Program Overview

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Chemistry (BSc)

Award

Bachelor of Science

Typical Offer

AAB-ABB

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Highfield

UCAS Course code

F100

About this course

Chemistry plays a key role in tackling some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change to disease. It helps us understand our earth, oceans, outer space, and bodies. This chemistry degree gives practical training in all aspects of chemistry and its impact on modern society. You'll graduate well prepared for a rewarding career in this fascinating discipline.

This programme is taught by academics at the forefront of chemistry research, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge in a wide range of areas. These include computational chemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance and drug discovery.

You’ll use our outstanding 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 also gain transferable skills such as problem-solving and data analysis, helping you keep your career options as open as possible.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Our chemistry degrees are 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 Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

For Academic Year 2025/26

A-levels

AAB including chemistry or ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject

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: ABB including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ or BBB including chemistry and an additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry or Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in chemistry and a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geography

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.

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 the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

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

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey 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.

Science Foundation Year

The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

• are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
• are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
• you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system

Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

Our broad range of science and non-science modules will help you tailor your degree to your particular interests. Whether you want to stay in chemistry research, take up a role in industry, or go in to something completely different, you can shape your degree to your career aspirations.

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
• Pharmacology

Year 3 overview

This year, 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)

In the advanced practical project you'll do research-oriented, open-ended experiments. These will allow you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results.

You can also select optional chemistry modules such as Medicinal Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
• Introduction to Practical Chemistry I
• Introduction to Practical Chemistry II
• Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry
• Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I
• Mathematical Skills for Chemists
• Reactions in Organic Chemistry
• Structure and Bonding

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Coordination Chemistry
• General Practical Chemistry I
• General Practical Chemistry II
• Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy
• Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
• Retrosynthesis and Aromatics
• Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

• Chemical Solutions to Environmental Issues
• Coevolution of Life and Earth
• Ethics in Science, Engineering and Technology: Jekyll and Hyde
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
• Geohazards
• Global Sustainability Challenges
• Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
• Introduction to Energy in The Environment
• Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry
• Introduction to Programming
• Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I
• Mathematical Methods in Chemistry II

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Advanced Organic Chemistry (Bioorganic)
• Advanced Physical Chemistry
• Advanced Practical Chemistry
• Chemistry Literature Project
• Chemistry Research Project
• Inorganic Materials Chemistry

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy
• Chemistry through the Computational Microscope
• Macrocyclic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry

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)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

• Study time: 37% scheduled learning & teaching, 63% independent learning
• Assessment: 66% written exam, 13% coursework, 21% practical exam

Year 2

• Study time: 38% scheduled learning & teaching, 62% independent learning
• Assessment: 78% written exam, 3% coursework, 19% practical exam

Year 3

• Study time: 33% scheduled learning & teaching, 67% independent learning
• Assessment: 50% written exam, 33% coursework, 17% practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Russell Minns is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Manufacturing
• Scientific and Technical
• Water and Waste Management
• Education
• Public Administration
• Defence
• Finance

Careers directly related to this course:

• Analytical chemist
• Biotechnologist
• Chemical engineer
• Clinical scientist
• Nanotechnologist
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist
• Laboratory technician
• Toxicologist
• Environmental chemist

Wider career opportunities:

• Environmental consultant
• University lecturer
• Management consultant
• Nuclear engineer
• Patent attorney
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher
• Data analyst
• Forensic scientist

Job prospects for BSc Chemistry graduates

• Average professional salary: £27.5k
• 89% in a skilled profession or further study
• 96% graduate employment rate

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students: £9,535
• EU and international students: £29,400

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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: F100
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

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