MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

The Centre for Forensic Science at Strathclyde has provided degrees in forensic science for longer than any other university in the UK.

You’ll be joining a global network of Strathclyde graduates; our forensic and analytical chemistry graduates are highly respected throughout the world.

This Integrated Masters degree provides you with a comprehensive education in both chemistry and forensic science. The degree qualifies you as an all-round analytical chemist, with thorough training in the applications of forensic science. Graduates of this course go on to careers in all areas of analytical chemistry including the forensic arena.

Why this course?

This is the only course in the UK to have dual professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. It’s delivered in partnership with the Strathclyde Centre for Forensic Science.

Transferable skills are taught in all years and include IT, scientific writing, presentation skills, report writing and problem-solving. You can study at a European University for one year of your degree, and you can choose to spend your placement year abroad.

Transfer is possible between the other MChem courses and also the following shorter BSc degrees within the first three years:

• BSc (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Drug Discovery

Work placement

You’ll undertake a paid 12-month placement in the pharmaceutical industry, either in the UK or abroad. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements within the Department's 'Chemistry Clinic' are also available. 

The Strathclyde chemistry industrial placement scheme is one of the longest-running in the UK, and more than 70 students are placed with companies each year.

Learning & teaching

Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes which relate to different areas of chemistry and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.

In Years 1 to 3, lectures deliver the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry graduates. This is supported by small and large group tutorials. Chemistry is a practical subject so students will also gain training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.

Your fourth year is a 12-month industrial, research or knowledge exchange placement giving hands-on training. You’ll continue your studies through distance learning assignments.

In your final year, you’ll study advanced topics in forensic and analytical chemistry and complete an independent research project in your chosen field.

Careers

A degree in chemistry opens doors to a wide variety of employment opportunities and our graduates compete successfully for jobs in the chemical industry. Your chances of employment are substantially increased by having completed training in an industrial placement.

Developments in forensic science move quickly, with new means of gathering and characterising minute traces of evidence constantly being sought.

The skills of analytical chemists are also increasingly in demand for checking the quality of our food and water, protecting the environment and monitoring industrial materials and processes.

Another emerging area is the restoration of artworks and historical artefacts, proving that the career opportunities for a well-trained analytical chemist are both wide and interesting.

This course is accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates are eligible to apply for the status of Chartered Chemist, the qualification recognised in the UK and EU for professional chemists.