MRes Chemistry

Why Surrey?
You will have access to our main Chemistry Research Laboratory which has undergone a ~£2 million refurbishment and also benefit from our suite of state-of-the-art instruments including ICP-MS, NMR spectrometers, Raman microscopes, powder XRD, LC-MS and GC-MS.

Programme overview
Our Chemistry MRes is for you if you hold a first degree in Chemistry (or a related discipline) and wish to undergo further training in the aspects of the subject that interest you most, with the prospect of enrolling on a PhD programme or enhancing your future career within industry.

With an increase in the number of undergraduate degrees offering the MChem qualification, our Chemistry MRes allows BSc graduates to study for an enhanced qualification with a view to better employment prospects. Our MRes qualification is also a convenient entry point into the UK academic system for overseas students. Many of our MRes graduates go on to successfully complete a PhD either at Surrey or another university.

Our academics are at the forefront of their field, having recently discovered the power of amino acids to fight strokes, and a new method for calculating the thermal breakdown temperature of nanocomposites.

Why not discover more about our MRes Chemistry in our video, and read about the experiences of past students who studied the subject?

Module overview
Our Chemistry MRes is heavily research-based, with 75 per cent of the 180 total credits for the degree gained during an Extended Research Project. The remaining 25 per cent of credits are collected through a taught component (three taught modules, each around 30-45 contact hours and 105-120 self-study hours).

Compulsory modules

- Management, Communication and IT Skills
- Extended Research Project

Advanced Research Projects are offered in the following subject areas:

- Advanced inorganic materials
- Computational chemistry
- Nanoscience
- Catalysis and surface chemistry
- Synthetic organic chemistry
- Fuel cells and energy materials
- Advanced forensic techniques

Optional modules (choose two)

- Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
- Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
- Advanced Methods in Forensics
- Advanced Spectroscopy
- Biomolecules and Medicinal Chemistry
Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanotechnology

Teaching and assessment
The MRes programme consists of three taught modules run during the University’s two semesters. Each module will be timetabled for between two to four contact hours per week on average consisting of a mixture of lectures, workshops and tutorials.

Assessment of the taught modules is by a mixture of coursework and written examination. The balance varies from module to module. Assessment in some modules is based entirely on workshops, practical classes and coursework (ie, there is no examination element).

The project is assessed by a supervisor’s report and examination of a dissertation produced by the student, based on the project. The examination of the dissertation will include a viva voce (oral examination). The pass mark is 50 per cent for the project and for the taught modules.

Top-rated research
The Chemistry programme is run within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the cross-faculty Surrey Materials Institute (SMI).

Staff in the Department of Chemistry have expertise which includes all aspects of chemistry: inorganic, medicinal, physical, physical organic, materials, polymers, nanotechnology and analytical. The Department has attracted more than £4.5 million of research income in the last three years.

You will receive a thorough education in advanced aspects of chemistry, but also undertake independent research via a project, guided by a dedicated and experienced supervisor.

Projects are available across a range of topics in chemistry, and may extend into areas of biology, forensics or materials science. Past MRes students have continued to further (PhD) education and to posts in research in industry.

Entry requirements
A minimum 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related discipline. Selection is based upon a candidate’s application, references and may include an informal interview if required.

How to apply
For more information on the course and how to apply please visit the course website.

General enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 681 681

Admissions enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 682 222
admissions@surrey.ac.uk