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A dynamic, ever-evolving subject, chemistry offers a route into a range of careers in a multitude of industries. Our MSci Chemistry with Modern Language programme combines your love of chemistry with your love of languages, a great stepping stone for working abroad or using a foreign language in your career.
Choosing this unique four-year course can make you stand out when it comes to applying for a job as global corporations, who have a presence outside of the UK, will likely view a bilingual applicant in a very favourable light. You can choose to study one of five languages a Birmingham: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish. Chinese and Japanese are only available from beginner level. French, German and Spanish have 8 levels available (from beginner to post A level).
Our broad outlook on the chemistry offers you the chance to play your part in solving some of the century’s most complex problems in healthcare, medicine, sustainability and the environment, graduating with strong analytical abilities, the confidence to propose innovative solutions, and highly developed lab skills. You’ll also learn about the latest developments in cutting-edge research, equipping you to take the first step on your career path or the next step in your studies.
Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)
The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)
A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)
The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level
The European Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)
20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.
In Year 1, you will take core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, all of which are supported by two additional modules comprising an extensive laboratory work programme. The remaining 20 credits is your chosen modern language.
Those of you who do not have A-level maths or equivalent – don’t worry! We provide a self-paced Fundamental Maths for Chemists course in Semester 1, which will bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry. All students take this course, whether they have A-level maths or not, since not all A-level maths syllabuses cover the same material.
In Semester 2, additional mathematics is embedded in the physical chemistry module, as you begin to apply your mathematical skills to chemical problems. All of the maths material is delivered by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you are equipped with those skills you need to tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Practical Chemistry
Language module
In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures and practicals to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core modules in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and the associated laboratory work, you will continue to develop your language skills.
Students may proceed with the MSci programme providing a minimum of 220 credits have been accumulated by the end of Stage 2 and an Overall Stage 2 mark of greater than 60% has been obtained, normally to include passes in core chemistry exams.
In Year 3, core chemistry modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are accompanied by advanced classes in your chosen modern language. Two modules of advanced laboratory work and project skills training will prepare you for the major research project that you will undertake in your fourth year.
Research Methodology
You will study just chemistry in this, your final, year during which, significant flexibility allows you to specialise in a particular sub-discipline should you wish. You will choose from a range of courses that reflect the state-of-the-art of the discipline, which not only allows us to showcase the cutting-edge research interests of the School but also ensures that you are aware of the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject.
In addition to 60 credits of taught chemistry modules, you will join one of the School’s research groups, and become a member of the Research School as you undertake a major research project (worth the remaining 60 credits). You will work closely with your project supervisor to tailor your project to your particular interests and ensure you develop those research skills that you feel will be most beneficial to you after completing your degree.
Masters Research Project - 60 credits
Select 60 credits of optional modules, examples listed below:
Year 4 option topics - 60 credits
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.
You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.
English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.
For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:
TOEFL Home Edition
IELTs Online
PTE Academic Online
Other programmes you might be interested in.
For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.
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