University of Southampton - Open Day
27 Jun 2026, 09:00
Southampton
Chemistry
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 14 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
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.
Outstanding undergraduate laboratories and equipment
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.
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 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 work with them during research groups and advanced practicals.
Supporting your studies
You’ll be part of a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor throughout your studies, providing 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.
Modules
Core modules in the first and second year are shared across all of our chemistry degrees. This makes it possible to transfer if you decide you’d like to do the MChem or one of the placement degrees. Depending on your optional module choices or level of maths study, there’s also the possibility of moving to one of our specialist MChem courses.
The year one and two core modules cover the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as laboratory skills. In the first year you’ll also take a chemistry skills module that develops your mathematical and analytical chemistry skills.
In years two and three you can personalise your learning by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. Topics include:
• environmental chemistry
• programming
• biochemistry
• global sustainability
• cell biology and physiology
In year three you’ll choose advanced practical projects linked to real research being carried out by one of our academics. Our extensive research portfolio means you’ll have a wealth of topics to choose from.
Assessment method
There are written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of material presented in the lectures and workshops. Many modules also have coursework components that feed into module marks as well. The coursework can take on a variety of forms from analysing data, to working through problem sets. The practical work is continuously assessed primarily through written reports.
A written literature review related to research areas of interest is assessed. Alongside these summative assessments are several formative pieces of work where feedback can be provided to allow for continuous improvement of your chemistry skills.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Chemistry, Royal Society of
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 14 September 2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F100
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
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:
- F100
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page
Entry requirements
UCAS TariffNot accepted
A levelAAB
AAB including chemistry
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 as follows:
BBB including chemistry
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, plus grade A in the EPQ.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)Not accepted
Access to HE DiplomaNot accepted
Scottish Higher
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical
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
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)DD
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical
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 Extended Diploma without A-level Chemistry. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year.
Scottish Advanced Higher
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme34 points
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate WalesB
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry or AA from two A-levels including chemistry, and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Extended ProjectA
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, plus grade A in the EPQ.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD3, D3, M2
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry,
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). Grade 7/A in GCSE mathematics is preferred for applicants not studying A-level mathematics
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirementshttps://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
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.
Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course. We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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 enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Email:AdmissionsUG.EPS@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
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