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Analytical Chemistry

MSc, PG Dip

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our analytical chemistry postgraduate course is designed to provide you with up-to-date knowledge and extensive practical experience in advanced laboratory skills and computational methods used in the chemical science and pharmaceutical sectors.

  • Why choose this course?
    • You will gain expertise in a wide range of wet lab and data analysis skills that are highly valued by employers.
    • This course benefits from being embedded in a research-active environment in which you will be taught by experts in the field.
    • We welcome students to this course from a variety of science-based disciplines and academic or professional backgrounds, so you will join a unique student cohort learning alongside students from all age groups, who bring a range of different professional experiences to our course.

  • What will I learn?

    This course prepares you to work in a wide range of jobs across the chemical science sector. You will gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a range of analytical methods, including spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry and separation science, and how these can be applied to a variety of samples including pharmaceutical and environmental samples.

  • How will I learn?

    This course offers you hands-on training. Each module includes a mixture of theory and practical classes based either in our specialist laboratories or a workstation room. If you choose to study the MSc, you will also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and new skills to an area of current chemical research in a novel research project.

    We offer this course as a Master’s and a Postgraduate Diploma. For the Diploma, you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. This course is available to study full-time in the daytime, or part-time in the evening.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Three to four days a week, October to July.

    Part-time: Two evenings a week, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • We offer state-of-the-art instrumental and computing facilities.
  • Birkbeck is home to a range of excellent research across natural sciences helping to identify fundamental biological and physical structures and fight disease.
  • In the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
  • You can register for the Postgraduate Diploma and progress to the MSc by completing the requisite modules.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a scientific subject. Less qualified students may be accepted if they have appropriate work experience, or through registration on the Postgraduate Diploma with the possibility of upgrading to the MSc after achieving appropriate results in the first set of examinations.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,375 per year
Full-time home students: £12,750 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
Full-time international students: £20,850 per year

PG Dip: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £4,250 per year
Full-time home students: £8,500 per year
Part-time international students: £6,950 per year
Full-time international students: £13,900 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this analytical chemistry course, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • working safely, efficiently and independently in a chemical laboratory setting, using a range of equipment and instrumentation
  • analytical skills, including a sound understanding of commonly used statistical methods
  • independent problem solving
  • oral and written scientific reporting 
  • time organisation and completing projects to deadlines.

Studying this course will prepare you for PhD study in the chemical sciences, or for roles in a range of fields and professions including:

  • research chemist in a university or industry setting
  • quality control analyst
  • science writer or a role in scientific communication
  • the education sector.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at the following organisations:

  • Johnson Matthey
  • Affinity Water
  • Piramal Discovery Solutions
  • Haier Biomedical
  • Ludwig Cancer Research.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Analytical Chemistry (MSc, PG Dip)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time