Chemistry with year-long industry experience
University of Southampton
UCAS Code: F102 | Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
University of Southampton
UCAS Code: F102 | Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
Entry requirements
A level
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 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, 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
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 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 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 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 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 (last awarded Summer 2024)
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
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
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 2024; Chemistry at Southampton placed 4th in the UK.
**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, being part of the Russell Group, 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
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What students say
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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
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£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.
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