Master of Science in Catalysis

at University of St Andrews

The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.

Teaching methods include:

• seminars
• lectures
• tutorials
• practical laboratory work
• consultation sessions with supervisors.

Modules are assessed through coursework, written examinations, or a combination of both. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures. 

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules
Students will take five compulsory and three optional modules during the course.

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2021–2022 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2022 entry.

Compulsory

• Contemporary Research Awareness: research colloquia and seminars delivered by external speakers and covering areas within current chemical science research. 
• Homogeneous Catalysis: demonstrates the links between catalyst structure, performance, commercial utilisation and sustainability.
• Literature Review for MSc Catalysis: an in-depth survey of the published literature within the area of catalysis, which is related to the prospective research project, including peer-review-like assessment and a short oral presentation. 
• Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Co-factors: introduces the origin of natural products and the diversity of enzyme reactions.
• Research Skills in Chemistry: develops knowledge of specialised research techniques for the prospective research project.
• Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis: introduces the important general concepts of the chemistry of heterogeneous catalysis.

The University of St Andrews offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to ensure our doors remain open to all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances.

Although entry to St Andrews is competitive, we recognise a range of different qualifications and consider all aspects of your application, including context, your personal statement and references. Grades alone will not guarantee you admission, and actual offers may be higher or lower than the listed minimum grades required by each programme.

Information about our entry requirements can be found in academic entry explained and UK-based applicants can use our indicator to see which set of entry requirements they need to look at. All non-UK based applicants should look at our standard academic entry requirements.

The University also offers alternative entry routes for applicants who come from areas where we receive limited applications and who are unable to obtain the required grades, or for those who are returning to education after an extended period of time.

• SQA Highers: BBBB to AAAAB
• A-Level: ABB to A*A*A
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,5,5) to 38 (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6). From 2021, programmes requiring A-levels Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level.

Tuition fees

• Home: £10,395
• Overseas: £25,450

Chemistry graduates have gone on to successful careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries with companies such as:

• AstraZeneca
• BP
• GSK
• Johnson Matthey
• Pfizer
• Shell
• Siemens.