Course Structure

Introduction

While providing dedicated subject-specific learning, our Chemistry degrees strongly emphasise opportunities to develop generic problem-solving and reflective-working practices applicable to a range of career paths and patterns of employability.

Many of the elements of the BSc are in common with the MChem programme, and allow students to transfer between the two pathways, subject to meeting the appropriate programme requirements.

All degrees are modular, with six modules in each year. All provide a thorough training in the main subject areas (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry) through compulsory core modules which offer in-depth study of these areas.

Stage 1

Following the introductory studies and laboratory work in the first Semester students then take modules in the second Semester which explore in more depth the fundamental subject areas of Chemistry: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry.

Stage 1 courses are outlined below:

Organic Chemistry Level 1
Introductory Mathematics
Inorganic Chemistry 1
Physical Theory
Introduction to Chemical Products and Processes

Stage 2

Students are required to take six modules of chemistry, designed to extend their knowledge of the traditional subject areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, in addition to introducing aspects of applied chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. Each of the modules contain both practical and coursework components allowing students to develop, practice and demonstrate a wide range of professional skills.

Stage 2 courses are outlined below:

Structural Chemistry
Organic Chemistry 2
Inorganic Chemistry 2
Industrial and Green Chemistry
Quantum Theory, Spectroscopy and Bonding
Physical Chemistry 2

Stage 3

In addition to taking modules which develop knowledge of the key subject areas students also take an options module and a double-weighted research project directly supervised by a member of staff which will help them experience the full breadth of key areas in Chemistry and acquire both subject-specific and generic skills to act as a springboard to a successful career. Within this Advanced Practical work all students carry out inorganic, organic and physical chemistry project work.

Different pathways offer opportunities to specialise. The specialist pathways available consist of additional elements which are detailed below:

MChem Chemistry with Study Abroad: Students spend their third year in an overseas academic institution then return to Queen's for a final year of study.

BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry:
Students spend their third year working in industry - subject to the availability of a suitable placement - then return to Queen's for a final year of study.

MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry:
Students spend their fourth year working in industry - subject to the availability of a suitable placement - then return to Queen's for a final year of study.

BSc Medicinal Chemistry:
Students take modules which include Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, and undertake a medicinal chemistry project.
There are also BSc Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry, MChem Medicinal Chemistry and MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry courses.


Stage 3 courses are outlined below:

Inorganic Chemistry 3
Physical Chemistry 3
Advanced Chemistry Options
Organic Chemistry 3
Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry.

Stage 4

Students carry out an independent research project.

Stage 4 courses are outlined below:
Chemical Research Project

Stage 4 optional modules (3 out of 5 required):
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Frontiers in Drug Development
Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry

Contact Teaching Hours

Large Group Teaching

7 (hours maximum)
7 hours of lectures or seminars

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

2 (hours maximum)
2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week

Medium Group Teaching

6 (hours maximum)
6 hours of practical classes or workshops each week; laboratory hours will increase as more project work is undertaken at Levels 3-4 (as applicable)

Personal Study

24 (hours maximum)
22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the MChem Chemistry degree we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. We make use of innovative technologies and a world class library to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

Directed self-study

This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, preparation for seminars / tutorials, writing of laboratory reports can be completed. You are encouraged to undertake private reflection on feedback, and at the later stages undertake independent research using the primary literature to support project work and critically review taught course material.

E-Learning technologies

Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. Opportunities to use IT programmes associated with data manipulation and presentation are embedded in the practicals and the project-based work.

Lectures

Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

Personal Tutor

Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic and professional development through the discussion of selected topics.

Practicals

These are essential to the training in this laboratory based subject area. You will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Most of the core taught modules at Stages 1 and 2 have practical components associated with them, whilst stage 3 has a double weighted practical module. Typically at stage 1 you would be in the lab for two afternoons and in stages 2 to 3 it is two full days per week.

Seminars/tutorials

Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 6-10 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups as well as using them as a route to providing individual feedback.

Supervised projects

In the final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research. The supervisor and a second academic member of staff will formally meet, interview and review the work at the half way stage, and then provide support in the write up stage, although weekly contact is anticipated in most projects within the School.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students through the VLE.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comments. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references
• Online or emailed comments.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comments and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Modules

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

AAA including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

Standard Level grade 5 in Mathematics would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

All applicants

Acceptable second Science subjects:
Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Technology & Design.

How we choose our students

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants for MChem programmes in Chemistry offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of six GCSE passes at grade B/6 or better to include Mathematics (minimum grade C/4 required in GCSE English Language). However, this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Applicants repeating A-levels require grades BBC at the first attempt. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in the overall BTEC grade awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of six IJC grades at B/Higher Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.

Applicants offering Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas are not normally considered for MChem entry but, if eligible, will be made a change course offer for the corresponding BSc programme.

Access course qualifications are not considered for entry to the MChem degree and applicants should apply for the corresponding BSc programme.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in Chemistry, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

Career Prospects

Introduction

Studying for the MChem Chemistry degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including chemistry.
Athena Swan
The School has been awarded the prestigious Athena SWAN silver award for its work in promoting women in science.

Employment after the Course

MChem Chemistry graduates have entered careers in a wide variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry, the forensic services, publishing, marketing, teaching and the financial services.

Employment Links

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Almac and Seagate and also have an Industrial Advisory board for the course composed of experienced senior industrial members.
Placement Employers:
Our past students have gained work placement with organisations such as Almac (pharmaceuticals), Norbrook (veterinary pharmaceuticals), Randox (medical diagnostics),Seagate (mass data storage) and ThermoFisher Scientific (instrumentation, diagnostics).
Many of the research projects within the School have industrial input, and are in collaboration with a wide variety of companies operating in the chemical sector. Given the close working relationships, between industry and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering new opportunities to expand placements, industrial contact and career opportunities are continually developing.

Professional Opportunities

Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast full Employability Statement for further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives
Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£4,855
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£4,855
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,535
EU Other 3	£25,300
International	£25,300

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Students are required to buy a laboratory coat and safety glasses in year 1 at a cost of approx. £20.
Students have the option to join the Royal Society of Chemistry at a cost of approx. £20 per year.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/applying.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2026 from early September 2025.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2026) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2026. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS 

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

1. Applying through UCAS
   Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2026.
2. Applying direct
   The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
3. Applying through agents and partners
   The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus