Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Strathclyde offers a BSc (Hons) and MChem in Chemistry with Teaching, a program that combines a Royal Society of Chemistry-accredited course with professionally-accredited teacher education. This dual-accredited course allows students to move between careers in secondary education and the chemical industry.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: F1XC, F1XD
• Accreditation: Royal Society of Chemistry, General Teaching Council for Scotland
• Ranked: 1st in the UK for Chemistry, with the maximum score of 100/100 (Guardian University Guide, 2026)
• Second year entry: available
• Placement: teaching practice in schools

Course Description

The course covers a broad range of topics in chemistry, including analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Students will also develop transferable skills such as IT, scientific writing, presentation skills, report writing, and problem-solving. The program includes a year of study abroad at a European university and a final-year project that can be in educational approaches to chemistry.

Course Structure

• Year 1: foundation classes in chemistry and mathematics, and physics or biology at an introductory or advanced level
• Years 2 & 3: classes in fundamental inorganic, organic, biological, and physical chemistry, and laboratory work
• Year 4 (BSc Hons): classes that develop the pedagogy of teaching, alongside school placements in Scottish secondary schools
• Year 5 (MChem): specialization in areas of interest, and a research project in chemistry with an educational aspect

Learning and Teaching

Each year contains compulsory classes, and some years contain optional or elective classes. The program includes lectures, small and large group tutorials, and practical training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.

Assessment

Assessment methods include short-answer class tests, multiple-choice tests, end-of-year examinations, oral presentation, and group project work.

Entry Requirements

• Highers: AABB/AAAC (Chemistry B, Maths B, and English C are required)
• Advanced Highers: ABB (Chemistry, Maths, and Physics or Biology)
• A Levels: ABB (Chemistry and one of Maths, Physics, or Biology)
• International Baccalaureate: 34 (Chemistry, Maths, and Physics or Biology all at HL)
• HNC/HND: relevant HNC or HND with A in Graded Unit

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• Republic of Ireland: same as England, Wales & Northern Ireland
• International: £27,800
• University preparation programme fees: available for international students
• Available scholarships: various scholarships are available

Careers

Most graduates from this course follow the career path of a secondary teacher, but they can also compete successfully for jobs in all branches of the chemical industry. The course is accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the General Teaching Council for Scotland, making graduates eligible to apply for the status of Chartered Chemist.

Additional Information

• Deferred entry: accepted
• Students are required to register with the Scottish Government’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG) before they start year 4 of the programme
• Interview: applicants who are made an offer of study will be required to attend and pass an interview