School of Chemistry
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
CHEMISTRY
POSTGRADUATE
DEGREES
INSPIRING
MINDS
School of Chemistry
Defining
You
Contents
3
WHY STUDY CHEMISTRY AT LEEDS
18
YOUR FUTURE
4OUR RESEARCH
19
STUDENT STORY – JAMES GREEN
6
RESEARCH WITH IMPACT
20
RESEARCH CENTRES
8
OUR FACILITIES
22LEEDS: THE UNIVERSITY AND THE CITY
10
RESEARCH DEGREES
24
13
STAFF STORY – ANDY WILSON
25ACCOMMODATION
14
TAUGHT MASTERS COURSES
26
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
15
MSc Chemical Biology and Drug Design
27
HOW TO APPLY
16Msc Chemical Process Research
and Development
17
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
MSc Polymers, Colorants and Fine Chemicals
Important Information
Information provided by the University such as in presentations, University brochures and the University website,
is accurate at the time of first disclosure. However, courses, University services and content of publications
remain subject to change. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies
or to keep courses contemporary through updating practices or areas of study. Circumstances may arise
outside the reasonable control of the University, leading to required changes. Such circumstances include,
industrial action, unexpected student numbers, significant staff illness (where a course is reliant upon a
person’s expertise), unexpected lack of funding, severe weather, fire, civil disorder, political unrest, government
restrictions and serious concern with regard to the transmission of serious illness making a course unsafe
to deliver. After a student has taken up a place with the University, the University will look to give early
notification of any changes and try to minimise their impact, offering suitable alternative arrangements or forms
of compensation where it believes there is a fair case to do so. Offers of a place to study at the University will
provide up to date information on courses. The latest key information on courses, entry requirements and fees
can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk/coursefinder. Please check this website before making any decisions.
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Why Study Chemistry at Leeds | 3
Why study a postgraduate
chemistry qualification at
the University of Leeds
Chemistry at
Leeds is one of the
leading research
centres in the UK,
ranked 4th for
research impact in
the latest Research
Excellence
Framework.
If you choose to study a PhD or Masters
at Leeds’ School of Chemistry you’ll benefit
from the use of our excellent facilities, our
exceptional student support and a welcoming
atmosphere, all of which serve to nurture
your learning potential.
Our courses have been developed in close
cooperation with industry and many companies
and organisations, such as the Clothworkers’
Company and Society of Dyers and Colourists,
provide support for our students, through the
provision of scholarships, work placement
opportunities and contributions to lectures,
workshops and projects.
The excellence of our teaching and quality of
our courses is recognised by professional bodies
around the world. Some of our courses were
the first to be accredited in the UK by the Royal
Society of Chemistry.
If you choose to study a research degree with us,
our goal is to help you become one of the people
who make the next big advances in the subject
and define the scientific agenda of the future.
We are well placed to achieve this as part of a
research-led University with a mission to deliver
world-class research, training and teaching.
We also guarantee that you will have the
extensive support and facilities to allow you to
get the most out of your project both within the
School and through interdisciplinary links that
we have forged across the University within the
areas of biological sciences, engineering and
environmental sciences.
School of Chemistry
Our Research
Our School of Chemistry comprises six
research sections, each with an enviable
reputation for research, which cut across
the fields of inorganic, organic and
physical chemistry.
The research themes of these groups are all at the disciplinary
interfaces of chemistry, with: physics, geology and biology,
biology and medicine, physics and mathematics, materials
science, medicine and chemical engineering.
PHD PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES ARE
AVAILABLE IN ALL SIX RESEARCH SECTIONS.
FULL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT:
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk/research
ATMOSPHERIC AND PLANETARY CHEMISTRY
Understanding the vital resource that is our atmosphere is
essential for sustainable future development. Amongst other
issues, atmospheric chemistry influences air quality and hence
human health, and climate change and so change the future
of our planet. Missions to other planets and moons in our solar
system are revealing how extraordinarily diverse atmospheres have
developed, which in turn helps to understand the evolution of
our own atmosphere. More than a thousand exoplanets (around
other stars in our galaxy) have now been discovered, and we are
starting to be able to detect their atmospheric properties. We have
one of the largest laser laboratories in the UK where research
focuses on fundamental studies of both elementary and complex
chemical reactions.
COLOUR AND POLYMER SCIENCE
Research in colour science at Leeds began in 1878. Today
the section is a unique multi-disciplinary international centre
of excellence in chemistry, physics and various technologies
associated with colorants, polymers, colour and imaging.
The section is also at the forefront of academic and collaborative
industrial research in polymer chemistry, polymer materials
science, formulation and delivery of functional complex fluids,
organic printed electronics, chemistry of colorants, including the
design and synthesis of novel chromophores, colour measurement
and imaging science.
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Our Research | 5
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
CRYSTALLISATION AND DIRECTED ASSEMBLY
The group focuses on chemical approaches at the interfaces
with both biology and medicine, with members taking leading
roles in interdisciplinary research at the University, working closely
with colleagues in biological sciences through the Astbury Centre,
and clinical medicine through the Biomedical and Health
Research Centre.
The theme of this group is the application of assembly-based
approaches for the generation of new functional materials. When
we look at nature, a fundamental feature of many of the materials
or matter formed – which range from crystalline solids such as
salt, to tightly-packed DNA in chromosomes, functional proteins,
bio-membranes which enable the function of all life-on-earth,
and even macroscopic structures such as bone, which shows
a remarkable seven levels of hierarchical ordering – is that they
display highly organized structures.
Much of our research is focused on the development of
underpinning chemical methods, which is then applied to both
understand fundamental biological mechanisms and to develop
new ways to treat disease. It is underpinned by expertise in areas
including synthesis, medicinal chemistry, molecular recognition,
mechanistic enzymology, biophysical chemistry and nanoscience,
ranging from the preparation and exploitation of site-specifically
modified proteins to targeted delivery systems with applications in
imaging and/or therapeutics.
COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL PHYSICS
Our group in Leeds strive to understand and control atomic and
molecular motion in chemical reactivity. Modern experimental
probes, such as velocity map imaging and femtosecond
spectroscopy, have been developed that allow exquisitely detailed
probing of chemical reactions involving a small number of atoms
with quantum state resolution and temporal resolution on the
natural timescale of bond breaking. Novel computational and
analytical methods for quantum dynamics are an important
part of the group’s work, complementing and often driving the
experimental programme.
Our long term research goals are to apply this knowledge to
the study of much more complicated reactions and processes;
building links with biology and quantum physics, as well as
atmospheric and astrophysical chemistry.
Our research takes inspiration from these processes, and is
investigating how assembly occurs over length scales ranging from
the molecular to the mesoscale, addressing topics ranging from
crystallization, supramolecular assembly, crystal engineering and
the assembly of bio-molecules. Armed with this insight we design
and build new structures/materials, with tailor-made properties,
where targets can include new molecular devices, catalytic
materials, drug therapies, or batteries.
PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
This group provides novel solutions for the sustainable and
economic manufacture of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and
new materials. Interactions in the key area between chemistry
and chemical engineering are managed through the Institute for
Process Research and Development (iPRD).
The group has expertise in synthesis and catalysis and carries out
basic research, translational research and client/product-specific
work, focused on sustainable pharmaceutical chemistry, catalytic
hydrogen transfer chemistry and new carbon capture technology.
School of Chemistry
RESEARCH WITH IMPACT
Drug Discovery
Our School of Chemistry is
actively involved in pioneering
innovative approaches to help the
pharmaceutical sector to discover
safe new medicines faster.
Pharmaceutical companies are facing challenges in their
quest to develop innovative new drugs. The process of
bringing a new drug to market is slow, remaining at the
same level for the past 60 years, and costs over £1 billion.
Leeds has a strong track record in interdisciplinary activity.
Our scientists are helping to focus and intensify activities
to progress getting new drugs to market by focusing on
a small number of themes to drive engagement with the
pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors.
Two of these themes which are being developed are:
preventing protein aggregation and targeting the delivery
of therapeutic agents. The third theme will focus on the
inhibition of protein-protein interactions, which is currently
being developed through a research council funded
network, PPI-Net, which Leeds leads alongside
Imperial College.
Professor Adam Nelson believes that we have the potential
to make a big impact in the areas we are addressing. In
five to ten years’ time it is expected that this approach will
result in the realisation of new tools that streamline the drug
discovery process.
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk/projects
Research with Impact | 7
RESEARCH WITH IMPACT
Comet Chemistry
Professor John Plane, of Leeds’
Atmospheric and Planetary Chemistry
group, was part of a team who worked
with NASA to analyse the atmospheric
impact of a comet flying near Mars.
A ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance to watch a comet flying close
to the Red Planet gave a unique insight into the effect of
such a near miss on a planet’s atmosphere. The comet
travelled within about 87,000 miles of Mars, ten times closer
than any comet is known to have come to our planet.
This flyby encounter was watched by NASA’s Mars
Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft.
Professor Plane collaborated in the analysis and interpretation
of the observations, which revealed that debris from the
comet added a temporary and very strong layer of ions to the
ionosphere, the electrically charged layer high above Mars.
Professor Plane was asked to advise the MAVEN mission
on what the likely effects of the flyby would be and what
the orbiter’s Imaging UV Spectrometer (IUVs) should be
looking for. He modelled the amount of metals such as iron
and magnesium that would be injected into the Red Planet’s
upper atmosphere and what emissions could be expected.
School of Chemistry
Facilities at the
University of Leeds
The School of Chemistry
boasts world-class facilities for
research training and you can
be certain that we will offer you
the outstanding well-equipped
environment that you need.
The School has undergone a £13M refurbishment of all its
research and teaching laboratories, providing some of the best
facilities for synthetic, physical and analytical chemistry in the
country. We recently spent over £1M on upgrading our core
research facilities.
Beyond the School, additional facilities and services are available
with other schools and faculties across campus through
collaborative arrangements that are embedded throughout our
research programme.
I would definitely recommend
doing a postgraduate degree
at Leeds. Not only is it a
well-respected university, but
Leeds is a great city to live
in. There really is something
for everybody here.”
Laura Ghandhi, PhD student
Each synthetic chemistry laboratory is equipped with two metre
fume cupboards which are generally allocated to individual
researchers. Offices for researchers adjoin the laboratories, and
are used for data analysis, report writing and access to on-line
journals and searching tools.
Researchers also have access to other equipment needed for
synthetic chemistry including vacuum lines and glove boxes for
working under inert atmospheres, and facilities for solvothermal
reactions.
We are also uniquely equipped within the Institute of Process
Research and Development with large scale (20 and 50L) vessels
and associated equipment fitted with extensive process analytical
technology for reaction monitoring.
The Wolfson laboratory for carbon dioxide chemistry houses much
of our CO2-based research. There are numerous high-field NMR
machines including a 600 MHz and two 500 MHz instruments
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
and a range of mass spectrometers and HPLC instruments
dedicated to the characterisation of molecules.
Our dual wavelength single crystal X-ray diffractometer is
equipped with a HELIX helium cryostat for ultra-low
temperature studies, along with powder XRD and FEG-SEM
for materials characterisation.
Our integrated molecular biology and synthetic chemistry
laboratory is fully equipped for research in molecular biology and
protein chemistry with all the equipment required for expression
and purification of proteins. We also house one of the few small
molecule screening facilities in UK academia including a liquid
handling robot and multifunctional plate reader.
The Dainton and Challenger laser kinetics laboratories have
significant high quality space, consisting of 10 experimental
bays with a very wide range of laser-based instrumentation for
studying fast time-resolved kinetics and photochemistry, mainly of
processes important in atmospheric chemistry and combustion.
There are two further laser laboratories for studying ultra-fast
(femtosecond) processes and the coherent control of reactions.
The School also boasts laser-based and spectroscopic
instrumentation for field measurements of radical species;
a highly-instrumented atmospheric simulation chamber; and
labs for studying the formation, growth and reactivity of
atmospheric aerosols.
Our Facilities | 9
The experimental infrastructure is complemented through
theoretical studies supported by the advanced High Performance
Computing facility at the University.
Our research in colour science is supported by instrumentation
unrivalled in the UK. In addition to a comprehensive range of
materials characterisation equipment, we possess state of the art
NMR instrumentation with solid state capability.
Specific to colour measurement we house a range of
instrumentation including: X-rite spectrophotometers, tri-stimulus
colorimeters and spectroradiometers, chart readers for ICC colour
profiling, Ishihara and City University colour vision tests, and
DigiEye system for total-appearance measurement.
Colour Science also has a well-equipped dyehouse containing
machinery for both batch and continuous processing of textiles
and polymers.
Beyond chemistry, our collaborative interactions with the
Astbury Centre provide access to all the infrastructure and
expertise for structural molecular biology and biophysics and we
make extensive use of transmission (TEM), scanning (SEM) and
atomic force (AFM) electron microscopy facilities in the School
of Physics and Astronomy and in the School of Chemical and
Process Engineering.
School of Chemistry
Research Degrees
The School of Chemistry offers a structured training programme
to help you develop your skills effectively and ensure you
gain the most out of your research experience to produce
outstanding research and further your career objectives.
Postgraduate research opportunities are
available in all of our research groups and
we also offer PhD project opportunities on a
number of University wide Doctoral Training
Programmes.
The School supports you throughout your studies
in a variety of ways. Invariably supervisors meet
informally with their students several times a
week in the laboratory or at a group meeting in
addition to more formal review meetings.
This friendly and supportive approach is
designed to help you develop your research
skills and other generic skills like planning and
organisation such that you can become an
independent researcher producing outstanding
research outputs by the conclusion of your
studies.
In addition to your supervisor, the Director
of Postgraduate Studies and Postgraduate
Progression Tutor are available to meet with you
and provide independent advice and support on
all aspects of your studies.
Research students can also take advantage
of the broader generic skills training offered
through the Faculty Graduate School, which
provides courses to help develop research,
interpersonal and life skills.
You also have every opportunity to practise
and implement your generic training. You’ll
prepare regular reports which help to develop
your scientific writing skills and you’ll receive
feedback on these from your supervisor and an
internal assessor.
For PhD students, the report at the conclusion
of your first year forms the basis of the ‘transfer’
viva which simulates a thesis examination and
provides you with the opportunity to evaluate
your progress on the road towards your PhD
degree.
Each academic year concludes with the
postgraduate conference during which you’ll
have the opportunity to celebrate the excellent
work of your peers. As an active participant
in the conference you’ll also develop your
presentation skills through poster and oral
presentations with prizes awarded for the
best contributions.
Many students have the opportunity to travel to
and present at major national and international
conferences. Significant numbers of our
students participate in exchange visits and field
trips to fantastic locations such as Antarctica!
You’ll be encouraged to take part in the life of
the School and to contribute to the full range
of academic and social activities available. Our
students are as friendly and supportive as our
staff and will be an enormous source of support
for you. In turn you’ll have the opportunity to
share your enthusiasm and new found expertise
through demonstrating in undergraduate
laboratory classes allowing you to develop skills
in teaching.
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Research Degrees | 11
Postgraduate research degree
opportunities are available at both PhD
and Masters level, in each of our research
areas and within multidisciplinary
Doctoral Training Programmes at the
University and other partner institutions.
Doctoral training programmes provide structured PhD training
and focus on multidisciplinary challenges in modern science, with
groups of students working as a cohort in a defined scientific area.
Each programme varies in structure, however studentships
typically last for four years with opportunities to learn theoretical
and experimental skills through lectures and/or laboratory
rotations during the first year.
PhD projects usually include collaborative supervision.
We actively participate in the following chemistry related doctoral
training programmes:
•Astbury Centre Wellcome Trust Funded PhD 4
Year Programme
• Astbury Centre BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme
• EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Bioenergy
•EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Particulate
Products and Processes
•EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Soft Matter and
Functional Interfaces
•NERC Leeds-York Doctoral Training Partnership in
Environmental Research
• Platform Technologies for Therapeutic Discovery (Mini CDT)
•Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Doctoral
Training Centre
New doctoral training programmes across the University are
announced annually, please check for current opportunities at:
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduate-research
Details of all University of Leeds Centres for Doctoral Training
can be found at: www.discover.leeds.ac.uk
FULL DETAILS OF ALL OUR PHD PROJECT
OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE SEEN AT:
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk/projects
Defining
Knowledge
School of Chemistry
Research
at Leeds is
underpinned
by a large
grant portfolio
of £140m
Defining
Knowledge
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Staff Story | 13
Staff Story
Leeds is a great place to become a researcher”, says
Professor Andy Wilson. “We have fantastic infrastructure
and technical support married with barrierless
opportunities for collaboration with other research groups
and disciplines providing a vibrant environment in which to
pursue world-leading science.”
Andy studied his undergraduate degree at the University
of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology,
followed by a PhD at Warwick. He then went on to
complete postdoctoral research at Yale University and
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, before returning to the
UK. “When an opportunity arose to come to Leeds, I was
delighted given the strong history of world class science,
great infrastructure and super links into life sciences
research through the Astbury Centre for Structural
Molecular Biology.”
“Our major area of interest right now is to develop new
methods to modulate protein-protein interactions”, he
explains, “these control all biological processes and yet few
of the world’s drugs act against protein-protein interactions
and we don’t really know how to go about discovering
modulators of these interactions.”
“The approach we take is multidisciplinary and relies on
a network of collaborators within the Astbury Centre for
Structural Molecular Biology (of which I am Deputy
Director). I bring capability in molecular design, synthesis
and non-covalent chemistry, whilst my collaborators
bring further expertise in biophysics, structural biology
and cell biology.”
In 2016, Professor Wilson was the winner of the Royal
Society of Chemistry’s prestigious Norman Heatley Award,
in recognition of his multidisciplinary research on proteinprotein interactions.
“Supervision of my co-workers is the best aspect of my role
at the University”, he says. “I get to work with a diverse
group of people, all of whom are enthusiastic about their
future, with great energy motivation and ideas. Helping
them develop as independent researchers and succeed in
progressing to their next career goal is very rewarding.”
Professor Andy Wilson
School of Chemistry
Taught Masters courses
All of our Masters courses are strongly linked to our
research groups which means that you will be taught
by staff who are actively engaged in world-class
research and cutting-edge professional practice.
We organise our courses into taught modules within which you will be
assessed. You will also be required to undertake a research project.
Each of our courses consists of both compulsory and optional modules giving
you the flexibility to tailor your degree to suit your needs and interests.
The School of Chemistry offers three
12 month Masters courses:
MSC CHEMICAL BIOLOGY AND DRUG DESIGN
This MSc focuses on both chemical biology and drug design. Chemical biology is
the application of chemical tools and ideas to biological and medical problems.
The course is taught by experts from across the Astbury Centre in chemical biology,
biophysics and medicinal chemistry using a ‘problem-based’ approach.
MSC CHEMICAL PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
This course aims to provide students from a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
or related science and engineering background, with an advanced knowledge of
chemical process research and development.
The course is centred in the Institute of Process Research and Development
(iPRD), a key interdisciplinary institute at the University.
MSC POLYMERS, COLORANTS AND FINE CHEMICALS
This course aims to meet the needs of the polymer, colorants and fine chemicals
industries by producing graduates with advanced knowledge and research skills
in colour science and in the theory, application and analysis of polymers, fine
chemicals and colorants.
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Taught Masters Courses | 15
ACCREDITED BY THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY
MSc Chemical Biology
and Drug Design
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
increasingly require researchers with a strong background
at the interface between chemistry and biology.
COURSE CONTENT
MODULES
This course is designed to bridge the gap
between an undergraduate degree in a core
subject, and genuine interdisciplinary research.
It will provide you with rigorous training in an
exciting area of interdisciplinary science.
The Chemical Biology and Drug Design course
draws on a set of three core modules:
The course focuses on using chemical
methodology to tackle complex biological
and medical problems. The approach is
highly interdisciplinary and may involve
the interaction of, for example, synthetic
chemists with protein scientists.
You’ll be taught by experts from across
the Astbury Centre, an interdisciplinary
research group within the University, in
chemical biology, biophysics and medicinal
chemistry using a ‘problem-based’
approach. In addition, visiting lecturers
from the pharmaceutical industry provide
expertise in industrially-relevant applications
of chemical biology and drug design.
The course takes full advantage of the worldclass facilities available at Leeds through
an extended interdisciplinary research
project supervised by two members of
staff with complementary expertise.
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•Foundations of Chemical Biology
•Drug Discovery and Development
• Emerging Topics in Chemical Biology
Together these modules will give you a
thorough grounding in contemporary
chemical biology and drug design as well as
introducing topics from the research frontier.
In addition you will choose optional modules
that cover a wide range of topics from
bioinformatics to asymmetric synthesis.
The focal point of the course is the
interdisciplinary research project which will
contribute 50% of the mark for your degree.
With the core modules behind you, you will be
ideally positioned to choose an exciting problem
to investigate.
The project will provide you with key
research experience to take your career
forward. You will spend over four months
in your supervisors’ research laboratories
working alongside PhD students and
experienced postdoctoral researchers.
This MSc course has been strongly supported
by the research councils and the pharmaceutical
industry and is accredited by the Royal Society
of Chemistry; graduates from the programme
with an appropriate first degree in chemistry
satisfy the academic requirements for the
award of Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Accredited
degree
School of Chemistry
ACCREDITED BY THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY
MSc Chemical Process
Research and Development
The course is centred in the Institute of Process Research and
Development (iPRD), a key interdisciplinary institute, which
links the School of Chemistry and School of Chemical and
Process Engineering (SCAPE) at the University of Leeds.
Accredited
degree
The course is industrially relevant, and much of it is
industrially led, including extensive use of seminars and
workshops by industrial speakers. The excellent facilities
and the range of expertise at Leeds mean that you’ll
be able to contribute to research at the cutting edge of
process technology, in industrially relevant areas, and
in some cases with significant industrial involvement.
EXAMPLE MODULES
To begin, you’ll study core material, starting with
an initial introduction to Process Chemistry and
Chemical Technology which will cover key techniques
and methodology and will be reinforced through
deductive problem solving and student led activities.
•Organic Synthesis
You’ll then take your studies down one of three
routes, depending on your background, which
cover chemistry and chemical engineering at a
range of levels. The modular nature of the course
allows students from differing backgrounds to tailor
the course to their own needs and interests.
Chemists
•Advanced Organic Synthesis
•Batch Process Engineering
•Pharmaceutical Product Formulation
Chemical Engineers
•Pharmaceutical Product Formulation
•Analytical Techniques
Alternative Scientific Backgrounds
•Organic Synthesis
•Batch Process Engineering
•Pharmaceutical Product Formulation
•Pharmaceutical Analytical
Techniques
Advanced Core Material (All students)
All students then study advanced core modules, which
lead on to an extensive research project, normally jointly
supervised by a chemist and a chemical engineer.
•Physical Organic Process Chemistry
Many research projects are industrially relevant and
some can be carried out in industrial laboratories when
advantageous to do so.
•Interdisciplinary Chemical Process
Design Project
Assessment is based on course work, research project
performance and written exams which take place at the
end of the semester in which the module is taught.
•Interdisciplinary Research Project
in Chemical Process Research and
Development
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•Case Studies in Fine Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
All Students
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Taught Masters Courses | 17
MSc Polymers, Colorants
and Fine Chemicals
A unique, world-leading, taught Masters course for
graduates and professionals wishing to develop a career
in the colorants, cosmetics, polymer, printing, surface
coatings or textile industries.
COURSE CONTENT
EXAMPLE MODULES
This course aims to meet the needs of the cosmetics,
biomaterial, polymer, surface coatings and colorant
industries, providing you with advance knowledge and
practical skills in colour science and in the theory, application
and analysis of polymers and surface coatings.
• Advanced Colour Science
The MSc will equip you with skills including planning
experimentation and processes, synthesis, characterisation and
application aspects, alongside a broad range of generic skills such
as problem-solving and communication.
Teaching is by lectures, practical classes, tutorials, seminars and
on-site contact with relevant industries, including a number of
visiting industrial lecturers.
Extensive use is made of IT and a wide range of materials are
available to enable you to study at your own pace and in your
own time, to enhance and extend the material taught formally.
•Synthesis and Application
of Polymers
•Organic Synthesis for
Fine Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
•Case Studies in
Fine Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
•Instrumental Analysis
and Characterisation of
Polymers, Colorants and
Fine Chemicals
•Colour Application
Technology
The final stage of study is the individual research project,
which is normally carried out within one of the Department’s
research groups and may also involve industrial collaboration.
This course is unique in equipping students with advanced specialist
knowledge in colour and polymer science, alongside practical planning,
problem-solving and research and development skills. It is an invaluable
resource, providing the high levels of training valued by our members.”
Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation
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School of Chemistry
Your future
We have ensured that each of our courses has
strong links with industry and our research groups,
giving you the chance to work on topics of industrial
relevance with opportunities to get involved in
industrial led projects and cutting-edge research.
All of these opportunities allow you to network and meet new people who will be
valuable once you graduate and are ready to take the next step in your career,
whether that is to go on to a career in research or work in industry.
The contacts you make whilst at Leeds will help you excel throughout your career.
With a postgraduate qualification in chemistry there is a world of opportunity and a
range of job roles where your degree would be useful.
You’ll be well equipped with key skills that can be applied across a huge range of
employment sectors. Whether you want a practical, hands-on career working in the
lab, a managerial role or to develop professional skills in areas such as patent law or
journalism the choices are vast.
The skills of the chemist are valued across many employment sectors, including:
•Agriculture
• Oil and gas
• Chemical manufacture
•Cosmetics and personal care
•Pharmaceuticals and
fine chemicals
•Education
• Paint and surface coatings
• Environmental consultancy
• Paper and print
• Food and drink
• Plastics and polymers
• Government agencies
•Textiles
Expert advice is available from the University Careers Centre throughout your time
at Leeds. At the Centre you can access expert support, facilities and resources
all-year-round.
For students who are interested in enterprise, the Centre can also assist you in
starting your own business through the Enterprise Scholars scheme. It can help
you with business, training and transport costs, introduce you to business and
university mentors, provide incubation space for your business and help you to
develop your networks. For further information on careers advice at Leeds please
visit www.careerweb.leeds.ac.uk
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Student Story | 19
Student Story
I’ve always enjoyed mathematics”, explains PhD
student James Green, “but I wanted to do something
more applied, which is why I chose to do a chemistry
degree. After hearing a number of lectures on quantum
chemistry, I decided to do my Masters project in that
area. Solving problems using maths, logic and computer
programming which had real physical implications was
very interesting and so I carried on in that vein to my PhD.”
James is from Manchester, and studied his undergraduate
degree at Durham, before coming to Leeds to do a
PhD in quantum chemistry. “I’d visited Leeds a few
times and had a fantastic time whenever I came. When
I was searching for potential supervisors to do a PhD
with, Leeds was high on my list. As luck would have
it, there’s a research group here that closely matches
my interests, so it was a no-brainer to come here.”
“Quantum chemistry is all about understanding atomic
and molecular processes at the smallest level, and I
like how everything makes sense when you understand
the mathematics behind this. I’ve always enjoyed
finding the logic in things, and in quantum chemistry
it is twofold: not only do you need to understand the
mathematics behind the molecular process you wish
to model, but you also need to convert that into an
algorithm in order to write a computer program to run
calculations for you. There is a lot of elegance in writing
equations and code in an ordered and logical manner.”
And what are James’ plans for the future? “I’ll probably
go onto a postdoctoral position in a similar research
area before potentially carrying on into academia. But
I still have other options open, such as going into
software development. One of the main things doing
a PhD has taught me is that you can be good at
anything you want as long as you put your mind to it.”
James Green
PhD student
School of Chemistry
Research Centres
The quality, volume and
impact of world-leading
research carried out at Leeds
positions it within the top 10
for research power in the UK.
Collaborative partnerships with organisations from
multiple sectors are a vital part of our research
portfolio, giving postgraduate researchers at Leeds
exceptional opportunities to develop research with
real-world applications.
Our research is aligned to major research platforms across the University, with
strong links to world-recognised research centres using a cross disciplinary
approach to tackle global challenges in areas including; climate, energy, food,
health, high value engineering and water.
The Institute of
Process Research and
Development (iPRD)
iPRD offers a unique set of facilities
and expertise for product and
process development. The institute
comprises experts from the fields of
chemistry and chemical engineering
who work closely with the chemical
industries to develop technologies that
can deliver cost reductions, quality
benefits, increased productivity
and reduce waste and energy
utilisation in product manufacture.
The team has over fifty years’
combined experience of working in
the fine chemical and pharmaceutical
sectors and are able to offer
companies focused contract-based
Defining
Opportunity
services for problem solving, process
understanding, development of new
process technologies, small-scale
manufacture, training and consultancy.
Their research is supported by
grants from Innovate UK and UK
research councils which have enabled
collaborations with industry.
If you choose to study for an MSc
Chemical Process Research and
Development you’ll study within
the iPRD, using state of the art
research facilities and the chance
to work on industry lead projects.
www.iprd.leeds.ac.uk
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
The Astbury Centre
for Structural
Molecular Biology
The Astbury Centre brings together researchers from across the
University – largely from physics, the biological sciences and
chemistry – to allow interdisciplinary approaches to be harnessed
to understand the molecular basis of life.
Our members address major questions associated with biological
mechanisms in areas as diverse as membrane proteins;
protein folding and assembly; viruses and motor proteins.
The current research interests of the Astbury Centre are divided
into four major themes:
• Chemical Biology
• Structural Biology
•Biophysics
• Molecular interactions in cells
If you choose to study MSc Chemical Biology and Drug Design
you’ll be taught by academics from across the Astbury Centre.
The Priestley
International Centre
for Climate
Our Priestley International Centre for Climate brings together
world-leading expertise in all the key strands of climate
change research. Climate change and its impact on society
and ecosystems is a global challenge. The centre is providing
international solutions to meet this challenge.
Effective policy and other social and technical solutions need to be
underpinned by robust research and the Priestley Centre’s focus
is on new interdisciplinary research partnerships that better link
our physical, technological, economic and social understanding of
climate change with strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Research Centres | 21
School of Chemistry
Leeds: The City
Leeds is a multi-cultural
and cosmopolitan city in
the North of England.
The city’s central position in the UK, midway between London and
Edinburgh, as well as its excellent road and rail links, make it an
ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country.
Leeds is served by Leeds Bradford International Airport,
along with train connections to Manchester and London
International Airports.
The city is cost effective to live in and is renowned for its
shopping, arts and culture, nightlife and eateries, many of whom
offer generous student discounts.
You can find a range of shopping outlets from designer boutiques
in Victoria Quarter to over 100 high street favourites in the new,
multi-million pound Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
Leeds also offers an extensive choice of places to eat and drink.
All culinary tastes are catered for, from Italian to Thai, Caribbean
to Vegan. Nightlife in and around the city is also known for its
diversity and popularity, offering a range of cafes and vibrant bars
and clubs.
The city is within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, North
Yorkshire Moors and National Parks, where you can pursue
outdoor activities or simply just enjoy the scenery.
Leeds is a city of culture with plenty of theatres, museums and
cinemas, as well as the First Direct Arena.
Defining
Location
There are a lot of sporting activities to get involved with across the
city, from Leeds United Football Club, Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire
County Cricket Club, as well as lots of organised clubs.
FIND OUT MORE:
visitleeds.co.uk | leeds.gov.uk | yorkshire.com
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Leeds: The University
The University of Leeds has an
international reputation and is a
member of the prestigious Russell
Group of research-led universities.
It is well known worldwide for
the quality of its education and
research, making it one of the most
popular universities in the UK.
The University and the City | 23
There are around 24,000 undergraduate and 6,000 postgraduate
students at the University. Despite its size, the University has a
friendly and supportive environment as students are taught within
smaller Schools ensuring more personal surroundings for study.
Within the Schools you will find modern, well-equipped lecture
theatres and laboratories. On campus, we have an internationallyrenowned academic library featuring a collection of 2,600,000
books and 9,000 periodicals, with access to electronic resources,
including networked databases and electronic journals.
In your spare time you will find the University has a lot to offer
including great sports facilities. The Sports Centre offers a
range of activities from beginners to competitive level and the
new swimming pool, with its impressive design provides a 200
station fitness suite, together with a sauna and steam room.
With playing fields for hockey, cricket, football and rugby a short
distance away we can meet all your sporting aspirations.
The University also boasts a thriving Student Union (LUU) with
a range of shops, bars and eateries. The Union is renowned for
organising a wide range of entertainment and events. There are
also over 250 student societies that you can get involved with.
LUU regularly wins awards which have recently included the
National Union of Students (NUS) ‘Higher Education Union of the
Year’ award, where it was selected from over 60 students’ unions
across the UK.
School of Chemistry
International
Students
A member of the World University
Network (WUN), the University has links
with over 600 institutions worldwide and
every year more than 6,000 international
students choose to study with us, making
our University campus one of the most
diverse and multicultural in the UK.
The University of Leeds is ranked in the top 100 of the QS
World Rankings, is a member of the prestigious Russell Group
of research-led universities and has an international reputation
for the quality of its education and research. Degrees from
Leeds are recognised by employers and universities globally.
This is why we are one of the most popular universities in the UK.
We have a dedicated International Centre that can provide
support and advice throughout your time here at Leeds. The
Centre also host a range of activities and events, including day
trips to historic towns in the UK and a weekly Global Café, which
are great ways to meet new friends from all over the world.
For more information visit
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk
Defining
Experience
“Leeds is one of the finest universities
in the country and offers one of the
widest range of degrees, encompassing
both the traditional and vocational.”
— The Sunday Times University Guide
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
Accommodation | 25
Accommodation
Leeds has plenty of accommodation for students, representing
good value for money and reflecting the fact that Leeds has a lower
cost of living than London and much of the South of England.
All University accommodation is within easy
reach of the University and city centre.
The following University residences are suitable for postgraduate
students looking for single person accommodation:
We have a wide range of properties, so there
is something to suit every budget.
• Grayson Heights
You’re guaranteed a place in our accommodation if you are a
full-time Masters or research international postgraduate student
(i.e. you pay tuition fees at the international rate), you are new
to Leeds and require single accommodation, provided that you
reply following our online procedure.
• Montague Burton Residences
If you are a UK/EU postgraduate, you are not guaranteed a
place in University accommodation, however we will do our
best to find you suitable accommodation. The city of Leeds
has a high number of private rented accommodation available,
please visit www.unipol.org.uk/leeds for more information.
You must have formally accepted your academic offer in order
to apply for accommodation.
• St Mark’s Residences
• Sentinel Towers
• Sentinel Towers
• Leodis Residences
• Charles Morris Hall (catered)
*All of these residences include internet access.
*You will need to apply for summer accommodation if you need it.
See www.accommodation.leeds.ac.uk for more information
Apply online at www.accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/apply
Accommodation Services
University of Leeds
Leeds, LS2 9JT
T: +44 (0) 113 343 7777
E: [email protected]
www.leeds.ac.uk/accommodation
School of Chemistry
Entry Requirements
MSc Chemical Biology and Drug Design
•First or an upper second class honours degree or equivalent
in chemistry, biochemistry or a related subject.
MSc Chemical Process Research and Development
•First or an upper second class honours degree
in chemistry, chemical engineering or a suitable
alternative science or engineering degree.
MSc Polymers, Colorants and Fine Chemicals
•First or second class honours degree or equivalent in chemical
engineering, chemistry, materials science or a related subject.
Research degrees
•First or an upper second class honours
degree in a relevant subject.
English language
requirements
If English is not your first language, you may require an English
language qualification to gain entry to the University of Leeds.
The two most commonly used are IELTS and TOEFL.
MASTERS DEGREES
Minimum requirements are:
•6.5 overall on IELTS, with at least 6.0
in all individual components
•92 on TOEFL iBT (internet-based), with minimum scores of
21 in listening and reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing
•Pearson Test of English (PTE) academic score
of 64 with at least 60 in all components.
RESEARCH DEGREES
Minimum requirements are:
•6.0 overall on IELTS, with at least 5.5
in all individual components
•87 on TOEFL iBT (internet-based), with minimum scores of
20 in listening and reading, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing.
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
How to Apply | 27
How to Apply
Applications can be made online via the simple
5 step online application that allows you to
track the progress of your application.
For Masters courses:
www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply.htm
CONTACT US
For PhD courses:
www.leeds.ac.uk/pgr/apply
For Masters courses: T: +44 (0) 113 343 6410
E: [email protected]
You will need to upload supporting documentation
together with your application such as:
• University transcripts
For PhD programmes:
T: +44 (0) 113 343 6552
E: [email protected]
School of Chemistry:
• Degree certificates
• English language test results
The full list of what to submit is listed when you apply.
Fees
Studying at university is one the best investments you can make in your future. There is a large range of information on fees and
student finance available on the University website www.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduate which details all the fee and funding options
available to postgraduate student coming to the University of Leeds both UK students and international applicants. For PhD
scholarship opportunities, please see www.leeds.ac.uk/researchdegrees and www.scholarships.leeds.ac.uk
Government
postgraduate loans
If you are a UK or EU national
and plan to start a full-time,
part-time or distance learning
taught or research Masters
course from September 2016
you may be able to apply
for a government-backed
loan of up to £10,000.
This new loan is intended
to increase the number
of individuals completing
postgraduate Masters
qualifications, to help to upskill
the workforce and meet the
UK’s economic demands
for highly skilled workers.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Alumni Bursary
If you are a former student of the University of
Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni
tuition fee bursary.
The University will pay 10% of the self-funded
portion (the net figure after all other financial
awards) of your tuition fees for each year you are
registered and studying on the course (pro rata
for part year programmes). The bursary will not
be applied in the overtime (writing-up) period for
research degree students, taught students who
are re-sitting examinations or student visitors
registering and undertaking miscellaneous study.
Dean’s International Postgraduate
Masters Scholarships
There are up to 10 partial-fee scholarships
available worth £3,000 each. These awards are
open to international candidates who have been
accepted for admission onto a full-time MSc
programme in the School, and who are eligible to
pay tuition fees at the full international rate.
These awards are competitive, based on
high achievement. Eligible applicants will
automatically be considered for these awards
at the time of application, so are not required
to complete an application form.
Leeds Masters Scholarships
These are provided to encourage students
from under-represented groups to embark on
a postgraduate qualification. They are worth
£5,000 each and are available to UK students
paying the postgraduate tuition fees at the
UK/EU rate.
The Clothworkers’ Scholarship
Two awards covering full UK/EU tuition fees and
up to £5,000 maintenance. Available to UK/
EU students applying for the MSc Polymers,
Colorants and Fine Chemicals.
The Dyers’ Scholarship
Two awards covering full UK/EU tuition fees.
Available to UK/EU students applying for the
MSc Polymers, Colorants and Fine Chemicals.
OPEN DAYS
Our Postgraduate Open Day is a chance to learn
more about our courses, meet staff and students,
see academic facilities, view accommodation and
explore our campus and the city. The Open Day is
normally held every February.
We offer independent campus tours if you want to
come and see us. Further details can be found at:
www.leeds.ac.uk/visitus
facultyofmapsleeds
@scienceleeds
School of Chemistry
Tel. +44 (0) 113 343 6543
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
www.chem.leeds.ac.uk
University of Leeds
Leeds, United Kingdom
LS2 9JT
Tel. 0113 243 1751
www.leeds.ac.uk