Degree finder

Introduction

Chemistry is the study of molecules – their physical and chemical properties, their composition and structure, and their role and uses in every aspect of our lives.

Our degrees retain a broad perspective, preparing you for a range of potential careers in chemistry, or science more generally.

In common with all our degrees, practical aspects of the course will develop your analytical, problem-solving and numeracy skills and small-group workshops, tutorials and presentations will improve your communication and presentation skills, making you attractive to employers in many areas of industry and commerce.

The School of Chemistry has an enthusiastic and committed staff team that provides a supportive learning environment and a flexible approach to study.

What you'll study

Year 1

You will spend approximately a third of your first year in Chemistry lectures, laboratory classes and small-group tutorials. For most, a mathematics course is also required. The remainder of your curriculum can be chosen from a broad range of courses from across the University.

Year 2

In Year 2 you continue with your core Chemistry course, which will, again, take up approximately a third of your time. Additional courses such as Environmental Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemical Pharmacology or courses in physics or mathematics may be required for your specific degree but most programmes still allow considerable choice of optional subjects. The range of optional courses available over the first two years allows real flexibility to transfer between different Chemistry or other degree programmes.

Year 3

In your third year you will study core Chemistry courses. If you are studying Chemical Physics you will take a combination of Chemistry and Physics courses.

Year 4

In the final year of your BSc, or the final two years of your MChem, you will take core courses from your degree programme and will be able to choose from a range of advanced Chemistry courses. If you opt for study abroad, or an industrial placement, this occurs during the fourth year of your masters’ programme. In the final year of all degrees you undertake independent research work and complete a final dissertation.

Year 5

See Year 4

Learning and assessment

Chemistry is taught through a combination of lectures, laboratory classes and small-group tutorials. In your first two years you will undertake 20 hours per week of timetabled study. Normally an additional 15 to 20 hours is dedicated to preparing for tutorials, writing lab reports or private study. Later years include more practical learning and research project work.

The programmes are assessed through a combination of coursework, practicals, presentations and exams.

Work placements/internships

A year-long placement in industry can be included as part of many of our MChem or MChemPhys degrees. This includes significant research project work.

Careers

Chemistry graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly regarded by local and international employers. Many graduates move into careers in the oil, chemical or pharmaceutical industries, in sales and marketing or research and development roles. Some graduates choose further study, leading to an MSc, PhD or teaching qualification. The course also prepares you for a variety of other careers, including areas such as management, finance or IT.

Our facilities

Teaching takes place in the School of Chemistry - in modern, purpose-built teaching and research laboratories - at the University’s King’s Buildings.

Study abroad

Opportunities for study abroad currently include most European countries, North America and Asia. Students hoping to study in Europe will normally need to select a language course as an option in yer one or two, for which an SQA Higher, GCE A level, or IB HL Grade 5 language entry qualification is necessary, in addition to the entry requirements listed.

European placements may not be possible for Medicinal & Biological Chemistry or Chemical Physics.