Types of degrees
Single Honours
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Joint Honours
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Chemistry and Environmental Science
SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI
Alternative options
Foundation years A chemistry foundation year prepares students for undergraduate level study and is particularly useful if you haven’t quite got the grades needed for your chosen course.
Sandwich degrees You can extend your undergraduate degree in chemistry by an additional year ‘sandwiched’ between Years 2 and 3 or taken after Year 3. You can use this time to complete a year of work experience, or travel to a new country with a study abroad programme.
Integrated Master’s An integrated Master's degree is a great way to gain a postgraduate qualification in chemistry, for relatively little extra cost. You’ll develop advanced research skills and emerge with a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs in the field.
Degree apprenticeships Degree apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn. Taking three to six years on average, you’ll combine study with hands-on training, and your employer will even cover your tuition fees, meaning you graduate with less debt.
FIND OUT MORE
Average entry requirements
QUALIFICATION | REQUIREMENTS |
---|---|
UCAS points | 144–104 |
A-levels | AAA – BCC |
BTECs | DDD – MMP |
Scottish Highers | AABBB-BBBC |
International Baccalaureate | 40–28 |
SOURCE: WHATUNI
What subjects do you need?
You’ll need a strong A-level (or equivalent) foundation in STEM subjects for chemistry courses. Chemistry and mathematics are often essential, and it’s preferred if your third subject is something like physics, further mathematics, or computer science.
FIND OUT MORE
Chemistry specialisations
From computational chemistry to environmental chemistry, students have a broad spectrum of topics to explore, and plenty of options for developing a specialism which may one day lead to a career pathway. Chemistry has its place in medicine, industry, and research, and some of the most popular options include:
Organic synthesis Involves creating complex molecules from simpler ones through chemical reactions. It plays a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and agrochemicals, enabling the development of new drugs and compounds with specific properties.
Spectroscopy Spectroscopy analyses the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation to study molecular structure and composition. Techniques like infrared, UV-visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy support many types of scientific research.
Environmental chemistry Examines the impact of chemicals in natural and built environments, particularly looking into sources of pollution, transport of contaminants, and their ecological effects. This field informs environmental policy and sustainable development strategies.
Polymer chemistry Polymer chemistry focuses on macromolecules, such as plastics, rubber, and fibres. It explores polymerisation methods, polymer characterisation, and applications in materials science, engineering, and biomedicine. Polymer chemistry contributes to advancements in all kinds of sectors including healthcare and technology.
Molecular modelling Molecular modelling uses a range of computational methods to simulate molecular structure and predict the way in which chemicals will interact with each other under different conditions, leading to advancements in drug discovery and materials design.
FIND OUT MORE
Typical topics in chemistry
Molecular structures
Thermodynamics
Organic chemistry
Electrochemistry
Spectroscopic techniques
Quantum mechanics
Environmental chemistry
Nanotechnology
Pharmacy
What will you learn studying chemistry?
Studying chemistry at university will help you gain advanced mathematical skills, as well as scientific reasoning, and a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy sustainability, and healthcare.
You’ll spend a lot of time doing laboratory work and research projects, learning how to work under lab conditions and to write using detailed scientific language, as well as drafting and presenting reports about your findings.
Additionally, through your university work you’ll pick up a range of transferable skills which can be applied to all kinds of industries. These can include:
Logical thinking
Presentation skills
Problem solving
Data analysis
Research methods
Professional accreditation in chemistry
Undergraduate courses do not always carry professional accreditation, however several professional organisations, like the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), offer specialised positions for chemistry graduates. These can be applied for after completing your course, and membership signals to potential employers that you are able to uphold rigorous professional performance standards.
What alternatives are there to a chemistry degree?
If you’re keen on a career in science but aren’t sure if chemistry is the right one for you, then it may be worth considering some alternatives. There are many courses which incorporate similar modules and areas of study that may be better suited to your personal and career aspirations. These may include:
Chemical engineering
Pharmaceutical science
Physics
Environmental science
Forensic science
Mathematics
Computer science
Careers
With a chemistry degree, you’ll be able to explore career pathways within chemical science, such as working in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and materials engineering.
Your extensive laboratory experience makes you well suited to work as a research scientist or laboratory technician, and you could also apply your skills to a career in quality control or data analysis, which enables you to branch out and work across a wide range of industries. Strong quantitative skills and problem-solving abilities make chemistry graduates invaluable assets in a variety of roles and workplaces.
"Perhaps the most exciting aspect of studying at a leading university is the journey that you will take as you develop your skills, knowledge and understanding to a level where you will be making totally new scientific discoveries during your final year research project. "
CRAIG BUTTS, HEAD OF SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY AT UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Potential career options can include:
Chemistry researcher
Pharmaceutical specialist
Data analyst
Environmental consultant
Materials scientist
Chemistry teacher
Forensic scientist
Quality control specialist
Medical researcher
These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in chemistry or a related subject.