About this course
This fully integrated Masters combines degrees in chemistry and biochemistry – and it’s ideal if you have a passion for both subjects. It will equip you with the skills needed to work at the forefront of areas such as biotechnology, nanobiology and drug design. It’s also the perfect platform for moving on to a PhD.
Studying this combination of subjects will give you a broad perspective that reflects the nature of modern science.
You'll cover a wide range of topics, from drug production and the treatment of disease through to tackling issues like pollution, bioenergy and food security.
Research projects in years 3 and 4 will give you specialist knowledge in areas such as:
electrochemistry
materials
analytical chemistry
synthesis
chemical biology
computational chemistry
Throughout the programme, you'll benefit from learning with world-class researchers and teaching staff in a research-led environment. This includes a multimillion-pound crystallography facility giving key insights into new molecules and materials.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 244.13 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAA including chemistry and biology with a pass in all science practical components
or
AAB including chemistry, biology and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical components
A-levels additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry and 6 at Higher Level in biology
or
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry, 6 at Higher Level in biology and 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level chemistry and A-level biology with a pass in all science practical components
We do not accept the BTEC Nationa Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma/National Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
AAB, including chemistry (minimum grade A) and an additional science subject (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
or
ABB including chemistry (minimum grade A) and two additional science subjects and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will receive additional scrutiny during confirmation of results
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level chemistry and A-level biology
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry
Access to HE Diploma additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and biology
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 including chemistry and biology
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and biology
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry and biology, with a pass in all science practical components
or
AA from two A-levels including chemistry and biology, with a pass in all science practical components and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8 in chemistry, grade 8 in mathematics and grade 8 in biology
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). Grade 7/A in GCSE mathematics is preferred for applicants not studying A-level mathematics
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
This degree will build a solid understanding of chemistry. It includes all of our chemistry core modules in year 1, two thirds of the core modules in year 2 and access to a wide range of advanced year 3 and year 4 modules.
The practical component includes 2 projects. 1 will be led by chemistry, and the other by biological sciences.
Year 1
You’ll study a set of core topics that will give you a firm grounding in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
Topics include:
Molecular Structure
Reactivity
Thermodynamics
Kinetics
Atomic Structure
Bonding
Chemistry of the Elements
You'll also study 2 biological sciences modules:
Macromolecules of Life
Metabolism
Year 2
You'll focus on biochemistry. Topics include:
Physiology
Genetics
Proteins
Bioinformatics
Cellular Biochemistry
You'll also study core subjects in chemistry such as:
Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Organic Synthesis
Atomic and Molecular Interactions
Change and Equilibrium
Symmetry in Chemistry
Transition of Metal and Organometallic Compounds
Bonding Theories of Solid-State Chemistry
Year 3
You'll take advanced modules in the core practical and theoretical areas of chemistry such as:
Pigments and F-block Chemistry
Natural Product Chemistry
Electrochemistry, Energy Storage, Pollution Control and Fuel Cells
Organometallic Chemistry
DNA and RNA
UV/visible Spectroscopy and Quadrupolar NMR
Kinetics of Interface Chemistry (gas/solid, liquid/solid)
In the advanced practical module you'll do research-orientated, open-ended experiments. This allows you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results.
You'll also take biochemistry modules such as:
Molecular Cell Biology
Regulation of Gene Expression
Nutrition in Health and Disease
Cancer Chromosome Biology
Year 4
In your final year, you'll work with a research group on a major project at the interface of chemistry and biology. The project will take about 600 hours, including 14 weeks of full-time, practically based chemistry or biochemistry research work.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
- Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry I
- Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry II
- Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
- Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry I
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry II
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
- Aspects of Organic Synthesis
- Integrative Mammalian Physiology
- Organic Reaction Mechanisms
- Systems Physiology
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
- Macrocyclic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
- Nutrition in Health and Disease: Part1
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
Modules year 4
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Advanced Organic Reactions
- Advanced Spectroscopy and Applications
- Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy
- Biomedical Technology
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cellular Signalling in Health and Disease
- Chemistry through the Computational Microscope
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Molecular Recognition
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
- Organic Materials Chemistry
- Principles, Techniques and Energy Applications of Electrochemistry
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- Supramolecular Chemistry of Functional Molecules and Materials
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Synthesis of Natural Products and Pharmaceuticals
- The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
- X-Ray Crystallographic Techniques, Advanced Main Group Chemistry and Applications
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 36%
- Independent study
- 64%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 36%
- Independent study
- 64%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 17%
- Independent study
- 83%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 21%
- Independent study
- 79%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Andrew Hector is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 75%
- Practical exam
- 22%
- Coursework
- 3%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 73%
- Practical exam
- 13%
- Coursework
- 14%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 72%
- Practical exam
- 9%
- Coursework
- 19%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 41%
- Practical exam
- 15%
- Coursework
- 44%
Careers
This versatile degree gives you a strong foundation for a rewarding career as a professional biochemist or chemist, and a range of transferable skills for both biochemical and non-biochemical careers.
Most of our graduates go on to chemistry-related roles, but many enter other areas. These include:
sciences
engineering
management
law
computing
technology
telecommunications
Typical careers for our graduates include:
biotechnologist
pharmaceutical chemist
biochemist
scientific officer in medical laboratories
teacher
forensic scientist
You can also go into research by taking a PhD.
The degree is supported by our key skills training, which helps you develop the essential attributes needed for career success.
Find out more about careers in chemistry.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Parking costs (including on placements at hospitals)
- Approved Calculators
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Stationery
- Laboratory Equipment and Materials
- IT
- Textbooks
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 244.13 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: FC17
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.