MPhil Chemistry

Year of entry: 2023

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Philosophy
Duration
1 Year [Full-Time]
Entry requirements
The standard academic entry requirements for an MPhil programme will be a Lower Second class UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Before applying we strongly recommend that you:

  1. Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
  2. Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
  3. Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor

In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .

Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:

Apply now

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MPhil Y Y N N

Programme description

This programme of research is for one year full-time or two years part-time study. You will require a minimum of a Lower Second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related discipline. Your research area can be chosen from Analytical, Biological, Inorganic, Materials, Organic, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology, Gene Expression, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Structural Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to find out about our upcoming events and open days.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MPhil (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £4,712; Band B £6,500; Band C £9,500; Band D £13,500; Band E £23,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500; Band E £54,000
  • MPhil (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £2,356; Band B £3,250; Band C £4,750; Band D £6,750; Band E £11,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £13,250; Band B £14,250; Band C £16,750; Band D £20,250; Band E £27,000

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

    Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

    Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • Goal 15: Life on land

    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Contact details

Department
Department of Chemistry
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 543 4026
Email
Website
https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk
School/Faculty

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirements for an MPhil programme will be a Lower Second class UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:

IELTS:  At least 6.5 overall with no subtest below 5.5.

TOEFL iBT:  At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.

Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59.

Further information on language requirements can be found on our website

Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a pre-sessional English course run by the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country .

Application and selection

How to apply

Before applying we strongly recommend that you:

  1. Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
  2. Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
  3. Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor

In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .

Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:

Apply now

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should have:

You’ll also need to make sure you have the following to hand:

  • Certificates: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation.
  • CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
  • Research proposal: If you are proposing your own project, your proposal should typically range between 1,000-1,500 words and should clearly outline your project title and supervisor. For information on how to write a research proposal, visit our research proposal page .
  • English language proof: All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English language so you'll need to include a certificate or evidence of your English language ability. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
This information will be reviewed and used to shortlist you for a funding interview if appropriate; you should therefore ensure that you address all of the above requirements.

Interview requirements

An interview is required for entry to this programme of study. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the admissions team.

Deferrals

It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).

You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .

If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.

Programme details

Programme description

This programme of research is for one year full-time or two years part-time study. You will require a minimum of a Lower Second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related discipline. Your research area can be chosen from Analytical, Biological, Inorganic, Materials, Organic, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biomolecular Science, Biotechnology, Gene Expression, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Structural Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Facilities

The Department has outstanding facilities, with for example 9 high resolution NMR spectrometers and 1 solid state, 3 area detectors and several powder systems for X-ray crystallography, and it hosts a national EPR service. Its research has been recognised both by funding bodies, who are currently providing over £40M of research grants, and by numerous national and international prizes and awards.  

We offer comprehensive academic coverage across the chemical sciences and in all the core sub-disciplines of chemistry. We have strong research links with more than 80 different companies and more than 150 overseas universities and research institutes.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The programmes we offer place our graduates in the best position to enhance their career prospects.  Many of our Masters students progress to PhD study.  A number of our PhD graduates have taken up postdoctoral research positions in the UK or overseas, where as others have chosen a career in academia or move into industry such as GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, NNL.  The nature of our degrees provides graduates with transferrable and specific skills needed for different careers.