Studying here

At Southampton, you’ll learn from lecturers who are working on incredible research programmes and are also passionate about educating the next generation of chemists.

• Southampton Chemistry is 1^st in the Russell Group for satisfaction with course and satisfaction with teaching. We also placed joint fifth in the UK for value added score, which compares degree results with entry qualifications to show how well students are taught. (Guardian University Guide 2022)
• Six Chemistry lecturers have been awarded Senior Fellowships from the Higher Education Academy, which demonstrates a commitment to teaching, learning and the student experience.
• The University has a research group which is dedicated to enhancing education in chemistry.
• A recent £12m investment in Chemistry facilities means you’ll study in outstanding laboratories, using high-tech equipment which mirrors what you’ll work with in industry.

Lectures

Your lectures will be as interactive as possible. You’ll take part in discussions, question-and-answer sessions, informal quizzes and more conventional-style seminars. In most lectures, you will get handouts summarising key points to help you structure your notetaking, and lectures are recorded so you can re-watch them afterwards. 

Workshops and tutorials

These are designed to convert your knowledge to understanding, so you can apply your learning. In workshops you’ll explore problems in groups and in small-group tutorials you’ll lead and contribute to discussions.

Practical work

In your first year you’ll spend six hours per week in the laboratories and this will increase in subsequent years. You’ll develop your laboratory technique and put into practice the theory you’ve learned in your lectures. These sessions are challenging, but very sociable and well supported.

E-learning

You will be supported in your degree programme by the virtual learning environment – Blackboard – where lecture notes, hand-outs and presentations and alternative teaching methods such as videos and self-assessment tests are posted. This virtual way of studying gives you more control over your own learning and encourages your private study.