Chemistry / Chemical Sciences
Chemistry is a dynamic subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.
Heriot-Watt University's postgraduate degrees in Chemical Sciences are linked closely to the expertise and research of The Institute of Chemical Sciences. Our degrees benefit from close links to industry and access to professional-standard facilities.
Find your chemistry
Our undergraduate chemistry degrees include extensive laboratory work and will prepare you to address important challenges. They develop specialist knowledge of chemistry, complemented by important skills like teamwork, communication and problem solving.
Through the selection of optional courses, you can choose to specialise in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computational Chemistry, or Materials & Nanosciences.
Our Chemistry with Placement degree allows you to take on a work placement with one of our industrial partners or study abroad for one year of the degree at a partner university in Australia, North America, Spain, Germany or France.
PhD opportunities
The Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) research ranges from fundamental aspects of pure chemistry to interdisciplinary areas involving interactions with physics, biochemistry and applied science.
Our research finds applications in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals to polymers and from thermoelectrics to carbon capture. Our expertise links strongly to the biomolecular and material sciences and the energy and life science sectors.
ICS offers excellent research facilities for multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, molecular modelling/computational chemistry, polymer chemistry, laser chemistry and laser mass spectrometry.
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Contact usRelated subjects
Bioscience and Bioengineering
Our world-class cell biology, molecular imaging, atomic force microscopy, tissue/cell culture and bioprocessing facilities, as well as laser and optical laboratories, offer a unique environment for postgraduate study and integrative research.
Physics
Studying a Physics Degree at Heriot-Watt gives you advanced lab facilities to learn in, expert teaching and a range of specialist routes to follow. Find out more.
Chemical Engineering
Our Chemical Engineering Degrees (IChemE) allow students to learn the necessary skills and essential knowledge to solve engineering problems. Find out more.
Why Heriot-Watt?
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Chemistry Society
The Chemistry Society is a student group that organise social events including quizzes, laser tag, bowling, escape rooms as well as arranging guest speakers and industry visits.
Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.