MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Chemistry is a core science that underpins drug and medical device development, materials and sensors. Students build a grounding in chemical principles from molecular structure and reaction mechanisms to analytical and practical laboratory skills, and gain problem-solving, quantitative and research skills. The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem); it is also accredited by the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland. This five-year MChem includes a year-3 industry placement.

Department: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Duration: 5 years full-time | Intake: 2027/28 academic year | Study mode: full-time (integrated, with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Integrated Masters in Chemistry with a placement in year 3; students may be paid by the placement provider.

Career pathways

Chemistry degrees provide skills for the chemical industries, education and research, and are valued by employers for problem solving, data analysis, communication and creativity. The School has links with employers including Almac and Seagate and with spin-out companies such as Nuada, Ionic Technologies, Catagen and Green Lizard Technologies. Graduates may progress to PhD study or taught Masters such as the MSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer AAA at A-level including Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. Acceptable second Sciences: Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Technology and Design. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts, with a Distinction* equated to an A. Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H2 in Chemistry and a second Science (Ordinary Level O3 in Mathematics if not at Higher Level). International Baccalaureate: 36 points including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Chemistry and a second Science, plus GCSE Mathematics B/6 (Standard Level 5 accepted in lieu). Graduates: minimum 2:2 with subject requirements met. GCSE English Language C/4 required. Last year's GCSE profile was six passes at B/6 or better including Mathematics. Offers are normally based on three A-levels; repeat candidates require BBC at first attempt; HNC/HND and Access qualifications are not considered for MChem (a BSc change-course offer is made if eligible); interviews are not normally held. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent acceptable qualification. Applications are made through UCAS; the University does not normally interview candidates.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 5 years full-time

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