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 defense to engineering and software development. You'll be able to apply the skills you learn to the industry improving your employability.
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.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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.
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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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
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.
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 modeling
- 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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
