About this course
Chemistry plays a key role in tackling some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change to disease. It helps us understand our earth, oceans, outer space, and bodies. This chemistry degree gives practical training in all aspects of chemistry and its impact on modern society. You'll graduate well prepared for a rewarding career in this fascinating discipline.
This programme is taught by academics at the forefront of chemistry research, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge in a wide range of areas. These include computational chemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance and drug discovery.
You’ll use our outstanding state of the art equipment in our range of laboratories. These include the single crystal diffraction lab, the mass spectrometry lab and a dedicated X-ray crystallography teaching facility.
You'll also gain transferable skills such as problem-solving and data analysis, helping you keep your career options as open as possible.
Our chemistry degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. When you graduate you'll be eligible for full membership status (MRSC).
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAB including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical or ABB including chemistry 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.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or BBB to include grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry and an additional science subject, with a pass in all science Practical components
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical or BBB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science Practical components
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry
or
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in chemistry and a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geography
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject
or
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and an additional A-level science subject.
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level Chemistry.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma can apply for the Science Foundation Year.
BTEC 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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry or H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry and an additional science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, mathematics, physics and geography
Scottish Qualification
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) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 M2 M2 including chemistry and an additional science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and geography.
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. 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
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical
or
AA from two A-levels including chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical components
or
AB from two A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science practical components, and B 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8 in chemistry and grade 8 in mathematics
Other requirements
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
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
AAB including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical or ABB including chemistry 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.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or BBB to include grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry and an additional science subject, with a pass in all science Practical components
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical or BBB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science Practical components
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry
or
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in chemistry and a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geography
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject
or
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and an additional A-level science subject.
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year.
BTEC 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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry or H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry and an additional science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, mathematics, physics and geography
Scottish Qualification
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) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 M2 M2 including chemistry and an additional science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and geography.
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. 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
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical
or
AA from two A-levels including chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical components
or
AB from two A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science practical components, and B 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8 in chemistry and grade 8 in mathematics
Other requirements
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
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Our broad range of science and non-science modules will help you tailor your degree to your particular interests. Whether you want to stay in chemistry research, take up a role in industry, or go in to something completely different, you can shape your degree to your career aspirations.
Year 1 overview
You’ll study a set of core topics that are essential to your developing knowledge, giving you a solid grounding in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
Topics include:
-
Molecular Structure
-
Reactivity
-
Thermodynamics
-
Kinetics
-
Atomic Structure
-
Bonding
-
Chemistry of the Elements
You can also choose options from the wider university, including mathematics, physics, biology and languages.
Year 2 overview
You'll study core topics 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
You can also choose options that may include:
-
Mathematical Methods in Chemistry
-
Ethics in Sciences
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Aquatic Chemistry
-
Pharmacology
Year 3 overview
This year, 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 project you'll do research-oriented, open-ended experiments. These will allow you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results.
You can also select optional chemistry modules such as Medicinal Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Analytical Chemistry is a measurement science consisting of a set of powerful ideas and methods that provide qualitative or quantitative information about the chemical composition of a sample. Analytical measurements are required in a wide range of fields...
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
This module will provide an introduction into the fundamentals of main group and transition metal chemistry, and introduce NMR.
The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data science and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
There are seven, weekly two-hour workshops during which students run companies within a virtual business world, assisted by the module lecturer as necessary. In addition four one-hour lecture sessions enable students to enhance their knowledge of business...
Human society has many negative environmental effects, we will focus on the background chemistry involved in three main themes including the use of agrochemicals, herbicides and pesticides in food production, plastic production and waste, and also carbon ...
The chemical and photochemical processes that occur in the atmosphere at different altitudes have profound and fundamental effects on life. An understanding of the societal implications that may result from natural as well as anthropogenic perturbations o...
An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.
Genetic engineering has led to a ‘paradigm’ shift in the way we can produce organisms with tailored attributes, Stemming from progress in genetic engineering, synthetic biology is heralded as the next technological revolution. By drawing from biology, che...
In this module we will cover the current environmental issues associated with the air and water. This will cover, from a chemical and physical sciences context, the issues around global climate change, ozone hole formation and photochemical smog as well a...
The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...
The module shows how simple physical principles can be used to learn about the Universe. The focus is upon how one can measure physical quantities such as size, distance, temperature, age and mass for the variety of objects in the Universe. By its end stu...
Is it necessary -- and is it possible -- for the UK and other countries to make the change from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources? And what sort of changes would be involved, on a global, national and personal scale? Is there any one renewable ener...
The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data science and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...
The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data sicence and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module represents an advanced practical course designed to extend the practical skills developed in years 1 and 2 of the Chemistry degree programmes and extend them through the completion of a series of advanced/open ended experiments which enable st...
This module requires students to produce a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor extending the skills developed in the Advanced Practical module. The dissertation may take the form of a literature review or other extended written report, the pr...
The project involves approximately 300 hours of commitment between the beginning of week 1 and the end of the last week before the Easter vacation (the finish date is to be confirmed). This corresponds to a minimum of 150 hours in the laboratory/ researc...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This module aims to develop an intermediate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, including familiarity with its mathematical formulation. It is intended to bridge the gap between the qualitative, pictorial approach used in the core modules of the fir...
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Paul Duckmanton is the course leader.
Careers
This versatile chemistry degree gives you a strong foundation for a rewarding career as a professional chemist. You'll also develop transferable skills that can be used for other types of 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
The course 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.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a year-long paid placement in a company of your choice to give you a head start in the graduate market. This placement is an option you can choose to take between the 2nd and 3rd years of your degree.
During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional experience.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F100
- 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.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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