MChem Chemistry with International Study

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and visit our School website .

A*AA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

If you miss the MChem grades, but meet the BSc grades (AAA), you will automatically be considered for the BSc option.  

GCSE/iGCSE at grade 7/A, or equivalent, in an appropriate European Language is also required for students wishing to enrol at a mainland European university in Year 3.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

If you miss the MChem grades, but meet the BSc grades (AAB, including A in Chemistry), you will automatically be considered for the BSc option. 

GCSE/iGCSE at grade 7/A, or equivalent, in an appropriate European Language is also required for students wishing to enrol at a mainland European university in Year 3.

Find out more about contextual admissions .

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

a) sat your examinations early;

or

b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

General Studies

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics. 

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language. 

37 points overall with 7,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

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

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: 

Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

Or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A-levels, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject, or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

Typically we require 85% overall with 9.0, 8.5, 8.5 in three written subjects, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate.

The A-level requirements for the Department of Chemistry are A*AA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester International Foundation Programme in are required to achieve grades A*AA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Programme are required to achieve A*AA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Department Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

We only offer access to BSc courses from this route. Please refer to the entry requirements for our BSc courses.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

We only offer access to BSc courses from this route. Please refer to the entry requirements for our BSc courses. 

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

We only offer access to BSc courses from this route. Please refer to the entry requirements for our BSc courses.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

D2, D3, D3 in Principal subjects, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A-level.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.  We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.

Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines .

If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department for your chosen course.

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Chemistry directly.

Further information for mature students .

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component
• TOEFL iBT 90 with no less than 20 in all other subscores
• An acceptable equivalent qualification

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

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.

All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person.

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell the admissions team why we should offer you a place here at Manchester. It will be read by an academic and administrative member of staff. We will be looking for evidence of the following: 

• the nature and extent of the interest in your chosen course;
• your motivation to study your course and potential to contribute to the teaching and learning environment within the Department;
• your academic ability and potential (what do you know about chemistry; what have you read about chemistry; how have you engaged with chemistry at school/college or independently; what aspects particularly interest you);
• we are also keen to hear about you - your interests, hobbies, extra-curricular experiences, career aspirations - and how these have prepared you for success on your chosen course.

All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview with an academic member of staff.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process .

Applicants are considered on their predicted grades, a good academic reference, their personal statement and an interview.

Promising applicants based in the UK will be invited to attend one of our UCAS Visit Days to meet staff and current students, take part in an academic interview, and find out what it's like to be a student here. These may take place in-person or online and normally run from November until the end of March.

We welcome applications from overseas.  We have no quota limitations for international applicants and offer Chemistry International Scholarships.  International applicants are also eligible to apply for the Faculty Academic Excellence Scholarships.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.

Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course. We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings, provided they were taken over the standard two-year period.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing the places will be subject to availability.

We are happy to consider students who want to transfer to the first year of this course from other courses within the University. Transfers from other institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Transfers into the second year are not normally considered.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team if you require further advice.

Our student community

ChemSoc is a student-run society with the aim of giving chemistry students the complete experience whilst at The University of Manchester. The year begins with the infamous lab coat pub crawl and concludes with a fantastic annual ball! In between ChemSoc hosts socials alongside other societies, allowing your inner passion for your subject to come out and show everyone that chemistry is the best subject.

The society has two successful sports teams, football and netball, with the football team winning the league last year! Teams comprise of first years right through to PhD students, so you will be able to meet lots of new faces!

Besides the social side the society has reinvented its academic aspects; ChemSoc hosts research talks accessible to all students featuring our high level of research from Manchester. Finally, the society encourages students to think about their employability, and have worked closely with the Careers Service to run events throughout the year, such as a LinkedIn workshop.

Our blog

You can read about our students' experience in studying chemistry, work placement and study abroad diaries, as well as alumni profiles in our department blog .

First-year topics include:

• bonding in molecules
• organic reaction mechanisms
• natural product chemistry
• s, p, and d block chemistry
• thermodynamics
• kinetics
• quantum mechanics

You will also take course units that cover a range of presentational, mathematical and analytical and IT skills. Finally, you have the opportunity to study optional course units from other departments such as Life Sciences (Biochemistry), Earth Sciences (Geology), Geography, Mathematics, Physics and also Languages. For details see the list of optional course units below.

The second year continues developing the core and extends topics from your first year, introducing new areas such as:

• molecular spectroscopy
• bonding and reactivity
• surfaces and interfaces
• chemistry of the heavier elements
• molecular symmetry
• metal-ligand bonding
• polymer science
• structure determination
• stereochemistry and heterocyclic chemistry
• plus additional course units involving polymer, materials and computational chemistry

In addition students can choose to combine their chemistry studies with course units from the College for Interdisciplinary Learning , including our innovative Leadership in Action course, which combines study with volunteering and personal development.

Students who are following the ERASMUS programme will be required to maintain fluency in their chosen language, which usually requires you to attend language classes as your optional course units in Years 1 and 2, in preparation for your placement in Year 3.

Year 3 - the year abroad

During your year abroad you will effectively be a student of the host institution. You will follow a course that is broadly similar to that delivered to the third-year students who stay in Manchester, but you may be able to study options that may not currently be available at Manchester. The course you follow will be carefully chosen to ensure that your educational development is at the correct level. Your placement year will be fully assessed by the host university and will involve coursework, laboratory classes and examinations.

Both your course director and our Study Abroad Unit will be in email contact with you during your stay, providing help and support when necessary. The Study Abroad Unit offers information about the financial aspects of your year abroad and links to partner universities' web pages. A number of our students extend their visits in order to take up research internships at their host University, and this is an outcome which we encourage.

You have the choice of study at either a European university or on a worldwide placement.

In Europe:

During this year in Europe, you will study chemistry in lectures and laboratory classes, following the syllabus of the host university. Your tutor will maintain contact with you throughout your European placement and you may be visited where possible. You will be assessed by the marks that you gain from your host university and by report on your placement.

Our Study Aboard unit offers information about the financial aspects of your year aboard and links to partner universities' web pages. You can choose to attend one of the following universities during your time away (though this list is subject to change):

Valencia, SpainGöttingen or Freiburg in GermanyENSCM, Montpellier or Strasbourg in FranceFlorence, Italy

Worldwide:

We choose our partner universities on the basis of their academic standing and their ability to provide an overall educational experience similar to that of Manchester. We regularly review our partner universities to ensure that your educational experience is not compromised during your year abroad. As such it is important to note that our list of host institutions may change as part of this auditing exercise.

The current list of worldwide placement institutions includes:

Arizona State UniversityUniversity of CaliforniaUniversity of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)University of Missouri at ColumbiaUniversity of Tennessee at KnoxvilleUniversity of Massachusetts at AmherstUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillRutgers (New Jersey)University of Vancouver (British Columbia)Queens University (Ontario)McGill University (Montreal)Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)

In your final year you will undertake an extended individual project based within one of the research groups in our Department . This will give you the opportunity work on a current problem in your chosen area of chemistry under the supervision of one of our academic staff.

You will study enhanced core course material and also choose from our extensive list of specialist optional course units, which cover cutting-edge developments in chemistry and are taught by world-leading scientists, giving you the opportunity to tailor your final year to the areas of chemistry which most inspire you.

For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and go to Department and university scholarships .

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

MChem Chemistry with International Study  is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry as satisfying the academic requirements for admission to Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) and the award of CChem (Chartered Chemist) for graduates with a first or second class honours degree.

Graduates are eligible for Affiliate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry at a reduced rate. On graduation you can proceed to Associate or Full membership and Chartered Chemist Status (depending on degree class).