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.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Our chemistry degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. When you graduate you'll be eligible for full membership status (MRSC).

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Take a tour around our recently refurbished chemistry facilities.

Find out about the equipment and support available during lab sessions and how we’ve minimised waste.

Facilities

Group of students working in a bright, modern, vibrant chemistry laboratory. Students tend to a variety of equipment and glassware on the benches.

Refurbished chemistry laboratories

Analyse your own samples in our refurbished energy efficient laboratories. Our labs include upgraded equipment and variable height benching and fume hoods for improved accessibility.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAB including chemistry or ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject

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 including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ or BBB including chemistry and an additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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.

or

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.

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.

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 the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year. .

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry. We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

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

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey 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.

Science Foundation Year

The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system

Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

A-levels

AAB including chemistry

A-levels additional information

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 including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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 as follows:
BBB including chemistry

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject.

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.

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.

Additional information

General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

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

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey 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.

Science Foundation Year

The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system

Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

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

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

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Analytical Chemistry

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...

Fundamentals of Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics

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...

Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium

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...

Introduction to Practical Chemistry I

This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of...

Introduction to Practical Chemistry II

This course follows on from CHEM1051 and teaches slightly more advanced basic skills, with the application of the Semester 1 skills and knowledge. More complex work-ups will be undertaken, with more emphasis on student input (or decision making) in the pr...

Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry

This module will provide an introduction into the fundamentals of main group and transition metal chemistry, and introduce NMR.

Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I

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...

Mathematical Skills for Chemists

Reactions in Organic Chemistry

The course introduces an array of chemical reactions that facilitate carbon-to-carbon bond formation and functional group interconversions.

Structure and Bonding

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

37%

Scheduled learning & teaching

63%

Independent learning

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:

66%

Written exam

13%

Coursework

21%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Russell Minns is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
Adaptability
Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Manufacturing,

Scientific and Technical,

Water and Waste Management,

Education,

Public Administration,

Defence,

Finance.

Careers directly related to this course:

Analytical chemist
Biotechnologist
Chemical engineer
Clinical scientist
Nanotechnologist
Pharmacologist
Research scientist
Laboratory technician
Toxicologist
Environmental chemist

Wider career opportunities:

Environmental consultant
University lecturer
Management consultant
Nuclear engineer
Patent attorney
Science writer
Secondary school teacher
Data analyst
Forensic scientist

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Chemistry graduates*:

Laboratory technician
Research scientist
Analytical chemist
Associate scientist
Trainee accountant
Trainee teacher
Chemical analyst
Data analyst
Project manager
Pharmaceutical analyst

Job prospects for BSc Chemistry graduates

£27.5k

Average professional salary

89%

In a skilled profession or further study

96%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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

Related courses

Chemistry (BSc) is a course in the Chemistry and chemical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

c

BEng

Chemistry (BSc)

About this course

Accreditations

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Take a tour around our recently refurbished chemistry facilities.

Learn more about this subject area

Chemistry and chemical engineering

Facilities

Refurbished chemistry laboratories

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Science Foundation Year

Mature applicants

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Science Foundation Year

Mature applicants

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview