Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Chemistry
- Master of Chemistry (with Honours)
- 5 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
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).
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F109
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBB
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 HigherAAAB
including A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science
Scottish Advanced HigherAB
in Chemistry and Mathematics, plus Highers AAAB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 30
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)
Scottish HNCPass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HNDPass
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.
We are always welcome to transfer students, including considering advanced entry to Year 3 for students with strong academic performance. Applicants interested in this route should be in touch directly with our Admissions team.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
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) DMM
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 BBBC
including A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.
Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.
As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £25808 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Subject to confirmation
Sponsorship information
Dr David McGillivray Access Bursary
Overview
The Dr David McGillivray Access Bursary awards £1,000 annually to a Widening Participation Scottish student starting a Heriot-Watt Chemistry Degree in September 2027. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with their living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies.
Eligibility
The Dr David McGillivray Access Bursary provides students coming to study a Chemistry degree from widening participation backgrounds who are joining us in September 2027, with extra financial support to help towards living costs. Please check if you meet our Widening access criteria by visiting our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/widening-access
How to apply
Applications will open in February 2027 and more info can be found on our website.
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