Get degree ideas using our A level explorer tool

Chemistry with year-long industry experience

Entry requirements


A level

A,A,A-A,A,B

Typical Offer: AAA including chemistry or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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: AAB including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ or ABB including chemistry and an additional science subject, 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.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,D3,D3-D3,D3,M2

D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and an additional science subject. 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. Accepted science subjects include biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and geography. 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.

Extended Project

A

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer: AAB, including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ or ABB, including chemistry and one additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

34-36

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry or Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and an additional science subject. Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2-H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2


H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry or H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and an additional science subject 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. Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, mathematics, physics and geography

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)

DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level Chemistry, with a pass in 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 additional A-levels. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DD

DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in 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 additional A-levels. Applicants with a BTEC 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. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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. We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without additional A-levels. 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. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year

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.

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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

A-B

AAA from three A-levels including chemistry or AA from two A-levels including chemistry and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject or AA from two A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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.

UCAS Tariff

136-144

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

4years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Chemistry

Gain a career advantage by spending a year in industry as part of your chemistry degree.

On your 12-month placement you’ll work on a research project in an industrial setting. Host organisations range from small high-tech enterprises and national research facilities, to global companies such as Johnson Matthey, Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Proctor & Gamble. Many industry placements are paid.

Your placement takes place in year four, when you’ll have completed three years of chemistry training and an independent research project. This will give you a competitive edge when securing your placement, and the confidence to get the most out of the experience.

It’s an excellent opportunity to put your chemistry knowledge into practice in a commercial setting, gain invaluable professional skills and show future employers what you can do – indeed, some of our students are recruited by their host company.

At Southampton you’ll study in recently refurbished labs at a Russell Group university where trailblazing research feeds into your degree. Our commitment to your education is demonstrated in the Guardian University Guide 2023; Chemistry at Southampton placed 1st in the Russell Group for satisfaction with teaching and satisfaction with course.

**Supporting your studies**
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. During the first two years we limit small group tutorials 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 – a place to grab a coffee in the common room, catch up with friends and talk to staff.

CV and interview skills workshops will help you secure your placement, and you’ll have regular catch-ups with a dedicated supervisor during your placement year.

**Outstanding undergraduate laboratories**
Take advantage of our recently refurbished labs, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. You’ll study in bright and spacious modern laboratories using new research-grade equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student to record their lab work.

With full support and training, you’ll learn to make and analyse your own samples, using the same equipment that you’ll find in industry labs and the latest ‘green’ chemistry practices – all excellent preparation for your placement and future career.

**Learn about research as it happens**
Chemistry at Southampton is joint first in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2022), which means you’ll learn from staff who are involved in making new discoveries.

Our academics are advancing battery technology for cleaner energy, designing drugs for hard-to-treat cancers, and using digital modelling in the fight against COVID-19, 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.

Modules

Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it easy to transfer if you decide you’d like to join our MChem Chemistry or MChem with six-month placement degree. 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.

In years one and two you’ll gain a solid chemistry foundation for more in-depth study in your third and fourth year. You’ll learn the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as practical lab techniques. In year one you’ll also take a mathematics module tailored to your previous maths experience.

You’ll be able to select optional modules in years two, three and four. These cover a wide range of topics, such as:

• environmental chemistry
• chemical biology
• programming
• medicinal chemistry
• artificial intelligence and machine learning in chemistry
• synthetic methods in organic chemistry
• energy applications in chemistry
• sustainable chemistry
• quantum mechanics in chemistry and spectroscopy

You can also choose modules from other disciplines such as oceanography, biology, physics or a language.

Alongside optional modules, core modules in year three will deepen your understanding of key areas of chemistry, and you will do an independent research project.

You’ll spend year four working on an assessed external research project at your placement company.

For a full list of modules, please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/chemistry-with-yearlong-industry-experience-degree-mchem#modules.

Assessment methods

To assist your learning the academic staff will provide an extensive programme of lectures, tutorials, problem workshops, and laboratory classes. They will provide learning support material and also informal assistance to guide your private study.

Your placement project will be supervised by a line-manager or academic supervisor employed by the organisation where you take up your placement and supported by ana member of staff from Southampton acting as an advisor. Additional assistance will be provided by our placements tutor.

You will be guided during the completion of your Southampton-based research project by a member of staff, with whom you will meet regularly to discuss the context, design, execution, interpretation, and presentation of your project work. Additional lectures that support your research training in aspects such as the assessment of risks and hazards, production of written reports, and oral presentations will be provided. Completion of the project will enable you to demonstrate your academic independence.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£27,400
per year
International
£27,400
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Chemistry

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

96%
Chemistry

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Chemistry

Teaching and learning

97%
Staff make the subject interesting
100%
Staff are good at explaining things
90%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
79%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

97%
Library resources
86%
IT resources
100%
Course specific equipment and facilities
72%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

92%
UK students
8%
International students
54%
Male students
46%
Female students
83%
2:1 or above
2%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

B
A
B

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Chemistry

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£20,000
med
Average annual salary
96%
med
Employed or in further education
48%
low
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

15%
Science, engineering and production technicians
12%
Other elementary services occupations
10%
Business, finance and related associate professionals

Chemistry graduates are in demand from a wide range of industries, from the food, oil, chemicals and pharmaceuticals to consultancy, technical analysis and teaching. They're also prized by business and finance employers for their research and data handling skills — anywhere there is research and data to be explained, you can find chemistry grads. If you want a career in research, you need a doctorate, so start planning now if you fancy one of these exciting and challenging jobs - but good students can usually get grants to take a doctorate, so don't worry about the financing if you think you have what it takes. The recession wasn’t too kind to chemists, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry (one of the key employers for chemists), but things are getting back to normal for this flexible group and it's one of the few degrees that is bucking the current trend and increasing graduate numbers.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Chemistry

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£24k

£24k

£29k

£29k

£35k

£35k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Share this page

This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Course location and department:

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here