop a critical awareness of advances in chemical science
- provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable
- develop the ability to apply knowledge and skills to the solution of chemical science problems
- develop the ability to apply chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems
- develop a wide range of practical skills, including the knowledge, understanding and ability to assess safety in the laboratory environment
- impart a range of appropriate skills, of value in chemical and non-chemical employment
- provide a stimulating, research-active environment in which students are supported and motivated to achieve their academic and personal potential
- enable students to graduate with an understanding of scientific methodology, the ability to use this in the solution of problems in and outside of a laboratory environment, and the ability to undertake and report on an experimental investigation using such methodology
- to further use and adapt this methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems and in the pursuit of advanced experimental investigations
- establish an appreciation of the importance and sustainability of the chemical sciences in an industrial, academic, economic, environmental and social context
- provide the knowledge and skills to proceed to graduate employment or continue with further studies
- to further prepare you for a professional role in chemical sciences (employment or doctoral studies)
- to further develop students’ work-related skills and provide experience of workplace culture via a year in industry.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- core and foundation scientific physical, biological, and chemical concepts, terminology, theory, units, conventions, and laboratory practise and methods in relation to the chemical sciences
- advanced theory, concepts, and practice in the chemical sciences
- areas of chemistry including properties of chemical elements, states of matter, organic functional groups, physiochemical principles, organic and inorganic materials, synthetic pathways, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, fires and explosions
- appreciate developments at the forefront of some areas of chemical sciences
- Master’s students will develop an in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of a substantial area of chemistry including contemporary materials chemistry.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject and to apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems
- recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution by the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of scientific information and data
- adapt and apply methodology above to solve advanced and unfamiliar problems
- use computational methods for the practical application of theory and to use information technology and data-processing skills to search for, assess and interpret chemical information and data
- essay writing and presenting scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences and the ability to communicate complex scientific argument to a lay audience.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- the safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use and risk assessment of such hazards
- the ability to carry out documented standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work in relation to organic and inorganic systems. Skills in observational and instrumental monitoring of physiochemical events and changes and the systematic and reliable documentation of the above. Operation of standard analytical instruments employed in the chemical sciences
- the ability to select appropriate techniques and procedures for the above
- collate, interpret and explain the significance and underlying theory of experimental data, including an assessment of limits of accuracy
- use an understanding of the limits of accuracy of experimental data to inform future work
- implement research projects, including competence in the design and execution of experiments
- research, project planning and implementation, including competence in the planning, design and execution of experiments, and the ability to work independently and be self-critical in the evaluation of risks, procedures and results.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- communication, covering written and oral communication
- the ability to undertake further training of a professional nature
- problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have to be made on the basis of limited information
- demonstration of self-direction and originality
- numeracy and computational skills, including such aspects as error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation
- information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including through online computer searches
- word-processing and spreadsheet use, data-logging and storage, and internet communication
- interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with other people and to engage in team working within a professional environment
- the ability to communicate and interact with professionals from other disciplines
- time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. Self-management and organisational skills with the capacity to support life-long learning
- effective research costing and planning
- study skills required for continuing professional development and professional employment
- the skills relevant to a career in the chemical sciences
- the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.
- independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
Careers
Chemistry students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey).
Recent graduates have gone into areas including research and development, contract laboratories, material and pharmaceutical industries as well as the oil industry.
Kent science graduates have an excellent employment record, in part because we ensure they have the transferable skills necessary for success in today’s employment market.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | ABB including B in Chemistry, including the practical endorsement of any science qualifications taken |
| GCSE | C in Mathematics |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding/studying BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) in a relevant Science subject at 180 credits or more, on a case by case basis. Please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 16 at HL including Chemistry 5 at HL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.