Chemistry with Digital Methods and Computational Modelling
University of Southampton
UCAS Code: F105 | Master of Chemistry - MChem
Entry requirements
A level
Typical Offer: AAB including chemistry and mathematics. 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: 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 and mathematics, 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, as follows.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics. 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. 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.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred). 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 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and mathematics. 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 Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass the chemistry Practical and A in A-level mathematics. 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 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and grade A in A-level mathematics. 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.
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 the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Admissions Office at [email protected] for additional information. 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.
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)
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry and mathematics or AA from two A-levels including chemistry and mathematics, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. 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
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About this course
Digital technologies are transforming chemistry research with data science, AI and machine learning enabling scientists to make discoveries and run experiments faster and at lower cost. On this degree you’ll gain the chemistry knowledge and computing skills you need to join this fast-growing field.
This is the ideal course if you have a passion for chemistry and a fascination for all things digital. You don’t need previous computing knowledge as your programming training will be tailored to your level. By the time you graduate you’ll be able to write your own programs, use state-of-the-art software to analyse big data, and look at digital simulations of molecules in incredible detail.
Southampton is one of just a few UK universities where you can study this subject to an advanced level. Here you’ll learn in recently refurbished labs and use the University’s supercomputer for your project work. Our commitment to your education is demonstrated in the Guardian University Guide 2022; Chemistry at Southampton placed 1st in the Russell Group for satisfaction with teaching and satisfaction with course.
**Your career**
There will be plenty of demand for your skills with every branch of industry and research looking to harness the potential of AI, computer modelling and big data. As a fully trained chemist, you could pursue a career in any area of the chemical industry, for example in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.
Your modelling and analysis skills could secure you a role in finance, banking or management. Or, as you will have learned programming to a professional standard, you could choose to work in a tech company as a software developer.
This degree is also excellent preparation for a PhD.
**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. In years one and two, small group tutorials are limited 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, where you can grab a coffee in the common room, catch up with friends and talk to staff.
**Outstanding undergraduate laboratories**
Study in recently refurbished laboratories, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. In this spacious, modern environment you’ll gain hands-on practical experience of equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student so that you can record your 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.
**Learn about research as it happens**
Southampton is a Russell Group university, and Chemistry at Southampton is ranked joint first in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2023). This means you’ll learn from staff who are spearheading computational chemistry research. Our researchers are using AI and digital modelling to benefit society, for example by improving renewable energy technologies and supporting research into COVID-19 treatments.
They will share their expertise with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures, and you’ll be able to take part in their research during your individual project work. In addition, our leading role in the UK’s AI for Scientific Discovery Network will give you access to seminars with leading data and computer scientists.
Modules
Years one and two:
You’ll gain a foundation in the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as practical lab techniques. A programming module tailored to your level of knowledge and a computational practical will prepare you for more in-depth study in years three and four.
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 placement degrees.
Year three:
You’ll take a specialist module, Chemistry through the Computational Microscope, alongside your advanced organic, physical and inorganic chemistry studies. Optional modules include:
• Atoms, Molecules and Spin: Quantum Mechanics Chemistry and Spectroscopy
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry
An advanced practical project and literature-based research on a computational chemistry topic will help you develop your research skills.
Year four:
You’ll undertake an advanced chemistry project in an area of computational chemistry that interests you, linked to one of our researchers’ projects. You’ll also take a specialist module: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Chemistry.
Year four options include:
• Advanced Chemical Biology
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Principles, Techniques and Energy Applications of Electrochemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry of Functional Molecules and Materials
For more detailed information on modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/chemistry-digital-methods-and-computational-modelling-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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What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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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.
£24k
£29k
£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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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?
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