BSc (Hons) Chemistry
The course
- UCAS code
- F100
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Heriot-Watt University was ranked first in Scotland for Chemistry by the Guardian University Guide 2020. BSc Chemistry is a four-year degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It offers specialist routes to help you enhance your employability.
Contact
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Contact our enquiries team.
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Overview
Chemistry is a dynamic and exciting subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It is a major contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and as such is a secure career pathway. Chemistry plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.
At Heriot-Watt University, we make sure the theory we teach is linked to these practical applications so that when our students graduate they are ready to address the biggest of global challenges. Heriot-Watt University was ranked first in Scotland for Chemistry by the Guardian University Guide 2020.
The courses on BSc Chemistry include extensive laboratory work throughout. They provide students with hands-on experience and opportunities to link theoretical knowledge from lectures to the real world. As a result, our students develop practical lab experience as well as much needed teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.
Your career prospects
Chemistry graduates from Heriot-Watt University have a good reputation with employers who appreciate their practical abilities, confidence, and communication skills in addition to the extensive, cutting-edge theoretical knowledge they possess.
Graduates from chemistry can work in a number of roles across a diversity of fields within the pharmaceutical, biomedical, biochemical, health care, agriculture, food, drink and water industries. Opportunities also exist in the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace and communications industries.
In addition to career pathways that directly use their practical skills and chemical knowledge, graduates from chemistry are actively sought by a diverse range of employers seeking their problem solving abilities, numeracy and other transferable graduate skills appropriate for management roles.
Flexibility and specialisms
Through the selection of complementary optional courses, students can choose to study a specialist field within chemistry and enhance their employability. Our specialist routes include Chemistry with: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Materials & Nanoscience.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Specialisms
Through the selection of complementary optional courses, students can choose to study a specialist field within chemistry and enhance their employability. Our specialist routes include Chemistry with: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Materials & Nanoscience.
Students should apply for BSc Chemistry (UCAS code F100) or MChem Chemistry (UCAS code F101) to follow these specialisms.
Student profile
Learning at Heriot-Watt was never just theoretical and the links with practical and commercial applications were always made clear to bring learning to life. As Senior Director at the World Energy Council, I lead engagement with corporate partners, governments and institutions, and our Future Energy Leaders Programme.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way.
You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
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European Exchange
This Exchange Programme enables you to study or work in Europe as part of your degree programme, usually for a full academic year.
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Non-European Exchange
This Exchange Programme enables you to study outside of Europe as part of your degree programme, usually for a full academic year.
Specialisms
This degree pathway is attractive to students who want to better understand how both chemistry and biology can improve the health and well-being of people, animals and plants. By specialising in pharmaceutical, or medicinal, chemistry students learn about the discovery and development of modern pharmaceuticals, as well as revealing the molecular causes and treatment of diseases. The UK pharmaceutical industry is amongst the strongest globally. Chemistry with Pharmaceutical Chemistry specialism.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Biology
This degree pathway will suit students looking to combine their passion for both chemistry and biology. It aims to provide students with concepts of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and an informed understanding of the chemistry at the borderline to Life Sciences. Find our more about our Chemistry with Biology specialism
Materials and Nanoscience
Materials & Nanoscience is aimed at students with an interest in both chemistry and physics, and their engineering applications. The development of new materials with special properties requires students to combine their newly learned knowledge of polymers and solid-state materials with core chemistry. Microelectronics, communications, aerospace and other high-tech industries are dependent on chemists to develop and manufacture novel engineering materials. Find our more about our Chemistry: Materials and Nanoscience specialism.
Computational Chemistry
This degree pathway suits students looking to integrate their chemistry more closely with physics, mathematics and computer science. In this specialism, you will learn how computer simulation can assist in solving chemical problems, using methods from quantum chemistry and thermochemistry incorporated into efficient computer programs, to determine the mechanisms and rates of chemical reactions and predict the structures and properties of molecules, and materials. Chemistry with Computational Chemistry specialism.
Course content
Year 1
Students gain a good understanding of the fundamental principles of Chemistry and are introduced to laboratory skills illustrating various experimental techniques; students also study Mathematics and an optional subject.
Year 2
Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry lectures continue with emphasis on the interrelationship between theoretical principles and experimental measurements. In addition, students choose an optional subject: Biology, Maths/Statistics, Physics or a Language.
Year 3
Students study further Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry and can choose from a range of optional subjects (Analytical and Materials Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Microbiology, Programming, Solid-state physics). Communication and teamwork skills are developed and laboratory work becomes more advanced.
Year 4
Students choose at least 60 credits from Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry and Advanced Physical Chemistry, together with 30 credits of courses on special topics. Students also undertake a year-long dissertation project in an area of their interest or specialisation.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our BSc (Hons) Chemistry students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 45% are working
- 35% are studying
- 10% are working and studying.
In highly skilled work
- 90% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £21000
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £24000
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers ABBB (including Chemistry and one of Maths/ Physics / Engineering Science)
- A-Levels BCC - BBB (including Chemistry and Maths or Physics at B)
- Int. Baccalaureate 29 points (with Higher Level 5 Chemistry and Mathematics)
- BTEC DMM (in relevant subject)
- HNC A in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including Chemistry at B and one of Maths/ Physics / Engineering/ Science at B)
- A-Levels CCC (including C in Chemistry and Mathematics or Physics)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Year 2
• Advanced Highers BB (including Chemistry and Mathematics plus Highers ABBB)
• A-Levels ABB (including Chemistry and Mathematics with one at A)
• Int. Baccalaureate 33 points (with Higher Level 6 Chemistry and Mathematics)
• HND BB in graded units (in relevant HND)
• BTEC DDD (in relevant subject)
Year 3
- HND AA in graded units (in relevant HND)
Additional information
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland** | International*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £20,584 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** 'Rest of the UK' (RUK) and Republic of Ireland students entering at Level 1 receive a fee waiver of one year's tuition fee. Normally this will be the final year, or a year during which students study abroad (either at a partnership institution, or at one of Heriot-Watt's overseas campuses).
*** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2021
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.