There is a growing need by industry for staff trained in computational materials and molecular sciences. This multidisciplinary MSc will teach simulation tools used in a wide range of applications, including catalysis and energy materials, nanotechnology and drug design, and will provide transferable skills to other fields, thereby broadening employment prospects.
Covid-19 programme updates
Due to COVID-19, there may have been updates to this programme for the 2020 academic year. Where there has been an update, these are indicated with a red alert and a link which will provide further information.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2020
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2020/21)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
Students will gain detailed knowledge and skills in materials and molecular modelling, focusing on the state-of-the art simulation techniques employed to research the molecular level properties that determine the macroscopic behaviour of matter. They will also gain key research skills and will learn the basic concepts that are transferable to business and entrepreneurship.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of a research project (90 credits), a literature review (30 credits), and four taught modules (15 credits each): "Simulation Methods in Materials Chemistry", "Frontiers in Materials Modelling", "Transferable Skills for Scientists" and a choice of three topics within "Topics in Modern Chemistry" to create a bespoke module tailored uniquely to their own interests.
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Molecular Modelling.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Molecular Modelling Research Project
- Masters Literature Project
- Simulation Methods in Materials Chemistry
- Transferable Skills for Scientists
- Frontiers in Materials Modelling
- Topics in Modern Chemistry
Optional modules
Within the 15 credit flexible Topics in Modern Chemistry module, students will be able to choose to study several topics from a broad range of topics in Modern Chemistry. Students will therefore be able to create a bespoke module tailored uniquely to both their own interests and research area.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake a computational research project, which culminates in a substantial dissertation of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 words. Students will also deliver an interim presentation and have an interim viva in relation to this.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and laboratory classes. Assessment is through unseen examination, coursework, individual and group projects, poster creation, presentation and the research project.
Additional costs
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Students can be self-funded or find sponsorship from funding agencies such as research councils, the European Union, industry or charities.
There are also a number of Graduate School Scholarships and departmental bursaries and prizes available.
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
Brown Family Bursary
- Note:
- This scheme is now closed for 2020/21
- Value:
- £15,000 (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
- Note:
- Applications for this scholarship are now closed for 2020/21
- Value:
- Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- Overseas
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
There are increasing career opportunities in the field of molecular modelling in sectors including sustainable energy, catalysis, nanotechnology, biomedical materials and pharmaceuticals. This MSc will train students in the skills necessary for future employment in the industrial and public sector communities, together with specific training in career development and transferable skills.
The majority of students on the programme have moved on to PhD study.
Employability
The training provided by this program will enable the student to enter into a wide range of fields. Students may continue in academia to complete a PhD or pursue teaching as a profession. Students with the skills obtained during this study are highly sought after by the industrial sector, including IT, sustainable energy, catalysis, nanotechnology, biomedical materials and pharmaceuticals. Students are very likely to be welcome in the financial sector.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL Chemistry has a world-leading position in materials and molecular modelling research; is part of the Thomas Young Centre for the theory and simulation of Materials; has access to the Materials and Molecular Modelling Hub that hosts national compute resources (the architecture of which was specifically chosen for materials and molecular modelling simulations); and is where the meetings of the High Performance Computing (HPC) Materials Chemistry Consortium (with members in over 80 research teams based in 30 UK institutions) are held.
Materials and molecular modelling techniques are having increasing impact in the industrial sector, as evidenced by the partnership between UCL's Industrial Doctorate Centre in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science and a range of national and international industrial sponsors.
This multidisciplinary programme offers a wide range of options (within Topics of Modern Chemistry), thereby enabling each student to tailor the programme to their own needs and interests.
Department: Chemistry
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £80 for online applications and £105 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
This programme will appeal to a wide range of students with a science or engineering background who wish to develop the skills necessary to work in molecular modelling both nationally and internationally.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 11 August 2020
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Molecular Modelling at graduate level. Please elaborate on the motivational factors that have drawn you to our subject. We anticipate that applicants from many different first-degree backgrounds will participate in the programme and we would like you to explain how your own background leads you to this MSc
- why you want to study Molecular Modelling at UCL. Tell us how UCL can help to improve your career path and give an indication of your willingness to participate in the wider UCL activities in the subject during your time here
- how your academic background meets the demands of a challenging programme. The MSc is a broadening degree which will lead you into areas that lie outside your first-degree subject. How comfortable are you with that?
- what would you like to be able to do following your Master's?
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
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Page last modified on 18 August 2020