Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?
Master of Chemistry - MChem
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Full Time
SEP-25
4 Years
Select a course option
Master of Chemistry - MChem
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Full Time
SEP-25
4 Years
Select a an exam type
Digital technologies are transforming chemistry research with data science, AI and machine learning enabling scientists to make discoveries and run experiments faster and at lower cost. On this degree you’ll gain the chemistry knowledge and computing skills you need to join this fast-growing field. This is the ideal course if you have a passion for chemistry and a fascination for all things digital. You don’t need previous computing knowledge as your programming training will be tailored to your level. By the time you graduate you’ll be able to write your own programs, use state-of-the-art software to analyse big data, and look at digital simulations of molecules in incredible detail. Southampton is one of just a few UK universities where you can study this subject to an advanced level. Here you’ll learn in recently refurbished labs and use the University’s supercomputer for your project work. Our commitment to your education is demonstrated in the Guardian University Guide 2024; Chemistry at Southampton ranked 4th overall in the UK.
Your careerThere will be plenty of demand for your skills with every branch of industry and research looking to harness the potential of AI, computer modelling and big data. As a fully trained chemist, you could pursue a career in any area of the chemical industry, for example in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors. Your modelling and analysis skills could secure you a role in finance, banking or management. Or, as you will have learned programming to a professional standard, you could choose to work in a tech company as a software developer. This degree is also excellent preparation for a PhD.
Supporting your studiesYou’ll be part of a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor to provide any extra help you need, both academically and personally. In years one and two, small group tutorials are limited to a maximum of 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 laboratoriesStudy in recently refurbished laboratories, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. In this spacious, modern environment you’ll gain hands-on practical experience of equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student so that you can record your 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.
Learn about research as it happensSouthampton is a Russell Group university, this means you’ll learn from staff who are spearheading computational chemistry research. Our researchers are using AI and digital modelling to benefit society, for example by improving renewable energy technologies and supporting research into COVID-19 treatments. They will share their expertise with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures, and you’ll be able to take part in their research during your individual project work. In addition, our leading role in the UK’s AI for Scientific Discovery Network will give you access to seminars with leading data and computer scientists.
Exam type
A levelA level:
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.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:
D3,D3,M2 Grades / Points required
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:
34 Grades / Points required
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):
H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 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 and mathematics.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: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 including chemistry and mathematics, 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.
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 4We 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 the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Admissions Office at ugapply.eps@southampton.ac.uk for additional information. 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.
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics.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.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.
Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred).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.International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer:Offers 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 and mathematics.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.
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass the chemistry Practical and A in A-level mathematics.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.
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and grade A in A-level mathematics. 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.
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry and mathematics or AA from two A-levels including chemistry and mathematics, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.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.
Students living in
England
£9,250 per year
Students from England
This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,250 per year
Students from Scotland
This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,250 per year
Students from Wales
This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,250 per year
Students from Northern Ireland
This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,250 per year
Students from Channel Islands
This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£27,400 per year
Students from EU
This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£27,400 per year
Students from International
£27400 Per year
The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education...