(Full time) 2020 start
Chemistry BSc
Overview
Chemistry is an intriguing and diverse science. Our chemistry degrees take a wide ranging view of the subject and allow you to explore many aspects – from atmospheric chemistry to solid state and materials chemistry. We aim to allow you to achieve your potential, so we balance our courses to prepare you for a career in any area of the subject, while allowing you to develop as a researcher in a specialism of your choice.
On this course, you’ll discover how chemistry shapes the world around us. You can study topics ranging from quantum mechanics to planetary atmospheres, from making organic chemicals to producing medicinal drugs and from bonding in metals to the structures of synthetic and biological materials.
Course Highlights
The course modules are inspired by our research strengths in areas such as chemical biology, atmospheric chemistry, materials science and colour science.
During your project work you may benefit from access to specialist facilities and laboratories.
You will have the opportunity to attend career development workshops, which will help you in completing future application forms and prepare for interviews.
Enhancing your degree
This programme can also be studied over four years to achieve an MChem, BSc integrated Masters degree. There are also opportunities to gain industrial experience on a placement year or to study abroad for a year.
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Bachelor accreditation provides access to qualified membership of the RSC and forms a basis for satisfying the academic requirements for the RSC’s award of Chartered Chemist (CChem), through further study or continuing professional development.
Course content
During your first year you’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin chemistry. In your second and third years you will build upon these foundations and cover a wide range of different aspects of chemistry, while taking opportunities to conduct your own research.
All of the theoretical modules are backed up by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, allowing you to perform experiments that reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures. In addition, small tutorial groups are used to support the teaching, so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.
As you advance through the course, you can select which modules you study in order to explore advanced topics in more detail. You can investigate how chemists use their skills to:
- understand complex biological systems
- synthesise molecules in just one of two mirror image forms
- assemble large molecular architectures with supramolecular chemistry
- discover new catalysts which improve the efficiency of chemical transformations
- understand human interaction with the climate through atmospheric chemistry
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
As a chemistry student at Leeds we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical lab work.
These different methods of teaching, together with the continuous support of our teaching staff, enable you to effectively apply what you have learnt through a series of exams, coursework, and continuous assessment. This means that you graduate with the correct mix of knowledge and transferable skills for a successful future career, whatever you choose to do.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
The types of assessment used for each module aim to measure the learning outcomes we want you to achieve. Although formal end-of-semester examinations are predominant, often accounting for 80% or more of the formal assessment, many modules include a significant coursework element. You are also continuously assessed through practical work.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including Chemistry.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification - We recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ we may make an offer of ABB at A-Level.
GCSE: English Language grade C (4) or an equivalent English language qualification and Mathematics grade B (6).
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above. Must contain a significant number of Chemistry and Mathematics modules.
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BTEC
DDD with a significant number of Chemical and Scientific Modules
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in 3 principal subjects including Chemistry
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 including higher level Chemistry
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though Chemistry must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAABB including Chemistry at Advanced Higher.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
Suitable UK based applicants will be invited to an applicant day, which is not mandatory, but for which we strongly encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll have a group tutorial with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans, have your questions answered and find out more about studying at Leeds.
After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, but please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend.
If you have non-standard qualifications, a technical interview may be part of the selection procedure. This is to ensure that the course is suitable for you and that your current studies have prepared you for the curriculum at Leeds. If you are unable to attend, a telephone or Skype interview may be arranged.
For further information, read our admissions policy.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £23,750 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Scholarships
The School of Chemistry awards a range of scholarships.
Career opportunities
Our Chemistry graduates have expert understanding of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and are experienced researchers. With the ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences they are equipped for a wide variety of careers both in and beyond science.
The University of Leeds is in the top ten most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2020 report.
For further information on career paths and employability please see our careers pages.
Careers support
Throughout your degree course we will make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.
We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. Our programmes provide you with opportunities to develop the core subject knowledge and skills that you need to progress to a career in a particular area. Additionally, we offer skills development modules and modules that will give you an insight into industrial new product development, from concept to market, in the chemical and allied industries. These modules lead you through the various stages of setting up a new social enterprise, from the inception and development of the idea itself, through preparation of a business plan to creating a funding proposal for potential investors/grant awarding bodies.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study Abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
The industrial placement (“Year in Industry”) scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews. In addition, the opportunity to work every day with scientists who are experts in their field is an incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge of chemistry.
As a BSc student you may include your industrial experience as an additional year of your studies, or, subject to satisfactory academic performance, transfer to our MChem degree scheme in which your industrial placement replaces your third year at Leeds.
An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area, but in the marketplace generally. You will be able to choose from a range of pharmaceutical, oil, fine chemical, colour, polymer and other chemistry-related industries in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies, including:
- AstraZeneca
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Pfizer
- Roche
- Unilever
During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.