Chemistry BSc (Hons) or MChem – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2023
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: F100 | 3 years View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: F103 | 4 years with professional training View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: F104 | 4 years with foundation year View KIS data set |
| MChem | UCAS: F110 | 4 years View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: F105 | 5 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) with professional training | F103 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) | F100 | S85 |
| MChem | F110 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year | F104 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year and professional training | F105 | S85 |
Why choose this course
Our BSc and MChem teach you the fundamentals of chemistry while allowing you to make your own discoveries.
Our chemistry programmes offer one of the best staff-to-student ratios in the country, with 92.5 per cent of our students saying that they are satisfied with their course in the National Student Survey 2022. Our programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
We also offer award-winning Professional Training placements, giving students industry work experience opportunities with leading organisations in the UK and abroad.
What you will study
Our courses combine modern, practical chemistry with core theory. You’ll explore topics including energy and fuel cells, advanced materials, natural products and advanced analytical techniques.
You can also choose to complete a Professional Training placement, with opportunities available among leading chemical companies in the UK and further afield. You can apply to study for either a BSc or an MChem (Master of Chemistry).
The MChem builds on the BSc course with a masters year and is a direct route to a masters qualification. On an MChem, you’ll spend a year doing research with an industry partner before returning for a final year of masters-level modules. Depending on your progress, you may have the option to switch to a BSc or MChem during your studies.
Find out more about the benefits of an integrated masters degree.
Facilities
You’ll carry out practical work with modern equipment in our recently refurbished laboratories. Our commitment to the development of your practical skills means you’ll spend a great deal of time using these facilities.
For your final-year research project, you’ll work within our research laboratories alongside active researchers such as PhD students.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
MChem - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
BSc (Hons) - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Over the last decade, our employment figures have been among the best in the UK, with 92 per cent of our chemistry students going on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA) and securing impressive salaries.
Many of you will enter the chemical industry, maybe in positions that follow from successful placements. Or perhaps you’ll continue studying for an MSc or PhD, or pursue other academic or professional qualifications.
Our graduates are successful, not only in the industrial sector but also in finance, government and education. Graduates over the last few years have secured roles such as:
- Analytical Chemist, Dextra Laboratories
- Chemistry Teacher, Tormead School
- Polymer Technologist, Plascoat Systems
- Research Technician, Battelle
- Research Technician, Biointeractions
- Scientist, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| FOUNDATION YEAR FOR CHEMISTRY PART A | Compulsory | 1 |
| FOUNDATION YEAR FOR CHEMISTRY PART B | Compulsory | 2 |
Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
No options. For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Chemistry.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Choose 1 from 2
(CHE1046 Data Analysis OR CHE1039 Fundamentals of Forensic Science from Crime scene to Court)
.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 2 from 4
(CHE2041 Principles of Radiochemistry, CHE2033 Forensic Chemistry, CHE2043 Computer Modelling in Chemistry OR CHE2037 Bioorganic Chemistry and Drug Discovery)
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Choose 2 from 4
(CHE3053 Topics in Computer Modelling, CHE3055 Topics in Forensics Chemistry, CHE3062 Medicinal Chemistry OR CHE3066 Method Development and Applications in Analytical Chemistry)
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Choose 1 from the listed optional modules.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 2 from the listed optional modules.
Optional modules for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Choose 1 from the listed optional modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Choose 1 from 2
(CHE1046 Data Analysis OR CHE1039 Fundamentals of Forensic Science from Crime scene to Court)
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 2 from 4
(CHE2041 Principles of Radiochemistry, CHE2033 Forensic Chemistry, CHE2043 Computer Modelling in Chemistry OR CHE2037 Bioorganic Chemistry and Drug Discovery)
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
No options
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Choose 2 from 4
(CHE3053 Topics in Computer Modelling, CHE3055 Topics in Forensics Chemistry, CHE3062 Medicinal Chemistry OR CHE3066 Method Development and Applications in Analytical Chemistry)
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
On our courses, you’ll experience a variety of teaching methods. These include:
- Assessed coursework
- Lectures
- Problem-solving classes
- Project-based laboratory work
- Seminars
- Tutorials.
The transferable and mathematical skills modules will develop your oral and graphic presentation, teamwork and leadership skills.
Each week, you’ll spend around 25 hours in lectures, practical classes and tutorials. This provides you with the opportunity to explore topics in small group tutorials and use computer-assisted learning packages to enrich your understanding.
You’ll also carry out personal study alongside your coursework and practical assignments.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you. These include:
- Coursework
- Essays
- Examinations
- Practical sessions
- Presentations.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Foundation
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this course with a foundation year. A course with a foundation year includes an extra year of study to prepare you for a full degree course. Find out more about our degrees with foundation year.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2023
BSc (Hons)
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £22,100
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £22,100
- Professional training
- £1,850
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
- UK
- £9,250
MChem
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £22,100
BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
- UK
- £9,250
- Professional training
- £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this BSc (Hons) course:
Safety equipment and/or uniform: £20 – new students are required to purchase a lab coat, marker pen and lab book.
Grand total: £20.
There are associated costs with this MChem (Hons) course:
Safety equipment and/or uniform: £20 – new students are required to purchase a lab coat, marker pen and lab book.
Grand total: £20.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
Placements
Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement.
Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Chemistry placements
Students on our BSc can complete one of our award-winning Professional Training placements. There is a compulsory Industrial Research Year for students on the MChem.
Placements help you gain management and leadership skills, allowing you to become confident in problem-solving and communication. This gives you a real advantage in pursuing whatever career you choose. Many companies hosting placements offer our students employment upon graduation.
Companies that participate in our scheme include:
- AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment)
- British Geological Survey
- Cefas
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Institute for Nuclear Research
- Intrinsiq Materials
- Jacobs Douwe Egberts PerkinElmer.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go.
Overseas partner organisations
You can also choose to take your Professional Training placement or Industrial Research Year with an organisation overseas. Students have worked at:
- Aalto in Finland
- Grace in Germany
- Hills Laboratories in New Zealand
- Institut Ruder Boskovic in Croatia
- La Sapienza in Rome
- LB Foster Rail Technologies in Canada
- Netherlands Forensic Institute.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH