Chemistry Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
Course Overview - Chemistry Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
Heriot-Watt University ranked first in Scotland for chemistry in the Guardian University Guide 2020.
Chemistry is a dynamic and exciting subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It is a major contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and as such is a secure career pathway. Chemistry plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.
MChem Chemistry Overview\
MChem Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University is a 5-year undergraduate degree accredited by the ...
Heriot-Watt University ranked first in Scotland for chemistry in the Guardian University Guide 2020.
Chemistry is a dynamic and exciting subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It is a major contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and as such is a secure career pathway. Chemistry plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.
MChem Chemistry Overview\
MChem Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University is a 5-year undergraduate degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Studying this degree provides you with the option to study a year abroad if you wish, or complete a year-long industrial placement, or specialise in a chosen field to enhance employability. The degree is flexible and you can choose to follow these routes or not.
Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.
In lessons, we make sure the theory we teach is linked to these practical applications so that, when you graduate, you will be ready to tackle real world problems head-on, from the biggest global challenges to specific issues related to their chosen industries.
This degree includes extensive laboratory work throughout to ensure you have hands-on experience and opportunities to link theoretical knowledge from lectures to real world applications. You will develop practical lab experience as well as much needed teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.
Your career prospects\
Through the selection of optional courses, our MChem degree gives students the chance to specialise in a chosen field of chemistry including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Materials and Nanoscience.
Chemistry graduates from Heriot-Watt University have a good reputation with employers who appreciate their practical abilities, confidence, and communication skills in addition to the extensive, cutting-edge theoretical knowledge they possess.
Graduates from chemistry can work in a number of roles across a diversity of fields within the pharmaceutical, biomedical, biochemical, health care, agriculture, food, drink and water industries. Opportunities also exist in the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace and communications industries.
Study abroad\
Students on MChem Chemistry can choose to study one year of their degree with a Heriot-Watt University partner institution in Australia, North America, Spain, Germany or France.
Accreditation\
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-13
Campus
Edinburgh Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B58-F34
Institution Code
H24
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2
Entry Requirements
A level
B,B,B
including Chemistry and Maths/Physics for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: BBB including Chemistry and Maths.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths) for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths)
Scottish Higher
A,A,A,B
including A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30.0
with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics/Physics at 5 for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: 34 points with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics at 6.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND
Pass
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
P
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
A level
B,B,B
Standard Entry Requirements: Must include Chemistry and Maths/Physics Minimum Entry Requirements: Must include Chemistry and Maths/Physics with one at B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Higher
A,A,A,B
Standard Entry Requirements: Must include A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science Minimum Entry Requirements: Must include B in Chemistry and B in one of Maths / Physics / Engineering Science.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit
Scottish HND
Pass
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
P
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Scottish HND
Pass
HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units.
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Oct, 2026
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £26,840 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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