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  • Analytical Chemistry (with specialisms in Forensic Analysis, Clinical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis or Environmental Analysis) (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Taught modules are assessed by coursework and unseen written examinations.

  • Attendance
      • Day release: four days a week for one year full-time; one day a week for two years part-time (Monday in Year 1, Wednesday in Year 2), plus project time.
      • October–September.
  • Duration
      • Two–five years part-time; one year full-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Good honours degree in a scientific subject.
      • Less qualified students may be accepted after following a one-year qualifying course, or if they have appropriate work experience, or through registration on the Postgraduate Diploma course with the possibility of upgrading to the MSc after achieving appropriate results in the first set of examinations.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)

    • MSc

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £6875 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £6950 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £13,750 pa

      Postgraduate Diploma

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £6875 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £4775 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £8950 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • Lectures, laboratory assignments, a research project.

Analytical Chemistry (with specialisms in Forensic Analysis, Clinical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis or Environmental Analysis) (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • This modular programme delivers a comprehensive training in analytical chemistry, with the opportunity to specialise in areas such as forensic, clinical and biopharmaceutical or environmental analysis. 

      The programme is available by day release or full-time study and offers the opportunity of completing a research project in our research laboratories.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Part-time study by day release allows you to combine study with other commitments, and accumulate modules over two–five years.
      • Includes a research project, which may be completed at your place of work if appropriate.
      • You can register for the Postgraduate Diploma and progress to the MSc by completing the requisite modules.
      • Available with specialisms in Forensic Analysis, Clinical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis or Environmental Analysis.
  • Professional bodies that recognise this course
    • Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Course structure

    • The MSc is structured around taught modules, practical assignments and a laboratory-based research project.  

      A total of 105 credits come from compulsory modules:  

      • Fundamentals, Statistics and Data Quality
      • Separation Science
      • Solids and Surfaces
      • Electro-analysis and Sensors
      • NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry
      • Optical Spectroscopy and Atomic Spectrometry.

      There is a choice of specialist 15-credit modules taught in the spring term. Modules vary, but in 2012–2013 we expect to offer Forensic Analysis, Clinical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis or Environmental Analysis.

      The research project is worth 60 credits and you may choose between working in a 'wet' laboratory, carrying out a computational project or, if suitable, conducting the research at your place of work.

      The Postgraduate Diploma is awarded for successfully completing all the taught modules but not the project, or at least half the taught modules and the project.

      Specialisms

      Students who pass an appropriate specialist module, and also undertake their project in an appropriate area of study, and who so wish, may be awarded a specially designated MSc/Postgraduate Diploma, for example MSc Analytical Chemistry (Forensic Analysis).

  • Study resources

    • Chemistry is taught in the School of Science, which offers state-of-the-art instrumental and computing facilities, and the possibility of collaborating with industry. The School also provides a seminar programme and skills training across disciplines.

  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information
    • Graduates go on to careers in the health sector, toxicology, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
  • Further details

    • On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

      • display sound knowledge and understanding of the science underlying the key areas of analytical science and its practical applications
      • outline recent advances in your field of study
      • formulate a research or method development plan and carry out the appropriate literature and data searches
      • demonstrate a critical and professional approach to quality
      • carry out chemical manipulations and operate advanced analytical equipment
      • work safely and efficiently in a laboratory, carrying out risk assessments where appropriate.
      Modes of study

      This is a laboratory-based subject, which means individual contact between staff and students is frequent. Numerous opportunities exist and are created for you to comment on, and to take responsibility for, the direction of your studies.

      The overall aim of the programme is to provide the training and education in analytical science and technology required for you to reach a high professional level in the practice of analytical chemistry. This includes training in the essential tools of analytical science, their appropriate application and an understanding of the broader professional issues involved in practicing analytical chemistry in a professional environment.

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