Chemistry - BSc (Hons)

University of Southampton

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 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.

You can take advantage of our refurbished labs, which opened recently as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. In this spacious, bright and modern environment you’ll gain hands-on practical experience with equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student to record their practical work. It’s the same high-tech equipment you’ll find in industry or academic labs, and you’ll learn to make and analyse your own samples, with full support and training – all excellent preparation for your future career. And your lab work will incorporate modern ‘green’ chemistry practices that are used in industry.

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 contagious diseases, 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.

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. 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.