Chemistry

Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. This includes developing new drugs and vaccines, researching clean energy resources, and feeding a growing population.

This MSci Chemistry course explores real-world issues including health, energy and technology with a strong focus on sustainability. In your final year, you’ll carry out an in-depth research project and choose from specialist master’s-level modules. You’ll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, including pioneers in green chemistry and AI-driven discovery. Our curriculum is designed with industry input and student collaboration, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Sustainable chemistry

Green and sustainable chemistry is a key research interest here at the University of Nottingham. We have active research in using chemistry as a tool to tackle global challenges. These challenges include developing benign synthesis for manufacture, decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels for power generation and how to develop next-generation materials that impact batteries and solar panels. On this degree, you can study optional modules in green and sustainable chemistry. These modules will give you an understanding of how to make chemical processes more environmentally friendly, and how to use chemistry to tackle environmental challenges.

Fourth year research project

You can choose from a wide range of topics in chemistry for your research project, depending on your interests or career aspirations. This could be in green chemistry, medicinal chemistry, nanomaterials, spectroscopy, catalysis, photochemistry and much more. You will join one of our research groups to work on your chosen project. You will benefit from the active research and latest insight of these groups, as well as state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Careers and employability

The University of Nottingham is the third-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2025). A degree in chemistry will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You will develop the necessary academic and practical skills for a career in industry, whether that be in pharmaceutical, petrochemical, cosmetics or others. You will also develop your written and oral communication skills, and gain transferable skills such as problem-solving, numeracy and data analysis. A significant proportion of our students go onto postgraduate study.

Why choose this course?

• This course is accredited by the RSC. It fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).

• Choose from a range of optional modules that interest you

• Put theory into practice in our modern labs and facilities

• Flexibility to transfer between most chemistry degrees

• Benefit from small-group tutorials that support your learning