Chemistry with External Placement
UCAS Code: F101
Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
Entry requirements
A level
Typical Offer: AAA including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science Practical components 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 plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry and an additional science subject, with a pass in all science Practical components 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, as follows: AAB, including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or ABB, including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science Practical components Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer: AAB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or ABB to include grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry and an additional science subject, with a pass in all science Practical components Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
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
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. 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, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D plus grades AA at A-level including 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry.
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
D plus grades AA at A-level including 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 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 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 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 in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and A in an additional A-level 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 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 in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and A in an additional A-level 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 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)
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical or AA from two A-levels including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical, and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science practical components or AA from two A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject, with a pass in all science practical components, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate 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 A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
Combine your chemistry degree with six months of industrial experience or a research placement at an overseas university.
Similar in structure to our MChem Chemistry degree, you will undertake an independent research project in year three and an assessed, external six-month placement in year four. Your placement could be based in industry in the UK, or academia or industry anywhere else in the world. These placements take place in July to December of year four.
If you choose to undertake a placement in industry, you’ll develop skills and awareness from working in a commercial environment, as well as building key contacts. If you choose an overseas university placement, you’ll experience life abroad whilst working on an advanced research project in the University’s laboratories. Students have completed their placements in locations such as the USA, Australia, Singapore and across Europe.
Both placement opportunities will stand out on your CV and impress employers. You’ll also have the support of our dedicated placement tutor throughout your time away from Southampton.
Here at Southampton you’ll be able to complete your practical work in outstanding teaching laboratories. Following a recent multimillion-pound investment in our facilities, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and gain an excellent practical training. You’ll be able to use NMR and IR spectrometers and X-Ray diffraction facilities to analyse your own samples in the laboratories.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) increasing the employability and enhancing the CVs of our graduates.
Modules
Years 1 and 2: You will study the core areas of modern chemistry, covering organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
Topics include: Isomerism, organic mechanism and retrosynthesis. Thermodynamics, kinetics and quantum mechanics. Molecular orbital and ligand field theory. Transition metal, main group and organometallic chemistry.
Year 3: Choose from advanced optional modules. You’ll also choose from the following two modules: Chemistry Research Project or Advanced Practical Chemistry.
Year 4: Undertake your six-month chemistry placement, then choose from a range of advanced chemistry modules, such as Atmospheric Chemistry, Macrocyclic Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and X-Ray Crystallographic Techniques.
For a full list of modules, please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/chemistry-with-research-project-abroad-or-industry-experience-degree-mchem#modules
Assessment methods
There are written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of material presented in the lectures and workshops. The practical work is continuously assessed primarily through written reports. Project work is assessed by dissertation and oral examination together with a report on your relevant skills from your supervisor. A written literature review related to the project is also assessed.
Coursework exercises based on the lecture material are set each week and feedback is provided promptly. In some cases coursework marks are used in calculating your overall mark for the particular module of study. However in most cases coursework is simply to give you an indication of your progress.
The research project will be assessed via a variety of means including review of your laboratory notebook, your assessments of the risks and hazards of your work, written reports, oral presentations, the production of a dissertation, and an oral examination.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Chemistry
What students say
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Chemistry
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After graduation
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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.
Top job areas of graduates
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.
£25k
£31k
£32k
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.
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