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Chemistry

Entry Year: 2024

6 study options

Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F100
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Chemical Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
FFX2
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£23,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Chemistry with Year in Industry/Research BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
9A32
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Chemistry with Year Abroad BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F10Y
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Chemistry MSci (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MSci (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F103
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Chemistry with Year Abroad MSci (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MSci (Hons)
Duration
5 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F13Y
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Overview

Chemistry is often called the central science, connecting mathematics, physics, biology and medicine.

Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. Marie Curie pioneered research on radioactivity. And Alice Ball developed the first successful treatment for leprosy. What will you discover? 

Minimising the environmental impact of chemical processes and creating long-lasting materials for medicine are just a few of the exciting developments in recent chemistry. On BSc Chemistry, you’ll join like-minded students who are keen to tackle global challenges and make a valuable contribution to society. 

Spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, and organic synthesis – these are just some of the modules you can study. You’ll thrive as you put knowledge into action in our modern facilities. Including our state-of-the-art laboratory and analytical suite. 

We’re at the forefront of research and teaching. Globally recognised and multi award-winning. Our course is also accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving you the confidence that your education is high quality. 

Employability is important to us. We work closely with the careers team and regularly invite successful industry speakers. We also offer the opportunity for you to become a school rep, outreach ambassador, and join our chemistry society.  

Choose your own pathway through this degree — add a year in industry or studying abroad, or carry out an additional year of advanced study to graduate with an MSci.

Could you be the next trailblazing criminal justice or sustainability scientist? Or perhaps you’ll inform policy making or educate the next generation.  

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving graduates Associate Member status. 

Structure

You can complete your Chemistry degree in three, four or five years. If you are a BSc student and choose to do a year in industry or study abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and the Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4. If you are an MSci student and choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 4, and the Year 4 modules will be studied in Year 5.

Year 0

Foundation

One Year-long double module allocated based on previous maths qualifications:

  • Mathematics A  or
  • Mathematics B

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Communication in Science & Technology
  • Introductory Chemistry
  • Physics - Mechanics and Materials

Semester 2

Compulsory

  • A Closer Look at Chemistry
  • Molecules to Cells
  • Physics - Electricity and Atomic Physics

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 1

  • Essential Skills for Chemists
  • Foundations of Practical Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Semester A
  • Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Semester B
  • Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Spectroscopy
  • States of Matter and Analytical Chemistry

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

  • Applied Spectroscopy
  • Essential Skills for Chemists II
  • Introductory Programming for Chemists
  • Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry Semester A
  • Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry Semester B
  • Solid State & Inorganic Chemistry Semester A
  • Solid State & Inorganic Chemistry Semester B
  • Physical & Quantum Chemistry Semester A
  • Physical & Quantum Chemistry Semester B
  • Practical Chemistry

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

Compulsory

  • Organic Synthesis
  • Professional Skills in Chemistry
  • Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
  • Topics in Physical Chemistry

Choose one from. *Compulsory for those on the Msci programmes

  • Chemistry Investigative Project
  • Chemistry Research Project*

Choose two from

  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy
  • Bioorganic Chemistry 
  • Computational Chemistry 
  • Topics in Biological Chemistry 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 4

MSci students only

Compulsory

  • Chemistry MSci Research Project (90 credits)
  • Advanced Topics in Chemistry
  • Nanomaterials

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Study options

Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.

Year in industry

Want to pick up some solid work experience while practising your skills in a real-world laboratory? Apply for our Chemistry BSc with a Year in Industry/Research. Some of our students have been awarded prestigious work placements with UK and international pharmaceutical companies.

During your second year, you will identify and apply for a placement opportunity, with one on one support provided by your adviser. If successful, you'll spend your third year working in the pharmaceutical industry or carrying out an extended research project.

Please note that placements are highly competitive and awarded based on your application, academic track record and performance at the interview. Should you not succeed in securing a placement, you'll transfer onto our BSc programme and complete your third year at Queen Mary.

MSci

Apply for our Chemistry MSci to spend an extra year undertaking an extended research project and studying advanced modules. Consider this option if you’re interested in a career in academic or industrial research.

Year abroad

Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Chemistry BSc or MSci with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).

Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are.

You can do either a year in industry or a year abroad  you cannot combine these options.

student profile image
Testimonial

My Chemistry degree helps me expand my knowledge not just in the Chemistry field but also explore the physical and mathematical side. It causes me to push myself as an individual due to the diverse nature of the course itself.

Nishma Thakor, Chemistry with a Year in Industry (2020)

Teaching

Teaching and learning

We use a mixture of teaching styles – lectures, tutorials, classroom activities and laboratory work. 

Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 18 to 20 hours per week preparing, writing up and reading.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through theory examinations and coursework.

Resources and facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

  • newly refurbished lecture theatres
  • up-to-date IT facilities
  • modern, well-equipped labs.

View tour of Joseph Priestley Building

Video

A tour of the Jospeh Priestley lab where our undergraduates are taught.

Entry requirements

A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQ

Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.

For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq

Contextualised admissions

Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BCC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

A-LevelGrades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level. A second science subject at Higher Level of Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
BTECSee our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 credits must be at Distinction, 15 credits at Merit and 15 credits at Pass or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
Contextualised admissionsWe consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages.
A-LevelGrades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 35 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BCC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissions Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BCC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
A-LevelGrades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 35 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
A-LevelGrades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 35 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

Non-UK students

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.

English language

Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.

You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

Further information

See our general undergraduate entry requirements.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

Scholarships and bursaries

Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

As well as being equipped for a career in the chemical industry – one of the UK’s largest – chemistry graduates are highly rated by business and finance employers for their data-handling and analytical skills. 

93 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA GOS 2017/18).

Recent Chemistry graduates have been hired by:

  • Hammersmith Medicines Research
  • EY
  • KPMG
  • GlaxoSmithKline

Career support

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences has a careers consultant, who can offer specialist advice and organise subject-specific events. We also have a dedicated internships coordinator.

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

  • specialist advice on choosing a career path
  • support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
  • feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
  • interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.

Data for these courses

Chemistry - BSc (Hons)

Chemical Sciences with Foundation - BSc (Hons)

Chemistry with Year in Industry/Research - BSc (Hons)

Chemistry with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)

Chemistry - MSci (Hons)

Chemistry with Year Abroad - MSci (Hons)

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)

About the School

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at Queen Mary combines the academic rigour of a Russell Group institution with a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s teaching academics work on high-profile international collaborations, including experiments at CERN. Our researchers are searching for new planets around distant stars, developing and applying quantum technologies and theoretical concepts. Our PsiStar Physics and Astronomy Society is extremely active with around 200 members. Our academics use cutting edge experimental and theoretical techniques, alongside modern data science, to push the boundaries of their research areas.

The Department is proud to have played a role in some of the most exciting discoveries of the past 100 years, including the discovery of the W, Z, and Higgs bosons, the discovery of the closest Earth-like exoplanet to us, Proxima B, and the first ‘superstring revolution’.

We have recently recruited new staff in key areas such as particle physics, quantum technology, and space weather. We have state of the art laboratories, computing facilities, and a rooftop observatory, offering high-quality support for Physics and Astronomy teaching and research.

The Department of Chemistry enjoys an outstanding research and teaching quality reputation. We are a vibrant department, carrying out internationally leading research in fields such as Functional Materials and Nano Science, Synthesis, Catalysis, and Physical and Computational Chemistry. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, Chemistry ranked 8th in the United Kingdom for Research Impact and 9th in the UK for Research Output.

We have recently recruited new staff in key areas such as Carbon Nanotechnology, Organic Electronics, and Catalysis. The £5.2m refurbishment and modernisation of our Chemistry Lab facilities have secured the highest quality standard for Chemistry teaching and research.

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