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
For Academic year 202021
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
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 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
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 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 grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and grade 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 without additional A-levels.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
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
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.
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:
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Molecular Structure
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Reactivity
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Thermodynamics
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Kinetics
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Atomic Structure
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Bonding
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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:
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Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Organic Synthesis
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Atomic and Molecular Interactions, Change and Equilibrium
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Symmetry in Chemistry
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Transition of Metal and Organometallic Compounds
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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:
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Pigments and F-block Chemistry
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Natural Product Chemistry
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Electrochemistry, Energy Storage, Pollution Control and Fuel Cells
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Organometallic Chemistry
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DNA and RNA
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UV/visible Spectroscopy and Quadrupolar NMR
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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:
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Chemical Enterprise and Professional Skills
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Advanced Chemistry
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Paul Duckmanton is the course leader.
Careers
This versatile 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:
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sciences
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engineering
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management
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law
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computing
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technology
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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 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: 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?
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
