Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Chemistry with Teaching (International) program is designed for international students who wish to pursue a career in teaching chemistry in secondary schools. The program combines chemistry with pedagogy and practice, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles and hands-on abilities.

Key Facts

• Open to international applicants only
• Ranked 1st in the UK for Chemistry, with a maximum score of 100/100 (Guardian University Guide, 2026)
• Second year entry available

Study with Us

The program is designed to prepare students to be chemistry teachers in secondary schools. The curriculum is specifically designed for international students, and students will learn with Scotland's largest provider of Initial Teacher Education.

Why this Course?

The program provides students with a comprehensive and diverse understanding of chemical principles and hands-on abilities, enabling them to apply both theoretical and practical knowledge to solve global chemical challenges. The program also includes education modules taught by experts in the Institute of Education, ensuring students gain relevant knowledge of teaching that can be used as a foundation for a future teaching career.

What You'll Study

Students will take foundation classes in chemistry and mathematics, and physics or biology at an introductory or advanced level. Classes in forensic science, drug discovery, and chemical engineering are also available. Practical chemistry laboratory sessions help students master basic preparative and analytical skills.

Course Content

• Year 1: Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2, Practical & Transferable Skills, Mathematics 1C
• Year 2: Inorganic Chemistry, Fundamental Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1, Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
• Year 3: Physical Chemistry 2, Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry, Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy, Inorganic Chemistry, Structures & Spectroscopy
• Year 4: Educational Studies: Professional Values, Professional Learning Through Enquiry, Professional Skills: Curriculum and Pedagogy Chemistry, Placement Learning: Community, Learning on Placement

Learning & Teaching

Classes are generally compulsory, but Year 1 contains optional classes relating to physics or biology, and elective classes from other subject areas in the University. In Years 1 to 3, lectures give students the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry graduates. This is supported by small and large group tutorials. Chemistry is a practical subject, so students will also gain training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.

Assessment

Assessment methods include class tests, end-of-year examinations, oral presentations, and group project work.

Facilities

Students will benefit from excellent teaching in theory modules, complemented by hands-on experience in supportive practical teaching laboratories. The university provides a wide range of specialized equipment, including chromatography systems, ATR-IR spectroscopy, and rotary evaporators.

Entry Requirements

• A Levels: Year 2 entry - ABB (Chemistry, Maths, and Physics or Biology, GCSE English Language 4/C and English Literature 4/C), Year 1 entry - ABB (Chemistry and one of Maths, Physics or Biology, GCSE English Language 4/C and English Literature 4/C)
• International Baccalaureate: Year 2 entry - 34 (Chemistry, Maths and Physics or Biology all at HL, English SL6), Year 1 entry - As year 2 entry but with IB HL including Chemistry and one of Maths, Physics or Biology
• International students: View the entry requirements for your country

Fees & Funding

• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status
• International: £27,800
• University preparation programme fees: International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre
• Available scholarships: We have a wide range of scholarships available
• Additional costs: Lab coats and safety goggles - approximately £25

Careers

Graduates will have developed the skills required to teach chemistry in secondary schools and will also have developed skills applicable to creating, setting up, and demonstrating experiments commonly carried out in secondary school chemistry labs. There are many job opportunities for chemists, even in areas not normally associated with the subject, because of the basic scientific, technical, and mathematical skills learned during the degree.

Career Opportunities

• Chemistry Teacher
• Analytical chemist
• Biotechnologist
• Clinical scientist, biochemistry
• Colour technologist
• Crime scene investigator
• Forensic scientist
• Medicinal chemist
• Nanotechnologist
• Operating department practitioner
• Palaeontologist
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Toxicologist

Jobs Where Your Degree Would Be Useful

• Civil service fast streamer
• Environmental consultant
• Higher education lecturer
• Nuclear engineer
• Patent attorney
• Product/process development scientist
• Radiation protection practitioner
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher

Apply

This degree program is only available to international students. UK students should apply to our MChem Chemistry with Teaching degree. The start date for the program is September, and students can apply for either first-year or second-year entry. The application process is available through the university's direct applications service.