Chemistry Degree Guide

Search Clearing courses and get expert advice.

Chemistry is a branch of science that concerns the composition and properties of a substance or body and, for those with a natural aptitude for maths and science, it can be a fascinating area of study.

An understanding of chemistry can have a significant impact on everyday life. We utilise chemical knowledge on a daily basis – whether travelling to work on public transport or using electrical equipment – and as such there is a significant demand for specialists within this particular field.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Study Chemistry?

You’ll need science-based A-levels, and plenty of them. Well in some cases, anyway. All unis will want you to have chemistry, and plenty will want you to have a second science, like biology or physics and also maths on top of that.

The exact grades you’ll need will depend on the uni, but if you’re aiming for a Russell Group uni you’ll probably need at least AAB (and Oxford will want A*A*A).

Alternative qualifications like BTECs, IBs, Cambridge Pre-Us and Scottish Highers - or a mix of these with A-Levels - are also accepted by most universities. You should check the entry requirements before you apply (you can do that right on Whatuni!)

What Are Your Study Options?

Many universities offer straight degrees in Chemistry, but it’s also worth noting there are a number of more niche courses available, including: Atomic Chemistry; Environmental Chemistry; Forensic Chemistry; and Materials Chemistry.

Undergraduate Chemistry degrees tend to be the typical three years in length, which will normally consist of an introductory year (you’ll be introduced to the main areas of chemistry) followed by two years where you’ll have the chance to focus in on your interests.

Some universities also offer four-year 'sandwich' courses, which include a year in industry. And some offer Integreated Master's courses (MChem) which last four years and provide you with a Master's qualification upon graduation.

As part of your chemistry course, you will not only develop an understanding of theoretical chemistry, but you’ll be also taught how these theories function in a practical environment. You’ll be taught through lectures and seminars, as well as in a lab environment, and you’ll be expected to conduct research and collect your own data as part of your assessment.

What Key Modules Will Be Covered?

“This will vary depending on which university you decide to opt for but as an overview:

First Year

Usually the first year will be an introductory year bringing students who have studied different Level 3 qualifications up to the same level in their knowledge. You will probably also be expected to study introductory Maths and Physics modules, depending on your prior qualifications and experience.

Chemistry content will then be split into three disciplines: organic, physical and inorganic. You will develop your understanding of physical chemistry through quantum mechanics, kinetics and thermodynamics. Introduction to orbital theory and expansion of your knowledge on transition metal chemistry fall under the inorganic heading and organic chemistry modules would elaborate on your comprehension of reaction mechanisms and delve into the world of hybridisation and aromatic chemistry.

Second Year

Year 2 students typically study materials that extend their knowledge and understanding of year 1. Topics such as electrochemistry, computational chemistry, ligand field theory, spectroscopy and functional group chemistry. In your second year you may also get to select some additional non-compulsory modules in your areas of interest and start to specialise.

Third/Fourth years

This year will be different dependent on the course and institution you select. For a BSc you will probably undertake advanced modules in organic, physical and inorganic chemistry but you tend to have more freedom in choice of modules and tailoring your particular path. For an Msci/Mchem you will select an area or topic you wish to study further and spend the best part of the year performing experiments, collecting data and writing up your report.” – Francine Atkinson, Education Executive at the Royal Society of Chemistry

Why Study Chemistry?

If you have a natural aptitude for science, a passion for discovering how things work and strong mathematical and analytical skills, then chemistry should be right up your street! The course should be nice and varied, meaning you won’t just be stuck in lecturers all the time – you’ll also get the opportunity to spend plenty of time in the lab, carrying out experiments and conducting your own research.

What Skills Will You Learn on a Chemistry Course?

Not only will you learn specialist scientific knowledge, you'll also develop a whole bunch of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers in all sorts of sectors, like:

- Logical thinking
- Communication and presentation
- Creativity
- Analysis
- Data handling and manipulation
- Observation
- ICT

How Can You Boost Your Job Prospects While Studying?

We spoke to Francine Atkinson, Education Executive at the Royal Society of Chemistry - who told us...

"To boost employability students should research and be aware of the area in which they want to work and try and gain suitable work experience to develop useful skills. Some courses offer a placement in industry; this can vary in length and students can be paid, but the experience gained can be deemed priceless and instrumental in securing a job within the sector, as well as making good contacts.”

After Your Degree...

Many students will opt to pursue careers in national and international laboratories and research facilities, meaning they’ll usually end up studying a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or MRes (possibly before progressing on to a PhD) in order to gain specialist knowledge in a particular area.

Graduates who go down this route end up working in the likes of nanotechnology, biotechnology or the pharmaceuticals industry, to name but a few options. Alternatively, if you decide you want to go into teaching after you graduate, you can gain qualified teaching status by studying a PGCE or a SCITT.

Of course, you don’t have to stay on at university. The transferable skills acquired throughout your degree will be adaptable to a wide range of industries – from finance and business to marketing and charity work.

Q&A with a Chemistry student

James Ager studied MChem Chemistry at the University of East Anglia...

Why did you choose to study Chemistry at UEA?

I chose to study Chemistry at UEA for many reasons – mainly that Chemistry is a well-known prestigious degree that I can use to impress potential employers in the future. Chemistry is an all-round challenging degree. It involves use of literature and report writing, mathematics and all sciences. It also develops lots of transferable skills such as time management and prioritising your work, skills that make me stand out from others. I am glad I chose to study at UEA; it is a professional top-listing university that cares about its students. It’s also a friendly community that gives you the opportunity to make the best out of your time studying your degree.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your course?

The most enjoyable aspect of my course has to be the advanced laboratory module. You get to work with an experienced academic to investigate and research a topic that interests you. They are keen and willing to help to ensure that you get the best results, as well as making sure you understand the science.

What was the least?

The least enjoyable aspect of my course for me has been tackling the huge workload that is required of you. Nevertheless, it’s a great feeling and an achievement to look back at all of the work you have managed to complete. What you put in is what you get out.

How well do you think your degree prepared you for the future?

I feel that my degree has prepared me extremely well for the future.

NEXT:

- Search for Chemistry courses

- Read more subject guides

** This article was written in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

We value your privacy

Privacy overview

Manage consent preferences

Subject Guides

Chemistry Degree Guide

Your next steps

Courses you might like

Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Chemistry MChem MChem

Chemistry with Industrial Experience MChem

Chemistry BSc (Hons)

YOUR UCAS POINTS 0