About this course
Chemistry plays a key role in tackling some of the world’s biggest problems. It explores renewable energy and its storage, cleaner and more efficient processes for manufacturing chemicals, and medicines and treatments for disease. Chemistry at Southampton focuses on being part of a sustainable future. Our MChem Chemistry degree with year-long industry experience allows you to expand the breadth and depth of your skills.
Our expert staff will help you to develop in-depth knowledge of core topics of chemistry while gaining extensive laboratory experience.
You’ll use 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 do 2 research projects. The first will be in Southampton within one of our research groups. This will prepare you for your second year-long project in industry, or at a research establishment.
You'll take part in distance learning lectures to support you during your placement. Completing the year-long project will clearly show your academic independence to future employers.
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. When you graduate you'll be eligible for full membership status (MRSC).
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.
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
A-levels
AAA including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or AAB 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
AAB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or ABB plus 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
AAB, including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry practical and mathematics or ABB, including chemistry, mathematics and one additional 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
or
Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and an 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 chemistry Practical and A in an additional A-level subject. DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level Chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma. 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
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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 or H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 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 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA 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 A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical components
or
AA 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
85% overall including grade 8 in chemistry and grade 8 in mathematics
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAA including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical components
or
AAB including chemistry and two additional science subjects 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
AAB, including chemistry (minimum grade A) and an additional science subject (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
or
ABB including chemistry (minimum grade A) and two additional science subjects and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will receive additional scrutiny during confirmation of results
International Baccalaureate 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 an additional science subject
or
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry, 6 at Higher Level in an additional science subject and 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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 grades AA in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year
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
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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 an additional science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 including chemistry and an additional science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology.
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 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science practical components
or
AA from two A-levels including chemistry and one further science subject, with a pass in all science practical components and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8 in chemistry 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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This 4-year degree will provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical training in all aspects of chemistry, and develop your understanding of its impact on modern society.
You'll get a thorough grounding in all aspects of chemistry with a comprehensive set of core modules. You can then shape your degree to suit your interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.
The placement allows you to combine chemistry with a year in industry, expanding the breadth and depth of your core skills through training in an advanced chemistry environment. Students have completed placements at organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Merck.
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 and Pharmacology.
Year 3 overview
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)
You'll do an in-house chemistry research project involving open-ended experiments. These allow you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results.
You can also select 3 optional chemistry modules from a choice of 8, including Medicinal Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry.
Year 4 overview
You'll work on a research project during a chemistry industrial placement. Find out more about the master's-level 1-year placement.
During your placement, you'll take these compulsory distance learning modules to advance your chemistry expertise:
-
Chemical Enterprise and Professional Skills
-
Advanced Chemistry
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
You must study the following modules in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
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:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Andrew Hector is the course leader.
Careers
This versatile 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
You can also decide to go into research by taking a PhD.
The degree is supported by our key skills training, which helps you develop the essential attributes needed for career success.
Find out more about careers in chemistry.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
In your final year you’ll take a year-long paid placement in a company of your choice to give you a head start in the graduate market. 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/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F102
- 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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000