About this course
Train as a chemist for the industries of the future. This 4-year degree combines computational skills with traditional chemistry - an emerging specialism that is highly valued by employers in industry.
Advances in data science and machine learning have paved the way for the digitisation of chemistry, a process that allows us to find new products and commercialise technology faster, and at less cost.
This combined honours programme will put you at the forefront of research within this new, combined discipline, allowing you to develop the skills necessary to pursue careers across chemical industries and data science.
On this computational chemistry degree, you'll:
- study core principles of modern chemistry
- gain practical training in programming, modelling and data analysis
- use our modern equipment and laboratories
- experience a range of modelling and computational approaches, including an extended project
Our digital chemistry course is designed by academics whose research supports industries ranging anywhere from pharmaceuticals and defence, to engineering and software development. You'll be able to apply the skills you learn to the industry of your chosen career.
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
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
AAA including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics or AAB including chemistry, mathematics and one other 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:
AAB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and mathematics or ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry, mathematics 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:
AAB, including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry practical and mathematics or ABB, including chemistry, mathematics and one other science subject with a pass in all science practical components
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 mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred) or Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred) and one additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology.
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 practical and A in A-level mathematics.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma or the BTEC Extended Diploma without maths and chemistry A-levels. br>
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma/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
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and mathematics
or
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, 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 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics or D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subjectCambridge 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 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, with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics
or
AA from two A-levels including chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics, 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.
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
85% overall including grade 8/10 in chemistry and grade 8/10 in mathematics. Advanced Level mathematics, whilst not a requirement, is preferred.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
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
AAA including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics or AAB including chemistry, mathematics and one other 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:
AAB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and mathematics or ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry, mathematics 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:
AAB, including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry practical and mathematics or ABB, including chemistry, mathematics and one other science subject with a pass in all science practical components
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 mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred) or Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred) and one additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology.
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 practical and A in A-level mathematics.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma or the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels.
.
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
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and mathematics
or
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, 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 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics or D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subjectCambridge 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 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, with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics
or
AA from two A-levels including chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics, 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.
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
85% overall including grade 8/10 in chemistry and grade 8/10 in mathematics. Advanced Level mathematics, whilst not a requirement, is preferred.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
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
Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling) is a broad course with a range of units and options on offer. This flexibility will allow you to choose the focus of your studies as you progress.
This computational chemistry degree has been designed to ensure that you gain practical experience through work in laboratories, fieldwork and individual research projects.
Year 1 overview
You'll study a set of core topics that are essential to your developing chemistry knowledge, giving you a solid grounding in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry as well as the underpinning mathematics required to develop computational models and analyse complex data sets.
You'll explore topics like:
- organic chemistry
- thermodynamics and equilibrium
- structure and bonding
- mathematical skills for chemists
Year 2 overview
In year 2 you'll continue to learn the core chemistry content, covering more advanced chemical concepts including:
- reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry
- advanced practical chemistry
- mathematical methods in chemistry
This will be augmented with an increasing focus on computation and programming, including:
- dedicated modules on programming and mathematical modelling
- a practical course that will develop your computation skills and ability to automate experimental procedures
Year 3 overview
You'll take advanced modules in the core practical and theoretical areas of chemistry such as:
- Computational modeling of physical and biological systems
- 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 undertake research-oriented, open-ended computational experiments which allow you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results.
Year 4 overview
Advance your knowledge of digital methods and computational modelling in chemistry within a practical context by completing an individual research project of your choice.
You'll study advanced modules in artificial intelligence and machine learning in chemistry whilst choosing from optional modules that range anywhere from the study of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to electrochemistry.
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:
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 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...
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...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
The project involves approximately 600 hours of commitment including 14 weeks of full-time practically based research work.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Modern spectroscopic techniques underpin a wide range of chemical and biological research as well as serving as a valuable analytical tool. This module will introduce some of the key principles, tools and techniques that govern spectroscopic measurements ...
This module will explore the fundamental basis of intermolecular interactions and illustrate how these can be exploited to form diverse supramolecular assemblies ranging from small molecules, soft gels and hard extended inorganic solids. The course will p...
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)
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 combined honours programme will provide a strong foundation for a career as a professional chemist, whilst also allowing you to pursue a wide variety of roles within data science.
You'll graduate fully equipped to enter industries such as:
- sciences
- engineering
- management
- computing
- technology
- telecommunications
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
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: F105
- 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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