University of Glasgow - Open Day
18 Jun 2026, 08:00
Glasgow
Materials chemistry is focused on studying the role chemistry can play in areas such as nanotechnology, electronics, polymers and energy storage. Materials chemists study how fundamental knowledge of chemistry could be put into practical applications.
You will learn, from practical hands-on experiences, comprehensive lecture courses presented by leading researchers and study of advanced analytical methods, what it takes to make materials of the future.
Programme structure
Year 1
Topics include:
the periodic table & main group chemistry
transition metal chemistry
organic chemistry
chemical kinetics
states of matter
chemical energy changes
aqueous equilibria & pH
macromolecules
Year 2
The topics covered include:
molecular thermodynamics
organic stereochemistry
quantum mechanics and chemical bonding
organometallic chemistry
main group chemistry
enols and enolates
spectroscopy
solids and surfaces
aromatic chemistry
coordination chemistry
organic synthesis
electrochemistry
applied organic chemistry.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2.
Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study advanced topics including nanomaterials, organic electronics & photonics, advance materials characterisation, catalysis, supramolecular & polymer chemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, as well as main group and transition metal chemistry.
In your final year you will undertake a research project at the frontiers of the subject with energy, organic LEDs and solar cells, or photonics applications, for example making a Li-ion battery and testing it for electrochemical performance.
You can take Materials Chemistry as an MSci degree which includes an additional work placement year in the UK or overseas, between the third and final years of the degree.
Career prospects
Our chemistry graduates are employed as chemists working in research, process development and analysis, as well as in management, marketing, environmental control, patents and finance. Recently they have been employed by:
EDF Energy
Quotient Clinical
Reckitt Benckiser
Sterling Medical Innovation
Synergy Outsourcing
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
The following entry points are available for this course:
Discover what it's like to study Materials Chemistry at University of Glasgow: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for Scottish SQA Higher entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/
The University welcomes applications from candidates who have sat BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) Qualifications. Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for BTEC entry requirements linked here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/how-to-apply-for-an-undergraduate-degree/entry-requirements/admissions-guidance/#btec
Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for International Baccalaureate entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/
For the most up to date and detailed entry requirements including any subject-specific requirements, please refer to the University of Glasgow website: www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/materialschemistry/?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=mar-cose-ug&utm_content=matchem-msci-entryreq#tab=entry
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 with no subtests under 6. We accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements with a single test. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test. |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. We do recognise that some applicants may already have a good command of English through education and work experience. However, in line with UKVI requirements, we must insist on a satisfactory English language test. You can also meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school. Please note that these are the University’s standard requirements and for some courses these may be higher. Applicants should always check the specific requirements for their chosen course.https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/englishlanguage/requirements/
Our contextual admissions approach could mean that you may be eligible for adjusted grades. Please review our website for more information on our widening access priorities at www.gla.ac.uk/study/wp.
The entry requirements for a programme will be detailed in your offer. If you meet these conditions, you are guaranteed a place on the programme.
Our programmes may require specific grades in mandatory subjects. Please review our programme pages on our website for more information.
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.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
No fee information has been provided for this course
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.
Please refer to the fees information listed on our website - https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees/
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