Digital Chemistry with AI and Automation
Discover how advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and big data are revolutionising the study of chemistry.
Digital Chemistry with AI and Automation
Discover how advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and big data are revolutionising the study of chemistry.
Discover how advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and big data are revolutionising the study of chemistry
Learn how to implement machine learning strategies to solve problems in chemistry, drug discovery and material sciences
Apply your skills to an extensive research project
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£14,900 Home
£41,300 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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White City
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Minimum entry standard
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2:1 in chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering
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Qualification
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PG Cert
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Duration
6 months
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£7,450 Home
£14,900 Overseas
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Delivered by
-
Location
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White City
-
Minimum entry standard
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2:1 in chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering
Course overview
Explore how the practice of chemistry is undergoing a revolution on this Master's course.
You'll learn how chemistry study is being transformed as a result of advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and big data.
You'll also analyse how digital molecular design will transform synthesis and fabrication from small molecules to materials and vaccines.
This course will develop your appreciation of computational modelling. You'll investigate the means by which it allows for predictive insights into the behaviour of complex molecules and systems, and how it can be used to monitor parallel experiments in real-time.
You'll choose from a broad range of projects within the Digital Chemistry remit and build your expertise in implementing machine learning strategies.
On this course, you'll learn how the field of chemistry is being revolutionised as a result of advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and big data.
You'll also analyse how digital molecular design will transform synthesis and fabrication from small molecules to materials and vaccines.
This course will develop your appreciation of computational modelling. You'll investigate the means by which it allows for predictive insights into the behaviour of complex molecules and systems, and how it can be used to monitor parallel experiments in real-time.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to join the next generation of digital chemists, who are in demand in many industries, as well as enter further research.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take the following core modules.
Core modules
Uncover the basics of statistics and machine learning and learn how to make predictive models.
Develop your knowledge of hardware prototyping and employ rapid prototyping techniques.
Review state-of-the-art ‘enabling technologies’ and explore low-cost open-source automated systems.
Investigate the ethical implications of the new capabilities offered by data science and artificial intelligence.
Attend regular meetings to discuss current relevant research, and introduce, highlight and critique this work.
Consider the in silico design of materials problems and apply computational methods and machine learning to chemical/materials problems.
Analyse recent advances in artificial intelligence systems that improve a design hypothesis through feedback analysis.
Explore the practical tools which help scientists and engineers design sets of experiments which efficiently provide information about the system being studied.
Follow the process of developing an idea for a sustainable product from the design thinking stage to the final pitch.
You’ll choose one optional module and conduct a research project.
Optional modules
Build your awareness of key chemistry vocabulary and the fundamentals of chemical structure and representation.
Become familiar with Python as a general purpose programming language, as well as specific data processing features and libraries.
You’ll conduct an independent and original research project in the area of digital chemistry.
This can be carried out remotely or on campus, with a research laboratory at Imperial, or with an affiliated partner or organisation.
Your work will be assessed by a dissertation and oral examination, while you’ll also present your findings at a student symposium.
You’ll take the following core modules.
Core modules
Uncover the basics of statistics and machine learning and learn how to make predictive models.
Develop your knowledge of hardware prototyping and employ rapid prototyping techniques.
Review state-of-the-art ‘enabling technologies’ and explore low-cost open-source automated systems.
Investigate the ethical implications of the new capabilities offered by data science and artificial intelligence.
Attend regular meetings to discuss current relevant research, and introduce, highlight and critique this work.
Consider the in silico design of materials problems and apply computational methods and machine learning to chemical/materials problems.
Analyse recent advances in artificial intelligence systems that improve a design hypothesis through feedback analysis.
Explore the practical tools which help scientists and engineers design sets of experiments which efficiently provide information about the system being studied.
Follow the process of developing an idea for a sustainable product from the design thinking stage to the final pitch.
You’ll choose one optional module and conduct a research project.
Optional modules
Build your awareness of key chemistry vocabulary and the fundamentals of chemical structure and representation.
Become familiar with Python as a general purpose programming language, as well as specific data processing features and libraries.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, workshops and practical sessions
- Research project
- Independent study
- 12% Lectures, workshops and practical sessions
- 44% Research project
- 44% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Guided readings
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Coding exercises
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Group projects
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Experiments
Balance of assessment – excluding research project
Key
- Coursework and practicals
- Research project
- Exams
- 60% Coursework
- 30% Practical work
- 10% Exams
Assessment methods
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Coursework
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Written exams
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Research project
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Written reports
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Oral exams
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lectures
-
Tutorials
-
Guided readings
-
Coding exercises
-
Group projects
-
Experiments
Balance of assessment – excluding research project
Key
- Coursework
- Practical work
- Exams
- 60% Coursework
- 30% Practical work
- 10% Exams
Assessment methods
-
Coursework
-
Written exams
-
Written reports
-
Oral exams
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Application rounds
Round 1
- Apply by Thursday 16 January 2025
- Decision by Thursday 6 March 2025
Round 2
- Apply by Thursday 27 March 2025
- Decision by Thursday 1 May 2025
Round 3
- Apply by Thursday 15 May 2025
- Decision by Thursday 17 July 2025
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Online interviews will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Tuition fees
Home fee
PG Cert
£7,450
MSc
£14,900
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
PG Cert
£20,650
MSc
£41,300
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Master data science, machine learning, and automation skills.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
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Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in medicine or healthcare or other similar fields.
Explore roles within medicine and healthcare, start-ups, teaching, and consultancy.
The chemical and pharmaceutical, data-driven and medical device industries are just some of your options.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: T: +44 (0)20 7594 2678
- Email: chemres@imperial.ac.uk
Course Directors: Professor Alan C Spivey, and Dr João Pedro Malhado
View the Department of Chemistry website.
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Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications