BSc (Hons) Chemistry Bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey
BSc (Hons) Chemistry at University of Surrey covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
Our chemistry degree combines core theory with the latest practical chemistry techniques, and gives you industry placement and research opportunities. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Chemistry is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Surrey. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1, Semester 1 5 modules
- PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRYCompulsory
Module details
The module provides an introductory overview of the main techniques used in analytical chemistry. It provides understanding of the fundamental principles of chemical analysis as well as the main aspects of their application. The combination of lectures and practical sessions allows the students to get familiarised with the common practices in an analytical chemistry laboratory (calibration of instrumentation, validation, analysis of quality control samples, etc.) as well to introduce them to hea
- PERIODICITY AND REACTIVITY OF THE ELEMENTSCompulsory
Module details
This module provides an introduction to Inorganic Chemistry and contains both theoretical and laboratory components. The starting point is basic quantum theory which is built upon to explain the periodic table, key trends and the reactivity of main group and d-block elements. This is underpinned by a review and extension of bonding theories.
- ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR CHEMISTS AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENTISTS PART 1Compulsory
Module details
This module introduces and develops subject-specific skills underpinning your first year of study at degree level, as well as enhancing your employability by development of transferrable skills: Mathematics: for the manipulation of physical laws, basic calculations and applications of more advanced mathematical techniques in Chemistry Computing: for the manipulation and presentation chemical and experimental data, basics of molecular modelling, responsible use of genAI Statistical skills: for pr
- FUNDAMENTALS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE: FROM CRIME SCENE TO COURTOptional
Module details
The purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning forensic science. In this first-year module a very wide array of evidence types are covered. Casework examples are used to give students a broad understanding of how forensic evidence is retrieved, packaged, analysed and reported in court. This module interacts with material that students are taught through analytical chemistry modules and demonstrates the application of relevant
- DATA ANALYSISOptional
Module details
This module is intended to introduce basic data handling knowledge and practice combined with introductory programming skills (digital capabilities) to give students confidence in handling chemical data which they can apply to all modules throughout the course (resourcefulness and resilience) and will also provide a basis for future employment (not only in chemistry) where they will need these skills generally (employability). The hands-on workshop approach rather than formal lectures gives them
Year 1, Semester 2 4 modules
- ORGANIC STRUCTURE, REACTIVITY AND FUNCTIONAL GROUPSCompulsory
Module details
This module gives an introduction to organic chemistry based on an orbital approach to structure and bonding, then a structure and bonding approach to reactivity, followed by the application of structure, bonding and reactivity to simple functional group organic chemistry. A practical component will teach basic organic laboratory skills and allow students real-life experience of carrying out some of the chemistry taught in the lectures.
- PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN CHEMISTRYCompulsory
Module details
This module gives an introduction to fundamental laws that govern the behaviour of matter through an understanding of the properties of matter at molecular, atomic and subatomic level. This will in some cases build on your existing knowledge (e.g. atomic structure gained in CHE1042, or pre-university knowledge in thermodynamics), and in others introduces you to new knowledge essential for the understanding of later concepts in Physical Chemistry such as in CHE2040.
- INDUSTRIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRYCompulsory
Module details
The module provides an overview of the industrial production of major chemicals at the larger scale, and their use in society. This includes aspects of chemical processes including economics, societal effects, health and safety, and engineering. The module also introduces the numerous interlinked chemical processes, both natural and anthropogenic, that take place within the Earth's environment. This includes coverage of the impact they may have for life on Earth along with potential solutions to
- ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR CHEMISTS AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENTISTS PART 2Compulsory
Module details
This module further develops subject-specific skills underpinning your first year of study at degree level, as well as enhancing your employability by development of transferrable skills: Mathematics: for the manipulation of physical laws, basic calculations and applications of more advanced mathematical techniques in Chemistry Computing: for the manipulation and presentation chemical and experimental data, basics of molecular modelling, responsible use of genAI Independent reading, writing and
Year 2, Semester 1 4 modules
- ORGANIC CARBON-CARBON BOND FORMATION AND HETEROCYCLIC CHEMISTRYCompulsory
Module details
This module builds upon the basic concepts taught at FHEQ level 4 and prepares students for the advanced research-led concepts of FHEQ level 6 and, where applicable, for relevant placements. Specifically, new reactions leading to carbon–carbon bond formation are explained, while the concepts of aromatic chemistry are expanded to heteroaromatics.
- APPLIED ORGANIC SPECTROSCOPYCompulsory
Module details
This module discusses the theoretical knowledge and skills required for the interpretation of NMR, IR, Raman, MS and UV-Vis spectra
- ADVANCES IN ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATIONCompulsory
Module details
Enhancing a knowledge and application of analytical chemistry including an awareness of the operation of modern instruments in research and industrial environments.
- MATERIALS CHEMISTRY: FUNDAMENTALS TO APPLICATIONCompulsory
Module details
The students will gain understanding of the fundamental concepts behind materials involving extended inorganic and organic structures, along with their properties and applications (encompassing Sustainability and Global and Cultural Capabilities pillars). This includes an introduction to characterisation techniques that are more specific to materials chemistry (e.g. diffraction techniques, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and characterisation of magnetic and conduction properties) compared
Year 2, Semester 2 1 modules
- PHASES, COLLOIDS AND ELECTRONIC TRANSITIONSCompulsory
Module details
This module builds on concepts introduced at level 4 to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Intermediate topics in Physical Chemistry. The student will learn fundamental and applied aspects of phases and equilibria, spectroscopy, surfactants, colloids and emulsions and gain hands-on experience of a
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines core chemistry theory with practical techniques and places a strong emphasis on industry placement and research experience. You'll usually start with foundational chemistry covering atomic structure, bonding and laboratory skills, supported by mathematics for scientists. In your second year, you'll move into organic and physical chemistry, advanced experiments and scientific computing. From year three onwards, a typical programme progresses to specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, medicinal chemistry, quantum science or computational methods, alongside research-level teaching and a supervised research project. Throughout, you'll develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on experimental competence.
Who it's for
This course is designed for students with A-level qualifications or equivalent. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The typical UCAS tariff among accepted students was 112–127 points.
Careers & job market
Across Physics and Chemistry courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled work or further study. National graduate earnings for Chemistry graduates stand at £26,500–£34,000 starting (15 months after graduation), £24,650–£34,800 after three years, and £30,600–£43,200 after five years. Ninety per cent of students continue past their first year, either still enrolled or having completed their studies.
University & format
The University of Surrey is a public university founded in 1966 and located in Surrey. The BSc (Hons) Chemistry is a full-time degree taught in English, running over 4 years. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem). The University is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body and achieved Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F100). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Surrey →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £25,000 – £32,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £30,500 | £25,500 – £38,000 | 110 |
| 5 years after | £38,500 | £32,000 – £52,500 | 135 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Chemistry worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BSc (Hons) Chemistry is worth about +£105,840 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 13.9. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 87.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Surrey
Physical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Surrey
1,620 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Surrey from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £27,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Surrey’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Surrey and gov.uk before you apply.
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