Pre-arrival information for postgraduate chemistry students
Congratulations on securing your place to study with us in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences - we can’t wait to meet you! On this page you’ll find useful information and tasks to help make your transition to university as smooth as possible.
We know it’s a busy and exciting time for you, and we want to make preparing for starting your degree as straightforward as possible. This pre-arrival page is just for new chemistry students. Here you’ll find information and tasks to complete specific to you and your course.
Your checklist
Complete your registration
The first thing you need to do is complete your registration.
Choose your modules
In addition to compulsory core modules, your programme of study will offer optional modules. At the beginning of September, you’ll receive an email notifying you to select your optional modules using online module selection as part of your pre-registration tasks. A link to the Online Module Choice system will also appear within the pre-registration system.
Welcome Week timetable
There are lots of events taking place across the University during Welcome Week. Here’s a list of the events that are specifically for chemistry students. These are compulsory and will ensure you get the best start to your time at Sheffield.
Please note that this timetable might change before you arrive, so make sure you keep checking back!
- Wednesday 24 September 2025
Welcome to the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Time: 9am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Introduction to Chemistry
Time: 10am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 9
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Please note, this session is for students on our MSc Chemistry students.
Introduction to Drug Discovery Science
Time: 10am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 10
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Please note, this session is for students on our MSc Drug Discovery Science students.
- Thursday 25 September
Learning essentials
Time: 10am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Introduction to the English Language Teaching Centre
Time: 11am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Please note, this session is aimed at students who have English as a second language. If English is your first language, there is no need for you to attend this session.
EDI and wellbeing in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Time: 3pm
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
University of Sheffield culture training
Time: 4pm
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Research projects
One of the biggest parts of your masters course is your research project. Working on a project of relevance to your degree, you’ll be guided by members of academic staff who are experts in their field, receive specialist training to develop advanced practical skills, have access to our outstanding research facilities, and gain first-hand experience as a researcher. You’ll carry out a thorough literature search, communicate your work and present your findings.
- MSc Chemistry
You’ll undertake a major research project in the research laboratory of a member of academic staff. Shortly after your arrival in Sheffield, we will ask for your preference of chemistry subject area (organic, inorganic, physical or biological) and methodology (synthetic, measurement, mixed synthesis and analytical, or purely computational). This will allow us to use our resources most effectively to give you a project appropriate to your goals.
- MSc Drug Discovery Science
You’ll work alongside other students as part of a team on a research project that is relevant to the various stages of drug discovery. This may include computer-aided drug design, synthesis of drugs or drug-like compounds, biological assays and drug delivery. The specific details of your project are assigned based on its alignment with your existing skills and long-term career goals, as well as its feasibility, originality, supervisory team skills and availability.
Useful information
- Student handbook
Our School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences student handbook has all the information you'll need to guide you through your postgraduate studies.
- Student societies
Our Students’ Union is home to over 350 societies and sports clubs. Chemistry students can join ChemSoc, who organise events including guest lectures, sports competitions, and the annual Chemistry Ball!
Contact us
If you have any problems working through this pre-arrival checklist, or you know that you’ll be arriving late to Sheffield in September, please let us know.
Email: mps.student@sheffield.ac.uk
Please include your name, programme of study and registration number (if you know it).