The programme will enable students to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and machine learning to their applications in chemistry research. Students will extend specific skills and knowledge to a level at which they will be prepared for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.
Introduction
Digital (AI) Chemistry is a rapidly evolving, growth industry and AI tools such as machine learning, automation and robotics have the potential to support faster chemistry discoveries in order to address key societal needs and global challenges. The University of Liverpool, in conjunction with Imperial College London, is creating a research hub to develop state-of-the-art Digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Chemistry interfaces. This ground-breaking hub aims to position the UK as the global leader in Digital Chemistry and be at the forefront of the Digital AI Chemistry revolution.
Our exciting new Digital Chemistry MSc is a cross-disciplinary programme that offers Chemistry graduates the opportunity to be taught the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and digitalisation relating to chemistry research. This MSc will develop students’ skills and knowledge in digital processes and methodologies, in order to critically apply them in a variety of chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals and formulated materials.
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for UK BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degree graduates with a 2.2 or equivalent. It aims to develop their skills and knowledge in the Digital Chemistry domain, equipping them for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.
What you'll learn
Students will be able to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and digitalisation, to their applications in chemistry research.
Students will develop critical thinking in the application of digital methodologies across various chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals, and formulated materials, among others.
Students will extend specific skills and knowledge, for example, in collaboration, digital literacy and working in interdisciplinary teams, to a level at which they will be prepared for contemporary and ground-breaking professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
The programme will enable students to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and machine learning to their applications in chemistry research. Students will critically apply selected digital methodologies in a variety of chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals and formulated materials. Students will extend specific skills and knowledge, for example, in collaboration, digital literacy and working in interdisciplinary teams.
Compulsory modules
Digital Alchemy: Synthesising Code and Chemistry (CHEM501)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Digital Alchemy provides students with practical abilities to implement emerging digital technologies in the lab to improve the productivity, reproducibility, and quality of their experimental Chemistry workflows. This module provides a broad overview of a wide range of digital techniques, from raw data acquisition and processing to real-time visualisation, and is underpinned by hands-on, workshop- and project-driven learning in a Chemistry context.
Key Skills for Digital Chemistry (CHEM503)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Molecular modelling and chemical database skills are crucial in all areas of chemistry. The module introduces students to molecular modelling techniques in chemistry and develops their chemical database skills. In addition, the students’ employability awareness and skills will be enhanced. The students will prepare for their research project through a literature review.
Maths and Statistics for AI and Data Science (COMP533)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Computer Science in general, and data Science in particular, has its roots in Mathematics. This module is designed to bring you up to speed with the necessary mathematical and statistical underpinning required to study Data Science and AI.
Programming Fundamentals (COMP517)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of COMP517 is to help you to learn how to design and create software. Central to this will be an understanding of and practical experience with a modern programming language, but you will also be made aware of the importance of using sound software engineering techniques to develop high quality programs. As with many endeavours (swimming, chess-playing, story-writing) programming is a skill that must be learned and improved upon by constant practice. In this module, therefore, the emphasis will be on self-study. Although lectures will be used to introduce the various topics, you will be expected to spend the majority of your time attempting numerous exercises and completing the specified assignments.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
The programme will enable students to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and machine learning to their applications in chemistry research. Students will critically apply selected digital methodologies in a variety of chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals and formulated materials. Students will extend specific skills and knowledge, for example, in collaboration, digital literacy and working in interdisciplinary teams.
Compulsory modules
Robotics and Automation in Chemistry (CHEM504)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply robotics and automation methods in chemical research, with an overview of the challenges and opportunities. It will discuss the fundamentals of this technology to accelerate chemical research, increase accuracy and reproducibility, and promote best practices. This module will cover the principles of automating solid and liquid additions, automated analysis, and the role of embodied robotics: how to integrate software architectures and real-world case studies.
Chemical Data, Discovery and Design (CHEM502)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to provide students with skills and knowledge to apply computational techniques to analyse and model chemical data for molecular and materials design and discovery. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and workshops to give students experience of applying their skills to a range of chemistry contexts.
Research Project Planning and Management in Digital Chemistry (CHEM506A)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed to integrate seamlessly with the research project module. It fosters a holistic understanding of the research project’s subject matter by conducting a thorough literature review. Students will identify and evaluate the essential skills required for project success and develop a plan to attain these skills. They locate and evaluate available resources to support project implementation. They refine project objectives through project planning and break down the tasks into manageable components. They allocate time to the tasks efficiently with clear milestones and deliverables. Furthermore, students develop a structured proposal outline to guide the efficient execution of the project.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Subject-specific and transferrable skills are developed through the teaching approaches utilised in the modules, including in interactive lectures, workshops, practical sessions and a research project, all supported by online materials, selected textbooks and specific literature. The programme modules encourage individual and group work where students tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, designing strategies to solve problems, and analysing and interpreting their findings.
As students advance through the course, they initially engage with taught modules during semesters 1 and 2 laying the groundwork for their forthcoming research project. The content of semester 2 modules is linked to that of semester 1. This sequential structure is designed to support all students, irrespective of their academic background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degrees, ensuring they can establish a robust foundation for further advanced study.
Liverpool Curriculum Framework attributes and hallmarks are at the centre of this programme, and it is also informed by the University Education Strategy 2031. Research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment are embedded in all aspects of teaching. As students progress through the programme, they will enhance their problem-solving skills, independent learning, confidence and digital fluency. Inclusivity is at the heart of this programme, encompassing all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion as part of value-based programme design. The programme is representative of the diversity of students and provides equal access to the curriculum for each of them.
Electronic resources available in the University’s virtual learning environment and library collections support learning and teaching on this programme.
How you're assessed
The assessment strategy evaluates meaningful and integrated applications of Digital Chemistry. The assessments allow students to demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of the application of AI, automation, machine learning and robotics in Chemistry. The learning activities, resources and tasks (e.g. formative or summative assessments) are aligned to the learning outcomes so that students undertaking these tasks will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and ability in relation to the learning outcomes. Many assessments are authentic, meaning students will engage in the simulation of real-world scenarios in hands-on, workshop and project-driven assessments to demonstrate their ability to apply digital technologies and address challenges in chemistry.
Assessment strategies will ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills through various methods, e.g. coursework, teamwork, presentation, dissertation writing, oral examination, etc.
All modules will provide formative feedback to students on their learning progress and allow for adjustment of their learning. Students also evaluate their progress, are guided to extra information, and are supported via online resources and formative exercises.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
Students will explore the relationship of AI, automation, robotics, and machine learning with chemistry. They will apply these concepts to various chemical contexts. Students will develop skills essential for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or advanced academic pursuits through interdisciplinary collaboration and digital literacy.
Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, students will be qualified to enter a wide range of employment or pursue further study leading to a PhD.
The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.
Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.
Occupations linked to students who have studied chemistry in a higher education setting are set to grow across the UK. There is an anticipated growing demand for adaptable scientists who can harness the knowledge and skillsets of digital chemists.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, students will be qualified to enter a wide range of employment or pursue further study leading to a PhD.
The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.
Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.
Occupations linked to students who have studied chemistry in a higher education setting are set to grow across the UK. There is an anticipated growing demand for adaptable scientists who can harness the knowledge and skillsets of digital chemists.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.
Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£12,500
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,900
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
The minimum entry requirements are UK BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degrees 2.2 or equivalent.
In addition, international candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.
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Change it here
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a Chemistry-related degree.
In addition, international candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.
International qualifications
The minimum entry requirements are equivalent to the UK BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degrees 2.2.
International candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
other
IELTS
English language requirements for this course are to be confirmed.
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
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Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
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