Analytical Chemistry MSc

Why choose this course?

Boost your employability with this MSc in Analytical Chemistry.

You will build on your previous chemistry knowledge and continue to develop skills to prepare you for your career, including problem solving, organisation, data collation, review and synopsis.

You will study good measurement and scientific practice, and the evaluation and interpretation of data. 

Your independent project can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion; you may be offered a placement within industry to carry it out.

Past projects have looked at dust sources at Hampton Court Palace, determination of Hexavalent Chromium, thermo-responsive polymers for water purification and radiochemical investigation of Uranium 232.

Analytical Chemistry MSc

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year 2 days a week January 2025
September 2025
Full time 2 years including professional placement 2 days a week plus placement year January 2025
September 2025
Part time 2 years 1 day a week January 2025
September 2025
Main Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You will gain the knowledge and key skills required for a career in analytical chemistry.
  • Our modern laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
  • Through an independent research project, you will be able to study an area of interest in greater depth.

What you will study

You will gain the key skills required in this specialised area of analytical chemistry, including good measurement and scientific practice, evaluation interpretation of data, and other professional and organisational skills. You will also study core analytical techniques and their applications. You may also be offered a placement within industry (depending on your results and project availability), where you will carry out your independent research project.

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Modules

Core modules

Statistics and Quality Systems

30 credits

The module introduces students to the role of statistics and quality systems in modern analytical science. It demonstrates how a thorough understanding of statistical concepts, the analytical process and the quality systems and quality management paradigms collectively enable the consistent and reliable interpretation of analytical chemical data to support the economic requirements of a business organisation.

Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy

30 credits

This module introduces the main spectroscopic techniques used in industry such as UV/Vis, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, AES, AAS and X -Ray methods. The module later progresses to the more advanced designs and applications such as MS/MS, FTMS, TOF, sector and quadrupole mass analysers, 2D NMR, LCMS, MALDI, Atomic Fluorescence and ICPMS/AES.

Separation Science

30 credits

This module introduces students to the principles and theory of separation science and its application in the laboratory including solvent extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, gas/liquid chromatography, centrifugation, gel and capillary electrophoresis and hyphenated techniques.

Specialised Analytical Techniques

30 credits

This module will:

  • introduce various specialised situations and techniques (e.g. clinical, environmental and materials science) in which the analyst will have to provide analytical solutions
  • illustrate the solution of complex analytical problems using an integrated approach.
Project

60 credits

This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives.
  • Critically evaluate the current literature.
  • Carry out appropriate experiments in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical tests.
  • Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner.

Optional modules

Professional Placement

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical science or a related subject such as pharmacology or biomedical science. Other degrees will be considered on an individual basis.
  • If you do not hold a relevant degree in one of the above subjects, significant relevant work experience will be considered.

Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

  • 32% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 1
  • Coursework: 62%
  • Exams: 32%
  • Practical: 6%

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Staff teaching on this course

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

Home 2025/26

  • MSc full time £11,400
  • MSc part time £6,270

International 2025/26

  • MSc full time £19,300
  • MSc part time £10,615

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc full time £10,900
  • MSc part time £5,995

International 2024/25

  • MSc full time £18,500
  • MSc part time £10,175

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Gangolli scholarship

Through the generous support of Professor Sharat and Mrs Lilian Gangolli, we are able to offer a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for taught MSc courses in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. The scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and allow talented young graduates to continue to higher levels of learning and research.

Find out more, by visiting the Gangolli Scholarship page.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

What our students say

Age: 24 
Course: Analytical Chemistry MSc

"I chose to do the Analytical Chemistry MSc because I did a bioanalysis module during my undergraduate degree which led me to develop an interest in analytical chemistry.

"The teaching is great; the lecturers are the best, very approachable and helpful. The lecture material is absolutely relevant and the lectures basically take place on Wednesday and Thursday only, allowing us loads of time to study and get coursework done on time. The practicals on the course are really helpful. I got to use loads of the analytical instruments such as GC-MS, Infrared, UV-Vis and so many more.

"I spent three months at GSK on a work placement, working as a development scientist for the New Product Development Aquafresh team. Overall the placement allowed me to gain invaluable experience for a global organisation that I can put on my CV as work experience which automatically makes me more employable – the industrial placement at GSK, simply unbelievable."

Dora Namyalo has recently been featured in Future Leaders, an annual publication celebrating the UK's 100 most talented black students after she was nominated by her lecturer, Dr James Barker.

Dora Namyalo

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Research includes the following themes:

  • parasitology and microbiology
  • haematology/immunology/cancer biology
  • biomedical, pharmaceutical and instrumental analyses
  • medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry
  • clinical pharmacy and advanced drug delivery
  • nutrition/exercise and sports science.

How we work with industry partners

Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the working environment.

If you choose to study this course, you will benefit from:

  • real-world experience thanks to your MSc project, which you can undertake either:
    • in industry – past students have undertaken project placements in the pharmaceutical industry, forensic labs, analytical consultancies, hospital labs and research labs – or
    • as collaborative research with other laboratories;
  • the latest views from visiting speakers – such as Vicki Barwick from LGC (an independent chemical analysis lab) and Stephen Paton from global pharmaceutical  company Ely Lilley
  • industry visits, such as to Cancer Research UK or the Clinical Trials Laboratories Service.

Where this course will take you

There is an increasing demand for qualified analytical chemists in a variety of industrial and public sector settings. Other relevant roles are in chemical/pharmaceutical companies, teaching, sales, marketing, management and PhD research.

Recent graduates have gone on to a range of roles, including:

  • chemists in large and SME chemical/pharmaceutical companies
  • teaching
  • PhD research
  • sales and marketing
  • managerial positions.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories, including labs dedicated to analytical chemistry;
  • new work areas and dedicated laboratories for research;
  • specialist equipment, such as:
    • gas and liquid chromatography
    • electron microscopy
    • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
    • nuclear science equipment
    • thermal analysis
    • x-ray diffractometers
    • electrochemical analysis;
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

Dedicated graduate facilities

In addition, you can use the dedicated Graduate Centre on campus. This includes:

  • additional IT facilities
  • seminar rooms
  • social spaces and a canteen
  • a learning resource centre with specialist libraries.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.