Ranking
9th
The Guardian Uni Guide 2026
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Course overview
Expand your horizons and solve complex problems with MSci Chemistry with Study Abroad at Birmingham. Master all aspects of modern chemistry and unlock endless career possibilities.
Guided by world class researchers and educators, you'll graduate with a deep understanding of chemistry and advanced technical abilities. Your year abroad will see you live and breathe another culture, improve your language skills and develop transferable skills so you're a valuable addition to any workplace.
Accredited programme
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, providing our graduates with automatic entry to professional membership categories and their benefits, and a route to professional awards.
Why Study Chemistry at Birmingham?
The School of Chemistry is constantly focused on improving the learning experience for its students, which makes them very receptive to feedback and means that our time at university is shaped by us
Course structure
The course will introduce you to the breadth and depth of chemistry, integrating skills development with core theory and lab classes accompanied by your choice of options modules and research projects.
Year 1
Year 1
All students take the same modules in year 1 to develop a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts, in inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry and data analysis, that underpin more advanced study across the breadth of chemistry.
Your classes will help you develop independent problem-solving and critical analysis skills, all while building your communication, presentation and team-working skills. Practical classes are carefully designed to complement the lectures and build up your skills and competencies in the lab.
A Themes in Chemistry module gives you the opportunity to explore frontier areas of chemistry of most interest to you, such as sustainability, medicinal chemistry and coding. If your year abroad will involve studying in a foreign language then you will take the relevant language module in the School of Languages in place of the Themes in Chemistry course.
Year 2
Year 2
You’ll investigate broader aspects of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry and explore how these areas overlap and extend into other disciplines. Research-linked experiments further develop your skills in experimental design and the interpretation of laboratory results.
You have the opportunity to personalise your learning by choosing from all of the chemistry options modules ranging from fundamental to multidisciplinary and applied areas.
You'll work with Chemistry's study abroad tutor and the University Go Global team to identify a suitable placement and support you through the full application process.
Year 3
Year 3
Year abroad
Year 3 is spent out at your chosen university at which you will take 120 credits worth of modules.
These will have been chosen to ensure that when you return to Birmingham to re-join your MSci cohort, you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to underpin a successful final year of your MSci.
Year 4
Year 4
Returning to Birmingham for your fourth and final year, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your project skills and explore the academic research experience by joining one or more of the School's research groups in the Molecular Sciences Building to undertake a project that is tailored to your interests.
You'll also choose from the advanced chemical topics that reflect the state-of-the-art areas of research excellence in the School, and attend research seminars from leading academic and industrial visitors.
Course highlights
- 9th
in the UK for Chemistry
The Guardian University Guide 2026
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities
State-of-the-art scientific instrumentation in modern teaching and research facilities
National Student Survey
We are committed to providing the high-quality teaching, learning and support. Our strong results in the most recent NSS (2025) show that our students are happy with their experience. We have been ranked Top 3 in the Russell Group for four of the themes:
- 3rd in Russell Group for Theme 1 ‘Teaching on my course’
- 1st in the Russell Group for Theme 3 ‘Assessment and feedback’
- 2nd in the Russell Group for Theme 4 ‘Academic support’
- 1st in the Russell Group for Theme 5 ‘Organisation and management’
Explore the dynamic world of modern chemistry. Choose from areas that interest you such as analytical, medicinal, computation and biological chemistry. You'll also spend a year at one of our partner universities around the world, immersing yourself in a new culture and discovering the fantastic opportunities available to chemistry graduates around the world.
Develop your multidisciplinary, creative problem-solving and communication skills. Join one of the School's internationally-recognised research groups for your project and you could help solve global challenges in healthcare, energy and sustainability.
Learn from international experts who’ll introduce you to the most exciting aspects of modern chemistry including sustainable materials, clean energy and drug discovery. Experience the pioneering teaching and cutting-edge research that has been offered here for more than 100 years, producing several Nobel Prize-winners along the way.
You’ll be ready for a range of careers where highly skilled, practical chemists are in great demand and have an advantage when applying for jobs in global corporations.
- Benefit from recent £125 million investment in Chemistry teaching and laboratory facilities and staff
- Learn through our innovative skills-based curriculum, turning you into a top-quality chemist
- We conduct internationally leading research addressing global challenges in health, sustainability and energy
- Join an inclusive and supportive community - in a School who received excellent feedback from our students in the 2025 National Student Survey
A fantastic environment to thrive in
The home of Chemistry, the new Molecular Sciences Building, provides a stimulating and friendly scientific environment to study in, all right alongside the world-leading research going on in the School. As well as your study space, computer facilities and tutorial rooms, you'll find the dedicated educational support team for Chemistry undergraduates and your academic lecturers and tutors.
Our large, modern and superbly well-equipped teaching labs are just across the road and you'll spend a day a week there developing in-depth lab skills and confidence in experimental design and critical analysis, all supported by academics, technical staff and postgraduate demonstrators.
You'll use modern techniques on industry-standard instruments to build your research skills and be part of the next generation solving global health, energy and sustainability challenges.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You'll learn in different environments including interactive lectures, workshops, small-group tutorials, computer classes and peer-group sessions. Lab-based practical work is an integral part of your studies with research projects in both of your final two years.
Lecture
Projects
Workshop
Seminar
Practical assignments
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest from world-leading researchers in their fields
- Small group tutorials promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Learn collaboratively in workshops through group work which will enhance your teamwork skills and your ability to appreciate others perspectives
- Develop a spectrum of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Assessment
As you focus on developing all your skills as a chemist, your assessment is equally diverse and comprehensive. You will take exams, produce written assignments, give oral and poster presentations, take computer-based tests and write lab and project reports.
Innovative and inspiring teaching
Step into a world of innovation with our internationally acclaimed academics who are pushing the boundaries of chemistry and its intersections with other disciplines. Their groundbreaking expertise informs your lectures, projects, and hands-on practical work, providing you with direct access to cutting-edge science.
You'll benefit from a dynamic team who are dedicated to educational excellence, delivering advanced content through the most effective modern teaching methods and skill development techniques.
You'll have a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who'll provide advice on maximising your abilities, guiding your career aspirations, and acting as a sounding board for key academic decisions. Our School's Welfare Tutor and the University Wellbeing team are always available year-round to support you, ensuring that you thrive throughout your studies.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 20 credits. Core modules covering the fundamentals of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are complemented by maths, data analysis, laboratory /project and options modules.
Year 1
Year 1
2026/27
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry | 20 |
| Inorganic Chemistry I | 20 |
| Organic Chemistry I | 20 |
| Physical Chemistry I | 20 |
| Practical Chemistry I | 20 |
| Themes in Chemistry * | 20 |
* If you plan on studying in a non-English speaking country in Year 3 you need to replace these modules with the appropriate language modules.
In Year 1 you will take General Chemistry (20 credits), which builds upon key topics covered pre-university and acts to support the transition to university, including coverage of the core mathematical skills you will need to be a successful chemist.
Core Chemistry (60 credits total) covers the fundamentals for organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and theoretical chemistry, and includes related practical chemistry.
Your practical skills will be further developed in the Laboratory module (20 credits) that consolidates fundamental theory and embeds professional chemistry skills development.
You will also take a Theme in Chemistry module which provides opportunity to study more applied areas of chemistry that interest you, alongside the development of coding and employability skills.
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chemistry Options * | 20 |
| Inorganic Chemistry II | 20 |
| Organic Chemistry II | 20 |
| Physical Chemistry II | 20 |
| Practical Chemistry II | 20 |
| Structural Analysis | 20 |
* If you plan on studying in a non-English speaking country in Year 3 you need to replace these modules with the appropriate language modules.
In Year 2 you will build on the core theory and skills learnt in Year 1 with further Core Chemistry (80 credits) and Laboratory modules (20 credits), including a Structural Analysis module to introduce and develop key skills in molecule and materials characterisation.
The Options course (20 credits) allows you to select from the subjects that interest you to further your understanding in areas such as bio-organic, computational, medicinal chemistry and data analysis. You will also work closely with the School Study Abroad Tutor who will advise you and support you in identifying placement opportunities and making applications.
In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures and practicals to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, you will also take two chemistry options modules, choosing from a range of courses, which include analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and biological chemistry.
Progression to Stage 3 of the Chemistry with Study Abroad degree programme requires an Overall Year 2 Mark of greater than 60%, normally to include passes in all three core chemistry exams at Stage 2 and to have secured a suitable placement position which has been approved by the School of Chemistry.
Year 3
Year 3
2028/29
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intensive Practical Chemistry (zero credit) | 0 |
| Chemistry Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 3 of the MSci Study Abroad programme is spent in a partner overseas university. The study abroad coordinator liaises with the university and student before and during the year abroad to ensure that appropriate modules are chosen to satisfy the learning objectives of the programme and to provide a suitable foundation for the student to return to Year 4 at Birmingham.
In conjunction with the study abroad coordinator, students will select the equivalent of 120 Birmingham credits at their host organisation. Students must also complete the 0-credit Intensive Practical Chemistry module, which is an accreditation requirement.
Year 4
Year 4
2029/30
Core module
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| 4P1 Masters Research Project | 60 |
Optional modules
Select 6 optional modules. Examples of optional modules.
Your final year with us will embed you in Birmingham’s School of Chemistry research. You will join one of the School’s internationally-recognised research groups, and become a member of the Research School as you undertake a major research project (worth 60 credits).
You will contribute to the School’s efforts to solve global challenges in the areas of health, energy or sustainability.You will work closely with your project supervisor to tailor your project to your particular interests and ensure you develop those research skills that you feel will be most beneficial to you after completing your degree.
You’ll be given training and access to the School’s state-of-the art equipment, expert guidance from our academics and their research teams and the opportunity to contribute to our efforts to make the world a better place! Many students enjoy their research project so much that they choose to go on to study for a PhD after graduation.
Your 60 credit research project is complemented by 60 credits of taught material. Significant flexibility in this, your final year, means you can specialise in a particular sub-discipline should you wish. You will choose from a range of courses that reflect the state-of-the-art of the discipline, which not only allows us to showcase the cutting-edge research interests of the School, but also ensures that you are aware of the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject.
Teaching staff
Dr Joseph Beames
Admissions Tutor
Staff profile for Joseph Beames
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
A*AA - AAA to include A-level Chemistry. Further details below.
- IB
7,6,6 - 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry at Higher Level, with a minimum of 32 points overall. Further information below.
- BTEC
only considered when combined with other qualifications.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades:
A*AA - A-level Chemistry and no supporting subjects.
AAA - A-level Chemistry and a supporting subject from Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Biology, Computing (not ICT) and relevant Modern Languages.
Minimum Maths requirement GCSE grade 6.
We accept resits for both A Levels and GCSEs.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Maths are not accepted.
If you have accepted an MSci offer as your Firm choice and then miss the MSci grades but meet the associated BSc grade (AAA-AAB - depending on subjects), you will automatically be accepted for the BSc course.
International Baccalaureate
7,6,6 - 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry at Higher Level, with a minimum of 32 points overall. One or more additional science subjects at Higher Level is advantageous.
A minimum of 5 at Standard Level English and 4 at Standard Level Maths is required for those students who do not have a minimum of grade 4/C in English at GCSE and of grade 6/B in Maths at GCSE.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Foundation Year
Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:
- UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
- international students
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
ABB to include Chemistry OR BBB to include Chemistry and supporting subject.
- Contextual Offer
AAA to include Chemistry OR AAB to include Chemistry and supporting subject.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Apply
The UCAS code for this course is F106.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
Career opportunities
Whether you choose to follow a scientific path as a professional chemist or move into an area unrelated to chemistry, our programme will help you develop advanced technical and transferable skills prized by employers and in postgraduate education. MSci Chemistry with Study Abroad will offer an enriching experience to help you develop the transferable skills prized by employers.
Our Chemistry graduates are making an impact across a wide range of sectors such as Education Management, Research, Management Consultancy, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals. They have gone on to work for leading employers such as GSK, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Shell. Cancer Research UK.
As a chemistry graduate from Birmingham, you’ll be highly sought after by a wide range of industries
Pursue diverse careers inside and outside of science
Meet Tamsin Durrant - Graduate story
Tamsin studied MSci Chemistry graduating in 2020. She is now a Supervisor at Thermo Fisher Scientific working in the Speciality Diagnostics group, developing kits for different types of blood cancers and immune disorders.
I have very fond memories of my undergraduate days at Birmingham and the quality of teaching there was outstanding. I currently work at Nature Publishing Group in London and after spending a couple of years as an associate editor at Nature Nanotechnology, I have been made chief editor of Nature Chemistry.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.