Applied Analytical Chemistry MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Applied Analytical Chemistry
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Applied Analytical Chemistry |
| PGCert | Applied Analytical Chemistry |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PCJ61007 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PCJ61008 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Programme Leader
CREAN Carol (Chst Chm Eng)
Date of production/revision of spec
13/02/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- Develop a pipeline of highly skilled analytical scientists that can apply subject-specific knowledge in employment setup with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
- Provide resources and support for the development of digital capabilities, employability and transferable skills.
- Create a learning environment to enhance the knowledge and skills of students so that they can develop, integrate, synthesise and apply the systematic and broad understanding of relevant and state-of-the-art analytical science concepts to solve more complex measurement problems.
- Develop highly effective individuals who can interrogate and integrate diverse sources of scientific literature alongside other information sources, in order to design and develop methods for investigation and analysis, including in areas at the forefront of knowledge and outside their current specialist knowledge.
- Stimulate the development of advanced experimental and investigative skills, project planning, including, as appropriate, evaluation of ethics, hazards and environmental effects and appreciation of costs.
- Develop individuals with a great understanding of globalisation and cultural differences who can work in different settings and respond to different challenges making them resilient to immediate changes at the same time being mindful of the environmental impacts and sustainability.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Identify and comprehensively appraise typical practical problems in analysis in the chemical/pharmaceutical/agrichemical sector. | KCT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Critically evaluate important aspects and steps taken when developing an analytical method. | KCT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Understand the main analytical techniques used in product development and analytical control, their applications, advantages and limitations. | KT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Statistically evaluate, validate and appraise the integrity and quality of obtained data and the effectiveness of analytical methods. | KCT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate self-organisational ability and plan experiments methodically. | CPT | MSc | |
| Demonstrate clear, autonomous, scientific ability to conduct research and development in academic and industrial environments. | CPT | MSc | |
| Systematically and comprehensively evaluate experimental outputs and present them in a concise, scientific, and informative manner. | KCPT | MSc | |
| Write both a CV and a cover letter with the appropriate tone, content and format. | PT | MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
September start
First semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study two compulsory modules:
CHEM050 Advanced Separations: Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry and Data Analysis (30 credits)
CHEM051 Advanced Quantitative and Qualitative Spectroscopy with Data Analysis (30 credits)
Second semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar) you will study three compulsory modules:
CHEM052 Atomic Spectroscopy & Radioanalysis (30 credits)
CHEM048 Pharmaceutical Analysis and QA/QC (30 credits)
CHEM047 MSc Science Project (60 credits) runs over the summer
You will also study the following year long compulsory module:
CHEM044 Employability (0 credits)
February start
First semester (semester 2 according to the academic calendar you will study three compulsory modules:
CHEM052 Atomic Spectroscopy & Radioanalysis (30 credits)
CHEM048 Pharmaceutical Analysis and QA/QC (30 credits)
CHEM047 MSc Science Project (60 credits) runs over the summer
Second semester (semester 1 according to the academic calendar) you will study two compulsory modules:
CHEM050 Advanced Separations: Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry and Data Analysis (30 credits)
CHEM051 Advanced Quantitative and Qualitative Spectroscopy with Data Analysis (30 credits)
You will also study the following compulsory module:
CHEM044 Employability (0 credits)
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM048 | PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS AND QA/QC | Compulsory | 30 | 2 |
| CHEM047 | MSC SCIENCE PROJECT | Compulsory | 60 | 2 |
| CHEM050 | ADVANCED SEPARATIONS: CHROMATOGRAPHY, MASS SPECTROMETRY AND DATA ANALYSIS | Compulsory | 30 | 1 |
| CHEM044 | EMPLOYABILITY | Compulsory | 0 | Cross Year |
| CHEM044 | EMPLOYABILITY | Compulsory | 0 | Year-long |
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM051 | ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE SPECTROSCOPY WITH DATA ANALYSIS | Compulsory | 30 | 1 |
| CHEM052 | ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY & RADIOANALYSIS | Compulsory | 30 | 2 |
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Digital literacy is essential for employability in analytical sciences, where advanced software support quality management. The programme develops these capabilities through assessments, library resources, and specialist or general software. Students gain skills in data analysis, digital communication, online learning, and research tools, producing digital reports, presentations, and dissertations.
The programme embeds employability by delivering industry focused analytical chemistry content, realistic laboratory training, and teaching by experienced practitioners. Students develop practical, analytical, and transferable skills through lab-based learning, collaborative tasks, and research projects. This environment builds independence, critical thinking, and the ability to link theory with practice¿preparing graduates with the skills and mindset employers value.
Global and cultural capabilities: Through diverse cohorts, inclusive teaching, and varied assessments, students learn to value different perspectives, challenge bias and discrimination, and build critical thinking skills.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: Students transitioning to postgraduate study are supported while developing independence, perseverance, and self-efficacy. Diverse modules, classrooms, practical work, and collaboration build self-management, leadership, problem solving, and teamwork. Open ended assessments foster resilience and confidence. The MSc research project strengthens resourcefulness through ethical decision making and close professional partnership with supervisors throughout their academic journey and prepares them for future professional challenges ahead.
Sustainability is embedded across the programme, linking societal needs with the University¿s agenda. Students explore ethical responsibility, globalisation, and sustainable resource use, including recycling and environmental impacts of chemical processes, supported by LEAF accredited laboratories. Through practical work and dissertations, they assess environmental effects, deepen ethical awareness, and build confidence to promote inclusive, sustainable practice and address societal inequalities in future careers.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.