Chemistry (With options for placement opportunities) MChem
Course Overview - Chemistry (With options for placement opportunities) MChem
Chemistry is at the heart of solutions to many of today’s biggest challenges, from climate change to the treatment of disease. On this degree you’ll study chemistry to an advanced level, equipping you to change the world for the better.
This is our most flexible chemistry degree, enabling you to tailor your degree to the areas that spark your curiosity. Options include medicinal chemistry, sustainable chemistry, chemical biology and the fast-growing field of computational chemistry.
Placement Opportunities
The final year of your degree c...
Chemistry is at the heart of solutions to many of today’s biggest challenges, from climate change to the treatment of disease. On this degree you’ll study chemistry to an advanced level, equipping you to change the world for the better. <br/><br/>This is our most flexible chemistry degree, enabling you to tailor your degree to the areas that spark your curiosity. Options include medicinal chemistry, sustainable chemistry, chemical biology and the fast-growing field of computational chemistry. <br/><br/><strong>Placement Opportunities</strong><br/><br/>The final year of your degree could include an extended project that can be taken within our research facilities, as part of a year-long industrial placement or as an external placement at a university overseas. A university placement could take you to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Singapore or almost anywhere in the world. Most placements within industry are in the UK and are paid, whichever type you choose you’ll gain specialist experience and transferable skills which will impress employers.<br/><br/>You’ll be prepared for a role as a professional chemist or may choose to use your skills in another field. Our graduates have achieved success in sectors including finance, banking, accountancy, sales and marketing, management, patent law and teaching. <br/><br/><strong>Outstanding undergraduate laboratories and equipment</strong><br/>Take advantage of our refurbished labs, which opened recently as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. You’ll study in bright, spacious modern laboratories using new, high-tech equipment, which is the same as you’ll find if you go on to work in the chemical industry. Each student has a laptop to use in the laboratory, for analysing data and writing laboratory reports. <br/><br/>Gain hands-on practical experience with research-grade equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. You’ll make and analyse your own samples, with full support and training, rather than sending samples to be analysed or watching demonstrations. And your lab work will incorporate modern ‘green’ chemistry practices that are used in industry. <br/><br/><strong>Learn about research as it happens</strong> <br/>Part of a research-active Russell Group University, Chemistry at Southampton means you’ll learn from staff who are making trailblazing discoveries. <br/>Our academics are advancing battery technology for cleaner energy, designing drugs for hard-to-treat cancers, and using digital modelling in the fight against contagious diseases, to name just a few examples. They will share their passion with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures. The breadth of their research activities gives you a wide choice of project topics.<br/><br/><strong>Supporting your studies</strong> <br/>You’ll be part of a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor to provide any extra help you need, both academically and personally. <br/>Between classes, the Chemistry department will be your ‘home’ on campus, where you can grab a coffee in the common room, catch up with friends and talk to staff.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F103
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 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.
Access to HE Diploma
Not Accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
GCSE/National 4/National 5
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
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level Chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical. 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. We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without additional A-levels. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Extended Project
A
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer: AAB, including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level
A,A,A
AAA including chemistry A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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 including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows: ABB including chemistry
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry or AA from two A-levels including chemistry, and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £31,000 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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