School of Chemistry and our community

Here in the School of Chemistry postgraduate students are an important part of our community

Meet our students

We asked recent graduates to share their experiences of studying at the University of Edinburgh. Read our MSc student profiles to discover what brought our students to Edinburgh, what it was like studying here, and what they did next.

I think collaboration and team work is at the heart of any scientific progress, and this MSc programme particularly emphasises it through a variety of group work assignments and projects.

About our School

Joseph Black Building

The School of Chemistry is based at the Joseph Black Building, named after the Edinburgh Professor whose pioneering work earned him a place in Scottish Enlightenment history. Today, it’s home to state-of-the art facilities, supporting a dynamic community of staff and students. 

The School of Chemistry has its own social space where you can relax with friends or study over a coffee.

Our Virtual Visit gives you the chance to discover our building and other points of interest around campus. It's a great way get a feel for what it is like to study and live in Edinburgh.

A supportive School

  • The School of Chemistry currently holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. These accolades acknowledge our advancement of careers for women in Science, Engineering and Technology in higher education and research.
  • We are a large and diverse chemistry community with staff and students from all over the world. 
  • Students have the opportunity to join our proactive peer networks including ChemSoc, Chemistry Academic Families and Chemunity.
  • Head over to our  Instagram to watch our student-created reels to find out more about life at the School

Student Support

Students at the School of Chemistry are supported by a specialised and professional student support model, delivered by a team of dedicated student advisers. You’ll have support from a Student Adviser, an Academic Cohort Lead and access to Wellbeing Advisers. Their role is to support you throughout your studies and to empower you to achieve your best. 

Find out more about the support you can expect to receive studying your time studying a MSc in Chemistry at Edinburgh in this recording from our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day:

Recording from Postgraduate Virtual Open Days November 2023 from the School of Chemistry. Head of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications, Martin Boddie was joined by Head of Student Experience, Dr Jean O’Donoghue. Jean discusses more about the support you can expect to receive studying your time studying a MSc, MScR or PhD in Chemistry at Edinburgh followed by Q&A.