Materials Chemistry

MSc

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Overview

We provide a unique Master’s education in Materials Chemistry, offering the opportunity to carry out a 12-month research project from a selection that covers all aspects of Materials Chemistry.

Optional modules enable you to gain specialist knowledge of core areas such as:

supramolecular and nanochemistry
polymer chemistry
inorganic materials chemistry

Both synthesis and characterisation are integral to the teaching around these areas.

Materials Chemistry is a key multidisciplinary area, and a growth area for both academic and industrial research. Employment prospects in this area are excellent - the programme will prepare you for a career in industrial or academic research and development, or in production or manufacturing roles.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students, and the most important aspect in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biochemistry or other degrees with a significant element of core chemistry; at a minimum classification of a 2:1 (or equivalent), or a 2:2 with two years relevant industrial experience.

If applicants have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures (Recognition of Prior Learning) to evaluate and recognise this learning in order to provide applicants with exemptions from specified modules or parts of the programme.

English language requirements

English requirement of GCSE grade C or IELTS 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the subtests.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

What you will study

You will be guided on how to:

strategically plan experimental work
carry out all appropriate COSHH assessments involved in practical work
source and access relevant published work

In support of this, you will be required to meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss interim reports and to propose the next steps in the planning of a project. Instruction will be given by library staff in critical reading of the scientific literature. A presentation of the work achieved will be given in the form of a poster presentation.

You will devote a significant period of time to an individual and original piece of research. You are required to work independently on the project, and to seek advice or practical help when appropriate, with regular communication with your project supervisor(s). The supervisor will provide guidance on data collection, data analysis, discussion, summarising of findings and writing up of the final dissertation and associated research paper.

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

First year

Core

Option

Learning and assessment

A variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme. The learning activities include lectures, workshops and directed study.

Core modules are dedicated to developing generic key skills, specialism practice and project management experience. The specialist modules relating to materials chemistry include lectures, workshops and use of specialist software packages under the instruction of a team of interdisciplinary specialists in the area.

The modules are assessed through course work (problem solving exercises, project plan, training plan), oral presentations and formal exams.

These progressively focus on student-centred approaches to learning and will reflect increasing reliance on independent responsibility for learning. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continued professional development.

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

Home: £9,698
International: £25,389

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

Materials Chemists work in a diverse range of areas including: medical devices; electronic devices; sustainable energy generation; nanomaterials; surface coatings; controlled delivery of drugs and agrochemicals and many other areas.

Transferable skills are also a key component and graduating students will be equipped for careers in both academia and industry.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.

Our support services include:

Personal tutors
Disability services
Counselling services
MyBradford student support centres
The Students’ Union
Chaplaincy and faith advisers
An on-campus nursery
Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills.

Research

Research in Chemistry is broadly themed into Molecular Science and Materials Chemistry, comprising the development of synthetic, analytical and computational methods.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.