Chemistry BSc (Hons)
University of Southampton
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Chemistry
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Course info

From human health to climate change, chemistry is critical to solving today’s biggest global challenges. On this degree you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to make a difference to our world and society. Study topics that spark your curiosity in areas such as sustainable chemistry, chemical biology and the fast-growing field of computational chemistry – where chemistry and digital skills meet. You’ll carry out experiments in recently refurbished labs, and learn from inspirational ...Read more

From human health to climate change, chemistry is critical to solving today’s biggest global challenges. On this degree you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to make a difference to our world and society. Study topics that spark your curiosity in areas such as sustainable chemistry, chemical biology and the fast-growing field of computational chemistry – where chemistry and digital skills meet. You’ll carry out experiments in recently refurbished labs, and learn from inspirational academics at a Russell Group university where extraordinary research advances feed into your degree. 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.


Supporting your studies

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. During years one and two the size of tutorials is limited to five students, so you’ll have plenty of time and attention from your tutors. 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.


Outstanding undergraduate laboratories

Ranked 4th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024 you can take advantage of our recently refurbished labs, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. You’ll study in bright and 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. 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.


Learn about research as it happens

Part of a research-active Russell Group university, Chemistry at Southampton means you’ll be surrounded by trailblazing research, and you’ll be taught by the people who are doing it. Our academics are advancing battery technology for cleaner energy, designing drugs for hard-to-treat cancers, and using digital modelling in the fight against COVID-19, to name just a few examples. They will share their passion for their specialist areas with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures. And you’ll have the opportunity to join one of their research groups, for your third-year project or by doing a summer placement.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
83/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
16th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
Chemistry
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
80%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Chemistry graduate salary at this uni
£20,000
UK Chemistry graduate salary
£22,000
What students say
N
Natalia
28 Oct 24

fun nights out and good course, some lectures but boring..Read more

S
Stephanie
28 Oct 24

Good campus and supportive..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB - AAB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,D3,M2 - D3,M2,M2 Grades / Points required

Extended Project:

A Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 - 34 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

D Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF):

D Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

A Grades / Points required

Typical Offer: AAB including chemistry or ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject.Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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:ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry or BBB to include grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry and an additional science subject.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.

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.

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.

Our requirements for the Access to HE Diploma have not yet been confirmed.

D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 M2 M2 including chemistry and an additional science subjectWe 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. Accepted science subjects include biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and geography.Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.""Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer:ABB, including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and grade A in the EPQorBBB, including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science Practical components and grade A in the EPQAccepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistryorPass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in chemistry and a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subjectWe 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. Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geographyInternational Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offerOffers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry or H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry and an additional science subjectWe 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. Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, mathematics, physics and geography

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry PracticalWe 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 Extended Diploma without A-level Chemistry. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year.

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry PracticalWe 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 A-level Chemistry. Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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 A-level Chemistry. Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year.

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level Chemistry. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year

AAB from three A-levels including chemistry with a pass in chemistry PracticalorAA from two A-levels including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateorABB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical componentsorAB from two A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science practical components, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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.

Popular A-level subjects

Chemistry

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Chemistry
91%
Mathematics
78%
Biology
49%
Physics
33%
Psychology
10%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,400 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,400 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27400 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Chemistry (General) reviews

Chemistry (General)
Chemistry (General)
N
Natalia
28 Oct 24
Chemistry with Maths MChem (Hons)
fun nights out and good course, some lectures but boring...
Read more
S
Stephanie
28 Oct 24
Chemistry BSc (Hons)
Good campus and supportive...
Read more
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( 4.0) 23 reviews
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( 4.2) 1,439 reviews
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Uni info

University of Southampton
University of Southampton , Southampton

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
20th
University of Southampton
Highfield Southampton Hampshire SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: St Denys  0.6 miles away

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