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Why choose Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh?

All our chemistry programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, and our chemical physics programmes are accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.
As part of the MChem or MChemPhys programs, you will have the opportunity to take an academic year-long research placement with one of our industrial partners or at a university in Asia, Europe or North America.
You will have the opportunity to combine the study of chemistry with a wide range of other subjects in Years 1 and 2.
The School of Chemistry scored 88% in the National Student Survey for overall student satisfaction. Chemistry at Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK in The Times Good University Guide, 6th in The Guardian Subject Rankings and 7th in the Complete University Guide 2022.

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"I would definitely say how much the School listens to feedback from students. The courses are continually changing year on year, that’s from student feedback, from class reps, so you feel like you are really being listened to"

Charlotte O'Donnell MChem Chemistry graduate

Introducing Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of atoms, molecules and ions, examining their:

physical and chemical properties
composition and structure
role and uses in every aspect of our lives

Our programmes retain a broad perspective, preparing you for a range of potential careers in chemistry, or science more generally.

All our programmes include practical aspects to develop your analytical, problem-solving and numeracy skills. You will improve your communication and presentation skills through:

small-group workshops
tutorials
presentations

This means you will develop the skills that are attractive to employers in many areas of industry and commerce.

Teaching

The School of Chemistry has an enthusiastic and committed staff team that provides a supportive learning environment and a flexible approach to study.

All our programmes include:

training
practice
feedback in communication skills
team working
exposure to the latest technology of scientific information retrieval and organisation

Teaching is carried out in a highly active research environment and we have strong connections with both the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Research

Our chemistry courses include extensive experimental work, which is carried out in modern laboratories. The proportion of your time spent at the bench will increase as your programme progresses and will culminate in an extended research project in your final year.

The high quality of research activity in the EaStCHEM research school (rated in the top 4 in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework) enables us to offer project work at the cutting edge of the subject across virtually all major areas of chemistry.

Student Support

You will have access to a Student Support Team throughout your studies to provide you with academic guidance and support.

Accreditation

All our chemistry programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Our chemical physics programmes are also accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of Chemistry and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Subject area: Chemistry