
Chemistry by Research (MSc)
University of SouthamptonHighfield, Southampton
Course overview
This course is now closed for 2026 entry but you can browse alternative options on our Course Finder page. Increase your knowledge of chemistry theory while carrying out a major research project on this Chemistry by Research MSc at the University of Southampton. You’ll work with one of our many chemistry research groups and benefit from specialist facilities as you develop practical skills and in-depth understanding in your chosen field.
After graduating, you’ll be in the perfect position to continue your studies in a PhD in chemistry or start a career in industry. On this research-intensive UK chemistry research master’s course, you’ll specialise in a research area of your choice, and work within one of our 7 chemistry research groups: Computational Systems Electrochemistry Chemical Biology, Diagnostics and Therapeutics Magnetic Resonance Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Catalysis and Flow Characterisation and Analytics Functional Inorganic, Materials and Supramolecular Chemistry Alongs
Key highlights
- Major research project in a chemistry field of your choice
- Work within one of seven chemistry research groups
- Research areas include electrochemistry, magnetic resonance and computational systems
- Specialisms span organic synthesis, catalysis, flow and chemical biology
- Access to specialist facilities to develop practical laboratory skills
- Prepares graduates for PhD study or a career in industry
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — You’ll need a 2:1 degree in: chemistry biochemistry physics polymer science environmental sciences material science mathematics Your degree must have at least 50% chemistry content.
Scholarships
Biological Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in biological sciences.
Chevening Scholarships
Environmental and Life Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
£5000 is available to international students studying for a MSc in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
Up to £5,000Geography and Environmental Science Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in geography and environmental science.
Global Excellence Scholarship
The £3,000 is available as a tuition fee reduction on the first year of study.?
Up to £3,000Health Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in health sciences. The scholarship will apply to the first year of study.
Medical Technology, Innovation and Design Master’s Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying MSc Medical Technology, Innovation and Design.
Up to £3,000Nursing Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in nursing. The scholarship will apply to the first year of study.
Ocean and Earth Science Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students.
Presidential Bursaries
The scholarship funds the difference between UK and international level tuition fees.
Southampton Ageing and Gerontology Talent Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 are available to UK and international students applying to study an eligible postgraduate Ageing and Gerontology programme in 2026.
Up to £5,000Southampton Business School (MBA) Excellence International Scholarship
Scholarships are available for 3 different amounts: £13,000, £10,000, £7,000.
Southampton Business School (MBA) Future Leader Scholarship
Five scholarships of £15,000 are available to UK and international students studying Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Up to £15,000Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (International)
If you have a 1st or an equivalent qualification in your undergraduate studies you will get £9,000.
Southampton Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in chemistry.
Up to £3,000Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in economic, social and political sciences.
Up to £3,000Southampton Education Civic Scholarship
Southampton Education Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in education.
Up to £3,000Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship
£5000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in engineering.
Up to £5,000Southampton Faculty of Medicine PGT Talent Scholarship
Three scholarships of £6,000 off tuition fees are available to UK and international students studying an eligible postgraduate masters’ within the Faculty of Medicine in 2026.
Up to £6,000Southampton Law Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3,000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in law.
Up to £3,000Southampton MA Holocaust Scholarships
2 Sayers Family scholarships of £2,000 are available to students applying for the MA Holocaust: History, Experience, Heritage in 2026.
Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in mathematics.
Up to £3,000Southampton Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3,000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in medicine.
Up to £3,000Southampton Photonics Impact Scholarship
There are up to 3 scholarships available to international students applying to study MSc Optical Engineering. If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get up to £15,000 off your tuition fees.
Up to £15,000Southampton Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in psychology.
Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 are available to international students studying for an eligible master’s degree in social statistics and demography.
Up to £5,000Southampton Sociology and Criminology Postgraduate International Scholarship
2 scholarships of £5,000 off tuition fees are available to international students.
Up to £5,000Southampton Teachers' Postgraduate Scholarship
We'll issue the 10% discount as a tuition fee reduction on both years of part-time study. For 2025 entry, the 10% discount for year 1 will be £462.50.
Up to 10% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- PhD researcher in chemistry
- Research chemist
- Analytical chemist
- Computational chemist
- Materials scientist
- Synthetic chemist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £10,400 per year | International: £32,160 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.
