Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Open Day (September)
26 Sept 2026, 09:00
Edinburgh
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Course summary
Heriot-Watt University ranked first in Scotland for chemistry in the Guardian University Guide 2020.
Chemistry is a dynamic and exciting subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It is a major contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and as such is a secure career pathway. Chemistry plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.
MChem Chemistry Overview
MChem Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University is a 5-year undergraduate degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Studying this degree provides you with the option to study a year abroad if you wish, or complete a year-long industrial placement, or specialise in a chosen field to enhance employability. The degree is flexible and you can choose to follow these routes or not.
Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.
In lessons, we make sure the theory we teach is linked to these practical applications so that, when you graduate, you will be ready to tackle real world problems head-on, from the biggest global challenges to specific issues related to their chosen industries.
This degree includes extensive laboratory work throughout to ensure you have hands-on experience and opportunities to link theoretical knowledge from lectures to real world applications. You will develop practical lab experience as well as much needed teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.
Your career prospects
Through the selection of optional courses, our MChem degree gives students the chance to specialise in a chosen field of chemistry including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Materials and Nanoscience.
Chemistry graduates from Heriot-Watt University have a good reputation with employers who appreciate their practical abilities, confidence, and communication skills in addition to the extensive, cutting-edge theoretical knowledge they possess.
Graduates from chemistry can work in a number of roles across a diversity of fields within the pharmaceutical, biomedical, biochemical, health care, agriculture, food, drink and water industries. Opportunities also exist in the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace and communications industries.
Study abroad
Students on MChem Chemistry can choose to study one year of their degree with a Heriot-Watt University partner institution in Australia, North America, Spain, Germany or France.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F101
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
including Chemistry and Maths/Physics for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: BBB including Chemistry and Maths
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths) for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths)
Scottish Higher - AAAB
including A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science
Scottish Advanced Higher - AB
in Chemistry and Mathematics, plus Highers AAAB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics/Physics at 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics at 6.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
We are always welcome to transfer students, including considering advanced entry to Year 3 for students with strong academic performance. Applicants interested in this route should be in touch directly with our Admissions team.
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
-
A level - BCC
must include Chemistry and Maths/Physics with one at B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
in relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
Scottish Higher - BBBC
must include B in Chemistry and B in one of Maths / Physics / Engineering Science.
GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
-
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories:
Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets.
Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25808 | Year 1 |
| International | £25808 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
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