DEGREE GUIDE

Chemistry

What do Chemistry degrees involve?

Chemistry degrees teach you how substances interact, react, and transform, helping to solve real-world problems in fields like medicine, energy, and materials science. You will explore key areas such as organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical techniques, and chemical engineering principles. These courses help you develop strong laboratory, research, and problem-solving skills while understanding how chemistry shapes the world around us. You will also gain hands-on experience through practical lab work, computational modelling, and independent research projects. With a combination of theoretical study and experimental training, you’ll be prepared for careers in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, materials development, and scientific research.

Example
Modules

Inorganic Chemistry: Study the structures, bonding and reactivity of elements and their compounds, with a focus on synthesis and the behaviour of metals and non-metals.

Organic Chemistry: Explore the chemistry of carbon-based molecules, including how they are formed, react and play a role in everything from fuels to pharmaceuticals.

Physical Chemistry: Understand how energy, entropy and kinetics govern chemical reactions, with links to thermodynamics and quantum theory.

Common Degree Names

💼 Many Chemistry degrees offer a placement year in research labs, industry or pharmaceuticals.
🌍 Study abroad is commonly available, especially on MSci programmes.

BSc (Hons) Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Mathematics

BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Physics

BSc (Hons) Chemical Physics
MSci Chemistry

MSci is a four-year integrated option that combines undergraduate and master's level study.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Chemistry explores matter at the atomic and molecular level, from reactions to materials to pharmaceuticals. Subject requirements are fairly consistent across universities.

You'll need:

Chemistry – essential for all Chemistry degrees

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Maths – required or strongly preferred by many universities
Physics or Biology – often accepted as third subjects; Physics suits physical chemistry routes, Biology suits biochemistry pathways

✨ Chemistry and Maths together is the most widely accepted combination and keeps the most options open. Adding Physics is helpful for physical chemistry or data-focused courses.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science, typically with distinctions in chemistry-related units and sometimes an additional A-level in Maths or Chemistry
T-levels in Science may be accepted by some universities—check course-specific entry requirements

✨ Subject combinations and required grades vary—especially regarding whether Maths is compulsory—so check the university’s course page carefully.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications such as National 5s or MYP
GCSE Science (or equivalent), ideally Separate Sciences with at least a grade 5/B in Chemistry

📘 For highly competitive courses, universities may prefer a grade 6/B or higher in Maths.

💬 Interviews
Most Chemistry courses do not require interviews. Some top universities (such as Oxford or Cambridge) may invite applicants to an interview to explore their understanding of chemistry concepts and how they approach problems.

📝 Admissions Tests

Most UK universities do not require any admissions test.

🔍 Work Experience
Not required—but if you’ve taken part in a STEM summer school, chemistry competition, or science work experience, include it in your personal statement. It shows motivation and curiosity.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Science Foundation Year
If you don’t have the required subject combination—especially if you’re missing Chemistry or Maths—a foundation year in Science can help prepare you for direct entry to a Chemistry degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science)
An Access course with strong Chemistry and Maths content is accepted by many universities, especially for mature students. Look for courses that include lab-based assessments and aim for Distinctions in science units.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in Laboratory Technician, Chemical Science, or Analytical Science can provide relevant experience and support future applications, especially if paired with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Chemistry degree

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

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Interests that would make a Chemistry degree a good match for you

Careers a Chemistry degree could lead you to