The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2024)
15
15th for Joint place for student satisfaction
The Complete University Guide (2025)
Chemists are great problem solvers and analytical thinkers; they have been instrumental in developing our modern world. The Study Abroad programme provides a multicultural experience and equips you with a multidisciplinary skill set that will prepare you for your career.
Our four-year MChem degree programme allows you to explore a range of core topics, including chemical synthesis and materials, chemical physics and analysis, chemical computation and theory, and chemical biology. It also contains a significant research component, where you will work for 20 weeks on a contemporary research problem in one of our research groups. We offer a diverse range of modules that are developed and assessed by world-leading academics, whose cutting-edge research continually shapes the content that they teach.
You will expand your horizons by spending a year studying at one of our international partner universities. There, you will undertake advanced chemistry courses that are complementary to those offered at Lancaster. Destinations historically available for students included North America, Australia and New Zealand. This is a guide only, as places at overseas partners vary each year.
Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster.
Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.
Our modern approach combines the traditionally segregated subjects of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, and teaches chemistry in logical stages. As part of the degree, you will receive an expansive introduction to the foundations of chemistry, from the fundamentals of atoms and molecules, to chemical reaction kinetics. Later years build on these foundations, and develop advanced knowledge and skills in modern chemical theory and contemporary practical techniques.
In your first year you will study the core chemistry modules - comprising two-thirds of the year - along with optional modules that can be selected from a range of subject areas taught in the University. You will develop your practical skills in our brand-new, research-grade labs, with access to an impressive range of equipment. Alongside the technical knowledge, you will gain excellent transferable skills in communication, research, data analysis, mathematics and computation, and analytic and logical thinking; all of which can be applied to many different career paths.
Your second year builds upon the broad fundamentals of first year, and you will cover some familiar topics in more detail, such as organic synthesis, spectroscopy and kinetics, while new, more advanced topics are introduced, such as d-metal chemistry, soft-matter chemistry and quantum chemistry.
Your final year will enable you to apply your skills by undertaking a major research project, which provides an exciting opportunity for you to address a significant research problem as part of one of our research groups, alongside postgraduate students and postdoctoral staff. Additionally, you will study a series of advanced taught modules that allow you to examine areas of chemistry in greater depth.
We are a modern and inclusive department committed to small group teaching which we believe fosters a highly supportive and productive learning environment. In keeping with the University’s ethos, we value the importance of maintaining an excellent student-to-staff ratio, and we want to ensure that you are treated as an individual. Our new Chemistry Building offers space to socialise, as well as facilities to help you excel in your studies. Our open-door policy enables students to call in for help and advice at any time.
Alternative Programmes
Our MChem programme is also offered with a year in industry option, in which you will spend your final year working with one of our industrial partners on a substantial research project. As the degree shares a common first- and second-year with the BSc and other MChem programmes, there is flexibility to switch between programmes once you are in Lancaster (subject to academic requirements).
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the world’s leading chemistry community, advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. Around the world, the Society invests in educating future generations of scientists.
The study of chemistry is essential to so many of our basic human needs, from creating safe food and water, synthesising materials for clothing and shelter, manufacturing life-saving medication, and getting us from A to B. The world needs chemists! As a chemistry graduate, you’ll develop an understanding of the world around you which opens up the door to many career opportunities in the field of chemistry and beyond. You can take the knowledge gained from the modules you’ve studied and pursue a career in areas such as pharmaceuticals, product development, postgraduate medicine, energy and the environment, or even continue in academia. Chemistry graduates are also in demand in non-scientific roles for their ability to understand complex problems, their mathematical capabilities, project management skills and awareness of ethical issues and environmental impact. Our graduates are well-paid too, with the median starting salary from our Chemistry degrees being £25,750 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).
Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MChem Chemistry students have progressed into upon graduating:
Analytical Support Technician – Lancaster University
Formulating Scientist – Unilever
Quality Technologist – Royal Sanders (UK) Ltd
Project Coordinator – Alderley Analytical
Our Chemistry BSc, Chemistry MChem and Chemistry MChem (Study Aboard) degrees are fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, and as a Chemistry graduate, you are eligible for Associate Membership (AMRSC), from where you can work towards the Chartered Chemist status (CChem), a recognised professional qualification that shows exceptional commitment to your chosen profession.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Your chemistry career
At Lancaster, we don't just want you to pass your degree. We dedicate ourselves to providing you with the best opportunities to begin your career.
Personal development
Chemistry graduates tend to be great problem solvers, analytical thinkers and well organised. These talents are why chemists have been instrumental in developing our modern world. As well as improving your academic knowledge, we will help you to nurture the skills to start your career.
Employment destinations
A chemistry degree opens up a wide range of employment opportunities. These jobs are not only in chemical industries but in forensics, teaching, medicine or public health. Our previous graduates have gone on to work for global companies such as BP Oil Company, Pfizer and Procter & Gamble.
Internships
You can apply for paid work experience through our internship programme. The programme provides full-time opportunities for students from July to September. Part-time internships are available all year round to fit around your studies.
Careers support
You can access our excellent careers service which offers lifetime support, help and friendly advice. This service includes one-to-one support and information on work experience, employability skills and careers.
A future for Callum
After university, I worked in the chemical industry with surfactants at a company in Preston within quality assurance and quality control, which included sampling and testing goods coming into the business.
After two years with this company, I found myself wanting a new challenge. An opportunity arose at NIS Ltd, a nuclear manufacturing company in Chorley. It's not a role I would have seen myself ending up in, but I was curious to see how the nuclear industry works. During my time with NIS, I've been working on a number of qualifications in Health and Safety, and that brings us to where I am today!
During my Chemistry degree, I developed my presenting skills through projects and presentations, which has helped me build the confidence to take the lead, host meetings, and pull together staff from every area of the business for collaborative efforts.
Chemistry has also given me the drive to understand the root cause of events. My degree was invaluable in giving me the skills to investigate non-conformances or incidents and working to resolve the causes of any errors and working to prevent these from reoccurring.
Studying at Lancaster university was a wonderful experience. Within the Chemistry Department, there were countless members of staff who were supportive of our development and always had time to answer our questions. I had the opportunity to do a research project in my third year that worked towards a published paper to do with SSNMR of photochromic chemicals. It was also great to use facilities that were state of the art and near brand new!
Lancaster also has a wide variety of societies to try. I joined multiple during my time at Lancaster and found that there's something for everyone. The campus is also so beautiful - it's surrounded by the countryside and green space, yet maintains a sense of community on campus.
Callum Cross, BSc Chemistry - SHE Technician at NIS Ltd
Entry requirements
Grade Requirements
A Level AAB
Required Subjects A level grade AB in Chemistry and a further science from; Biology, Computing, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Human Biology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6, English Language grade C or 4
IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.
Other Qualifications
International Baccalaureate 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry HL and 6 in a further HL science subject
BTEC May be considered alongside A level Chemistry grade B
We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Contextual admissions
Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.
Course structure
Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
This module provides a link between A-level and undergraduate chemistry. It covers topics such as the elements and Periodic Table, atomic structure, properties of atoms, molecular shape, types of bonding and the basic principles of spectroscopic techniques and their use in molecule identification.
The practical laboratory classes include an introduction to chemical synthesis, to build upon skills learned at A-level, and to introduce new lab techniques. Students will use some techniques they may recognise, together with some new techniques, to synthesise and react some simple metal complexes.
The module offers a complete overview of the theory and practice of chemical reaction kinetics, leading to an understanding of the kinetic principles of reaction kinetics. Using this knowledge, students will determine orders of reaction, rate constants and activation energies from kinetic measurements. The module explores the relationship between temperature and rate, and introduces the Arrhenius Equation. More advanced topics, including collision theory, transition state theory and the kinetics of complex reactions will be studied. Students will become familiar with the steady state approximation and learn how to use this to derive rate laws of complex reactions.
Practical classes give hands-on experience in measuring physical properties and reinforce the theoretical concepts taught in lectures.
The module introduces key concepts of inorganic chemistry such as periodicity and trends in atomic properties, bond models and molecular shapes, acid-base properties, and d-block co-ordination complexes. Students will gain a basic knowledge and understanding of the topic and develop their skills in analysing and interpreting information, problem solving, working safely and competently in a laboratory, keeping orderly records and drawing evidence based conclusions.
Practical sessions involve the use of qualitative spot tests for the identification of metals using simple inorganic reactions, and their use to characterise and identify unknown samples.
Building on the Inorganic Chemistry module, this module, through a mixture of lectures and practicals, demonstrates how common compounds involving main group elements are prepared, and teaches students to be able to account for the observed reactivity of the elements within an s or p block group. Students will use crystal field theory to account for different geometries adopted by transition metal complexes and will describe and discuss bonding between transition metals and common ligands including organometallics.
Building on earlier practical sessions, students will learn further inorganic chemistry techniques. Practicals include reacting Werner Nobel Prize complexes to form simple octahedral metal complexes; the synthesis of metal acetyl-acetone complexes; and the synthesis and quantitative analysis of polyiodide complexes. As part of the practical work, the molecules synthesised will be characterised via various spectroscopic techniques.
This module introduces the importance of molecular orbital theory in understanding organic reactivity, and explains how such reactivity can be accurately represented by curly arrow mechanisms. In addition, students will be introduced to important concepts of acidity, basicity, pKa and leaving group ability. With this key information in hand, the reactivity of a broad range of organic functional groups can be readily explained. As such, in the first half of the module, the student will be equipped with the skills to predict the reactivity of a variety of carbonyl compounds and substitution reactions.
In the second half of the module, substitution reactions including saturated carbon and elimination reactions will be described. In this context, the students will be able to analyse the various factors involved in determining the outcome of these reactions and predicting the reactivity of a variety of organic substrates.
Techniques learned in earlier modules will be built upon in the practical laboratory sessions. Students will address the synthesis of more complex organic molecules and the identification of the synthesised molecules, using the full range of spectroscopic techniques including NMR, IR and UV/vis spectroscopies.
Introducing organic chemistry, this module provides a basic understanding of key concepts such as nomenclature, bonding and structure, shape and isomerism, and electronegativity. Students will become familiar with the structures and shapes of organic molecules and be able to explain how these structures are named and represented, and how they can be determined by spectroscopic methods. They will learn about the concept of functional groups and their importance in a biological or environmental context, and will be able to provide examples of chemical reactions in which these groups participate.
Practical sessions in laboratories develop skills in microscale organic chemistry techniques, including the halogenation of alkenes, the formation of alcohols by reduction of ketones, and the dehydration of alcohols.
This module expands on the introductory mathematics taught in the Skills for Chemists module. It provides students with an understanding of some practical applications of calculus and the physical underpinnings of chemistry. Students will learn about the fundamental process of modelling physical phenomena using mathematics and how new models are developed. They will learn to solve simple, chemically relevant numerical problems unaided, whilst exploring more complex problems with computational techniques.
The module also provides an understanding of the interactions and drawbacks of treating atoms as solid (classical) particles. The interactions between electrons and nuclei, and between atoms and molecules, will be considered. This module will also introduce the basic consequences of the quantisation of matter, with relevance for future modules in spectroscopy and quantum chemistry.
A computer-based practical will be used to highlight physical phenomena from the lectures, and to provide experience in the use of computers for solving complex chemical problems. In particular, their applications to quantum chemistry will be explored.
This module serves to introduce concepts and technical language relevant to undergraduate chemistry, and to prepare students for future physical and theoretical chemistry courses. This includes learning how to write in a fluent, modern, scientific style and how to develop and present material for a particular audience (for example, writing for posters or presentations, for expert and non-expert), together with an introduction to the chemistry academic literature. It also involves recapping and developing new fundamental mathematical skills (mathematics is the language of physical and theoretical chemistry), and learning how to best present numerical data.
The module is supported by a series of computer-based practical classes, which introduce the importance of computers in solving complex mathematical problems, and how this can be used to benefit modern applications in chemistry.
This module describes the principles and practice that underpins analytical chemistry and illustrates their utility through a range of challenging analysis applications. Students will gain an understanding of instrumental techniques such as spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, atomic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electro analysis, and analytical separations, and they will learn about the differences between these and absolute techniques of chemical analysis.
Taking part in practical sessions, students will measure quantitative solution conductivities of strong-acid/strong-base, strong-acid/weak-base, and strong-acid weak-acid/strong-base systems. They will investigate selectivity coefficients using ion-selective Li, Na and K electrodes. The sessions also help to develop skills in serial dilutions and calibrations, and the use of potentiometry, to analyse a multi-component mixture by UV/vis spectroscopy.
Here, the main physical chemistry topics of: bulk materials; thermodynamics, chemical equilibria and reaction kinetics, which control the rate of reaction, the yield of reaction, and the stability of a chemical system, are all introduced. The module also relates these principles to catalysis and enzyme catalysed reactions, and provides a grounding in material relevant for second year modules.
Practical laboratory classes will build upon concepts in accuracy and precision, and will involve the quantitative reaction of acid base systems measured using pH meters. Students will calculate the dissociation constant of weak acids and determine the enthalpy of solution from solubility measurements. They will also investigate the variation of reaction rates with temperature.
Core
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Students will learn key concepts about the synthesis and reactivity of multiple carbon-carbon bonds in alkenes, alkynes and aromatic molecules.
Regarding alkene chemistry, various routes for the synthesis of alkenes will be covered and the reactivity of alkenes towards electrophilic addition, radical reactions and pericyclic reactions will be examined. The module will also cover nucleophilic attack of 1,3-unsaturated carbonyls and describes the chemistry of alkynes.
Regarding aromatic chemistry, the course will first lay the theoretical foundations required to describe what an aromatic system is, before covering both electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitutions reactions.
The module is taught through lectures, workshops and practical lab sessions to exemplify taught reactions. Students will gain knowledge, skills and understanding of the chemistry of alkene and aromatic compounds. Additionally, the module teaches students to work safely and competently in a laboratory, keeping an orderly record of accurate experimental observations and the presentation of reports drawn from evidence-based conclusions.
This module is designed to give the student a basic understanding of electrochemical processes, from both a thermodynamic and kinetic perspective, as well as in applied experimental research.
Electrochemistry is often considered to be a discipline at the interface of the branches of chemistry and other sciences. Principally defined as the study of the movement of charge, the extension of electrochemistry into all aspects of chemistry is evident including: biology, biochemistry, physics, and engineering. It is a core physical chemistry subject that also provides access to the fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic properties of chemical processes.
The students will learn the governing process in equilibrium (thermodynamic) and electrolytic (kinetic) electrochemical cells. Practical methods of analysis will be developed as well as approaches to interpret chemical reactions, and insight into to catalytic processes. Finally, the students will explore the basics of electroanalysis, electrosynthesis and electrochemical power conversion and storage.
Advanced Coordination Chemistry looks at metals in solution, including the chemistry of metal ions in solution, the general description of solvation of ions and the description of inner sphere and outer sphere coordination and solvent changes. Students will be introduced to metal clusters, borane and related cages and clusters. The module provides an introduction to coordination equilibria and solution equilibria, the use of formation constants, rates of exchange and factors affecting rates of exchange. The module also examines coordination and reaction chemistry of the 2nd and 3rd row transition metals, looking at selected examples of oxides and halides and trends in stability of oxidation states for important representative examples.
By the end of the module, students will be familiarised with the solution behaviour of metal ions, and the behaviour of ions in solution, trends in, and examples of, 2nd and 3rd row transition metal chemistry and metal-metal bonding. The module will improve students’ skills in practical chemistry, spectroscopic interpretation, report writing and problem solving.
The first part of this module focuses on conformational analysis of chains and rings, with a particular focus on conformations of acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbons, and the conformations and reactivity of substituted cyclohexanes. Conformations and reactivity of cyclohexene, cyclohexanone, strained and bridgehead-containing rings will also be explored. Students will then concentrate on the application of spectroscopic methods in organic structure determination. The importance of geminal, vicinal and long range coupling in 1H NMR will be assessed, as will the uses of Nuclear Overhauser effect. 2D NMR in structure elucidation will be examined as well.
Students will gain knowledge, understanding and skills in the conformational analysis and structural determination of organic molecules. Additionally, they will improve their skills in problem solving and analysing and interpreting data.
Students will gain knowledge and understanding of organometallics of the s/p block metals. The module offers an introduction to organotransition metal chemistry, commonly encountered ligands and their classification: X/L notation and hapticity. The synthesis, structure and bonding, and reactivity of metal carbonyls and phosphine ligands will be studied. Key reaction types and mechanisms will be examined as part of the module. Students will also receive an introduction to catalytic processes involving transition metal intermediates to offer an understanding of how reaction types operate within the mechanisms of catalytic cycles.
By the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of organometallic chemistry and will be introduced to the structures, bonding, synthesis and properties of a representative range of organotransition metal complexes. Additionally, Ligand substitution, oxidative-addition, reductive-elimination, migratory insertion, beta-H elimination and nucleophilic attack on coordinated ligands are introduced as key reaction types in organometallic chemistry.
The aim of this module is to introduce the principles and techniques of theoretical, or quantum, chemistry and the fundamental mathematical techniques that underpin it. Quantum mechanics, symmetry and group theory are included in the module. There is an introduction to chemical phenomena that cannot be explained through the use of classical mechanics. Quantisation will be introduced as naturally arising from bound (confined) systems, and the Schrodinger equation is also explored.
The module will, alongside the chemistry content, introduce the mathematical techniques required to understand and appreciate solutions to the Schrodinger equation. Specifically, it will introduce the quantisation of matter, the Schrodinger equation, various Hamiltonians representing different physical models, including the Coulombic molecular Hamiltonian. It will also provide an introduction to the mathematical and computational techniques required to solve the complex mathematical problems that arise in theoretical chemistry. Alongside this, symmetry and its fundamental importance in understanding molecular orbital theory, interpreting spectroscopic observations and the shapes of molecules will also be introduced.
This module describes the properties and behaviours of solids such as metals, salts and crystalline molecular compounds and soft matter, including polymers and their surfaces. In particular, relationships between structure, property and material behaviour will be scrutinised. Characterisation techniques will be examined including: X-ray crystallography, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DCS). Applications of hard and soft surfaces in catalysis and gas storage will be highlighted. The use of X-ray crystallography as a characterisation tool will be explored and the chemical and mathematical concepts behind this technique introduced.
By the end of the module, students will have developed their problem solving and data analysis skills and be able to present results and findings in a clear and concise manner.
This module describes strategies for and approaches to the synthesis of organic molecules in a controlled manner. The importance, formation methods and various uses of enols, enolates and enolate equivalents in synthesis are all introduced.
This module will also explore how molecules’ conformations affect their reactivity. For this, the course will cover the chemistry of cyclic hydrocarbons detailing their conformational preferences (3D shape) and how this affects their reactivity towards chemical reactions, with a particular focus on SN2 and E2 reactions.
By the end of the module, students will understand the versatility of enolate chemistry in organic synthesis and the application of enolate and other chemical methods in retrosynthetic analysis as a way of devising syntheses of complex organic structures. Students will also improve their skills in problem-solving, consolidating information, core practical techniques, analysis of data and the presentation of reports.
This module discusses the underlying physical principles that govern spectroscopic techniques that compliment an in depth knowledge of techniques crucial to all areas of chemistry. Students will also be introduced to practical techniques for the recording and interpretation of spectra. The module includes topics such as the electromagnetic spectrum, atomic spectroscopy and x-ray based spectroscopic techniques. Students will also explore nuclear magnetic resonance, luminescence and spectroscopic imaging.
Additionally, the module offers practical sessions based around NMR, UV/Vis, IR and Fluorescence, and workshops that will connect the theory to the practical interpretation of spectra. The Physical Principles of Spectroscopy aims to consolidate students’ knowledge of spectroscopic methods and expand skills to rationalisation of observed spectra in terms of the underlying chemical and physical properties of molecules and techniques.
Students will gain an in depth knowledge surrounding thermodynamics, covering a variety of topics including ideal gas laws; internal energy, including heat and work, and the Carnot cycle. The module then progresses to exploring enthalpy, heat capacity and entropy. Free energies and chemical potential, along with microstates, partition function, molecular interactions and molecular simulation are investigated as part of the module.
The module aims to develop a critical understanding of chemical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, focusing on concepts and their application in understanding chemical driving forces and stability. Problem solving skills and mathematical ability will be improved, and through theoretical lectures and practical sessions, students will also improve their laboratory and written communication skills.
What next after your degree? What kind of work will you enjoy and find fulfilling? What available careers are there which will suit you and how can you gain entry?
This module will help students to analyse their own preferences, skills, values and career aspirations. They will learn about career opportunities and labour market trends, and they will research employment and training opportunities for graduates and specifically for those with their degree specialism. Students will consolidate and further develop the key skills which employers are looking for such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and researching and presentation skills. Students will also develop a career plan and enhance their job search and application skills. This includes understanding and interpreting job adverts, writing CVs, understanding assessment centres and developing interview skills. The module includes contact with and presentations by a range of employers to raise awareness of employer needs and trends.
Core
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You will expand your horizons by spending a year studying at one of our international partner universities. There, you will undertake advanced chemistry modules that are comparable to those offered at Lancaster. Destinations currently include North America, Australia and New Zealand, with extension to further destinations in progress.
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This research project module is the essential core requirement for a student undertaking the MChem programme and comprises 50% of the final year. Due to the wide variety of expertise in the Department of Chemistry and the interests of the students themselves, the precise nature of the work to be undertaken can be very diverse. It will be under one of the broad headings of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy; Chemical Theory and Computation or Synthetic Chemistry.
Students will gain in depth knowledge and an understanding of a particular area of chemistry and undertake experimental/computational research. The specific techniques (practical, instrumental and computational) involved in the chosen area will be learnt in depth to lead to publication quality research in a leading international journal.
Optional
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Throughout this module, students will be equipped with a deeper understanding of the chemistry behind materials science, focusing on organic (with special emphasis on polymers) and inorganic materials.
Students are introduced to the structural concepts of inorganic and organic materials, focusing on how their structure and bonding stringing determines their properties. The module enables students to delve deeper into a range of methods to synthesise and characterise these materials, combined with an understanding of applying materials properties in the energy field, such as energy production and storage.
Students will be equipped with specialist knowledge and understanding to predict properties and applications of a variety of materials, enabling them to extensively discuss principles for synthesis and characterisation of materials. They will also develop key skills in data analysis, reviewing research literature, and critical assessment and prediction of materials’ behaviour with the capability to take this forward into industry.
This module provides an advanced introduction into nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which is the principal spectroscopic technique used by chemists, biochemists, and biologists, to determine the structure of molecules and study their dynamics. In modern usage, NMR is an extremely powerful technique as the experiments can be performed in a way that enhances or removes certain types of information from the spectra, facilitating their interpretation.
In this module, the basic principles of the method are presented from a physical chemistry perspective. This is followed by discussion of the experimental methods appropriate to the study of both liquid and solid samples. Applications of NMR to the structure and dynamic of proteins, to solid-state inorganic materials and medical imaging are also explored.
Students’ understanding of the principles of chemical simulation is developed during this module, providing knowledge of both the modern approaches in chemical simulation, and the techniques required to understand, interpret and manipulate key simulated chemical properties. The principles and application of the current most relevant electron structure simulation methods (including Hartree-Fock, density functional, configuration interaction and coupled cluster theories) will also be explored.
In addition to this, students will gain insight into the effects of special relativity in chemistry and the recently identified manifestations of these effects.
There are four practical sessions associated with this module, where students will be required to apply the knowledge they gained in a problem-solving environment. This will allow the understanding, engagement and progress of the students to be monitored and feedback to be provided.
This optional module will build upon your physical chemistry knowledge acquired during the first three years of your degree, applying it to the understanding and elucidation of organic reaction mechanisms.
You’ll start with an introduction to the origins of physical organic chemistry and revision of the basic concepts and approaches used in mechanistic investigations. The module includes kinetic and reaction progress analysis, isotopic labelling, structure-reactivity correlations, trapping of reaction intermediates, mechanistically controlled stereochemistry, acid-base and organometallic catalysis. Examples of each topic will be extracted from real-world research and data reported by the international scientific community.
By the end of the module, you will be able to design experiments to support or disprove a mechanistic proposal, put all the pieces of experimental evidence together to decide which mechanistic proposal is the best fit, and propose alternative mechanisms if the experimental evidence does not fit the current proposal.
This module will teach students about the chemistry and molecular basis of recent advances in soft materials and nanoscience, with a particular focus on liquid crystals and linking these advances to real applications.
The module will explore key principles of soft matter organisation from the examples encountered in Year Two and Three, in particular the self-assembly of block-copolymers, surfactants, and lyotropic colloids, and will apply these principles to the understanding of liquid crystal systems. The chemical structures of typical liquid crystals will be introduced, as well as the structure and physical properties of their mesophases as anisotropic fluids and their use in devices from LCD-TVs to optical sensors. The module will end with a discussion of current frontiers in soft materials research and the exploration of some emerging soft nanomaterials as hybrid soft materials.
This module drills down into the advanced chemical details of how materials can be used to harvest light, and the technologies available to store and release energy on demand.
The module is taught in two parts, the first part covers the research methods used for improving solar capture in solar cells and explores the challenges and limitations of different solar cells, with novel research methodologies used to improve their efficiencies. The second part focuses on electrochemical energy storage and recent research development in batteries. Throughout this module, students will gain an advanced understanding of light management and energy conversion, and be able to apply their knowledge to recent research developments in the field of photovoltaics and electrochemical storage.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to understand and critique a variety of battery and chemical storage technologies, and discuss the latest advances in solar energy conversion and their application to solar cells. Students will be equipped with knowledge of how to analyse different methodologies for improving the efficiency limit of solar cells, and be able to provide a critical evaluation of how chemistry is used in renewable energy using primary literature.
Many of the organic molecules in nature and modern small-molecule drugs are used to treat a variety of diseases. It is necessary that chemists are able to introduce chirality in molecules in a controlled way through stereoselectivity. Students will gain an understanding of a range of synthetic methods for the stereocontrolled preparation and manipulation of organic compounds.
We will teach a variety of topics including the shapes of molecules and reaction transition states in 3-dimensions, looking at how molecular shape affects reaction outcome; the stereochemical manipulation of cyclic and acyclic compounds; the prediction of relative stereochemical configuration of racemic products, and the enantioselective synthesis of molecules by utilising chiral reagents.
To develop students’ understanding further, they will also be introduced to topics including enantioselective catalysis, an approach that enables the stereoselective synthesis of products with a small amount of chiral catalyst. Students will learn key methods for the catalytic asymmetric reduction and oxidation, chiral Lewis acid activation, and the core concepts of organocatalysis
Students will be able to demonstrate how to apply stereoselective methods in the synthesis of natural products and drug compounds throughout the module. They will also gain specialist knowledge of contemporary approaches for the induction of stereoselectivity in synthesis, and key skills in applying appropriate 3-dimensional models to predict the outcome of a broad range of stereoselective reactions.
An introduction to the research field of supramolecular chemistry (‘Chemistry beyond the molecule’) will be provided. At first, students will study host-guest recognition, including how receptors bind different cations and anions with high affinity and selectivity. Then, the elegant structures and functions of supramolecular architectures that are generated by templated self-assembly processes will be explored.
Throughout the module, parallels will be drawn between examples found in the natural world and the synthetic chemistry laboratory. Students will critically analyse recent developments in supramolecular chemistry by applying its principles. A key part of this module will be the regular reference to, and study of, relevant papers and reviews on supramolecular chemistry in scientific literature.
This module will further develop knowledge and understanding in the areas relevant to transition metal catalysis, building on previous coordination and organometallic chemistry. Students will focus on transition metal chemistry including the stereochemistry of coordination complexes, structure determination, and homogenous catalysis.
Case studies in homogeneous catalysis will include: asymmetric hydrogenation and hydroformylation, oxidative catalysis and C-C bond formation.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to rationalise the stereoisomeric considerations in a range of transition metal complexes, and describe a range of techniques to predetermine the isomeric integrity in inorganic materials. They will also discuss catalytic pathways in a range of industrially important procedures and be able to interpret and generate appropriate hybrid nomenclature.
Fees and funding
Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Study abroad courses
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
Placement and industry year courses
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard tuition fee
Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard tuition fee
International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will be charged the same percentages as the standard International fee.
Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
Scholarships and bursaries
You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
As an international student, I didn’t have the chance to visit the campus before starting my course. However, I was amazed by everyone’s friendliness and support in the Chemistry department and the modern feel of the chemistry building. Right from the beginning, I was assigned a personal academic advisor, who provides me with academic, career and pastoral help whenever I need it.
There is also an open-door policy at the department, which means that whenever I have a question about material from a given module or I want to discuss anything else with an academic, I can simply go to their office without arranging a meeting with them beforehand.
What I especially enjoy as part of my degree are the practicals where I can apply the knowledge I get from the lectures and workshops in practice. In my second year, I had 8-12 hours of practicals per week where I either worked in the synthetic or analytical lab or did computer simulations in one of the computer labs. With every session, I became more confident in using various instruments or programmes.
I have also had the opportunity to explore my career options during two careers modules. Talking to some of the staff about my future prospects has convinced me that I would like to pursue a career in research. Since then, I have applied for various internships advertised by the department, and I cannot wait to hear back about the offers from the companies.
Although I still haven’t finished my degree, I cannot wait for all the opportunities to broaden my knowledge of chemistry and enhance my employability with the help of the department.
Julia Szymanska, MChem Hons Chemistry
Our Facilities
Synthetic Lab
Within our Department, we have a specialised Synthetic chemistry lab, designed you to safely gain practical experience in synthesising new molecules from simpler ones. It’s equipped with three bays, each accommodating up to 20 students (for 60 in total), all working in fume hoods.
Computational Lab
We have dedicated labs for computational chemistry, equipped with software to allow you to model various chemicals. Computational chemistry involves using computers to solve the underlying physical equations that control the behaviour of electrons and nuclei, or on a slightly larger scale, between different atoms and molecules, to predict the properties and behaviours of chemical systems.
Physical and Analytical Lab
Our Physical and Analytical teaching lab is a spacious laboratory designed to accommodate up to 60 students learning practical chemistry within these fields. The Physical and Analytical labs are dedicated to characterising and analysing substances rather than creating them.
Mass Spectrometry Lab
At Lancaster, we have a dedicated Mass Spectrometry Lab that allows you to analyse samples in order to identify their constituent components. Over £1.5 million has been spent on mass spec equipment, housed throughout the Department. The facility is used both across the department and by external companies.
NMR Labs
We have a number of NMR machines (both liquid and solid-state) that you'll be able to use to identify and understand the structures of chemical compounds, allowing you to determine whether you have successfully synthesised a new molecule!
Communal Areas
Our Department has a wide variety of communal areas where you can socialise or work collaboratively with your peers!
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Undergraduate open days 2024
Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.
Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.
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