Program Overview

Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Materials Chemistry seeks to develop an understanding of the interrelationships between the composition, structure, microstructure and properties of matter in order to design and develop new materials. Examples may include: semiconductor processing and fabrication, materials for energy and IT, biomaterials, catalyst materials, ‘smart coatings’ and nanotechnology.

Accreditation

All the single Honours Chemistry degree programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

UCAS code

F201

Start date

September 2025

End date

September 2029

Duration

Four years full time

School

School of Chemistry

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

• Standard entry grades: AAAAB, including A in Chemistry and an A in one other subject from the following: Biology (or Human Biology), Computing Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: AABB, including A in Chemistry and an A in one other subject from the following: Biology (or Human Biology), Computing Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.
• Gateway entry grades: Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

GCE A-Levels

• Standard entry grades: AAA, including A in Chemistry.
• Minimum entry grades: ABB, including A in Chemistry.

IB points

• Standard entry grades: 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Chemistry and HL6 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: 36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL6 in Chemistry and HL5 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.

General entry requirements

• All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
• SQA qualifications: SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computing science, Geography, Applications of Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology.
• GCSE qualifications: GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology.

Course details

The BSc in Materials Chemistry is a four-year course run by the School of Chemistry. During the course, you will develop awareness and appreciation of the latest advances in materials chemistry in addition to the fundamentals of the subject. You will get a high level of general intellectual and scientific training, which allows many graduates to enter challenging careers in areas not directly related to chemistry.

Modules

• First year:
  • Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 1
  • Organic and Biological Chemistry 1
• Second year:
  • Inorganic Chemistry 2
  • Organic Chemistry 2
  • Physical Chemistry 2
• Honours:
  • Chemistry of Materials
  • Functional Materials and Electrons in Solids
  • Introduction to Analysis of Materials
  • Processing of Materials
  • Quantum Theory of Atoms, Molecules and Solids

Teaching

• Teaching format: lectures, labs, tutorials
• Assessment: written examinations, coursework
• Support: online support materials, additional teaching support for selected topics

Fees

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man: £9,535
• EU and overseas: £31,670

Careers

St Andrews chemistry graduates have an employment rate of over 95% and are in demand by large multinational and grassroots companies alike. Chemistry degrees provide a range of highly desirable skills that are prized by employers across numerous sectors, including problem-solving, numeracy, data handling, teamwork, and oral and written communication.

Research areas

• Advanced solid-state chemistry
• Materials analysis
• Energy conversion and storage
• Functional materials
• Statistical mechanics and computational chemistry

Additional information

• The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits.
• The School aims to provide feedback on assessments and coursework within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.
• Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module.