About this course

Train as a chemist for the industries of the future. This three-year degree combines traditional chemistry with computational skills – an emerging specialism that is increasingly valued by employers across a large range of fields.

Data science, AI and machine learning are allowing scientists to make discoveries and run experiments faster and at lower cost. On this degree you’ll gain the chemistry knowledge and computing skills you need to join this fast-growing field.

You don’t need previous computing knowledge, as your programming training will be tailored to your level. By the time you graduate you’ll be able to:

write your own programs
use state-of-the-art software to analyse big data
look at digital simulations of molecules in incredible detail

Southampton is one of just a few UK universities where you can study this subject to an advanced level. Here, you’ll study in bright, spacious and modern chemistry laboratories which have been recently refurbished.

You’ll learn from staff who are spearheading computational chemistry research. This includes researchers who are:

using AI and digital modelling to benefit society
improving renewable energy technologies
supporting research into disease treatments

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Introducing MChem Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling)

Discover how you'll train in traditional chemistry while also developing the critical digital and computational skills that modern chemists need.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

A-levels

ABB including chemistry and mathematics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including chemistry and mathematics, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: BBB, including chemistry and mathematics

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 6,5,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred)

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry and/or mathematics can apply for the Science Foundation Year. Please visit the Science Foundation Year page for more information.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling) is a broad course with a range of units and options on offer. This flexibility will allow you to choose the focus of your studies as you progress.

This computational chemistry degree has been designed to ensure that you gain practical experience through work in laboratories, fieldwork and individual research projects.

Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it easy to transfer if you decide you’d like to move onto the MChem programme. Switching to other chemistry degrees can also be possible, depending on the optional modules you have chosen.

Year 1 overview

You'll study a set of core topics that are essential to your developing chemistry knowledge, as well as the underpinning mathematics required to develop computational models and analyse complex data sets.

You'll explore topics like:

organic chemistry
thermodynamics and equilibrium
structure and bonding
mathematical skills for chemists

Year 2 overview

In year 2 you'll continue to learn the core chemistry content, covering more advanced chemical concepts including:

reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry
advanced practical chemistry
mathematical methods in chemistry

This year will also include an increased focus on computation and programming, including:

dedicated modules on programming and mathematical modelling
a practical course that will develop your computation skills and ability to automate experimental procedures

Year 3 overview

You'll take advanced modules in the core practical and theoretical areas of chemistry such as:

computational modelling of physical and biological systems
pigments and F-block chemistry
natural product chemistry
electrochemistry, energy storage, pollution control and fuel cells
organometallic chemistry
DNA and RNA
UV/visible spectroscopy and quadrupolar NMR
Kinetics of interface chemistry (gas/solid, liquid/solid)

In the advanced practical module, you'll do research-oriented, open-ended computational experiments. These will allow you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry is a measurement science consisting of a set of powerful ideas and methods that provide qualitative or quantitative information about the chemical composition of a sample. Analytical measurements are required in a wide range of fields...

Fundamentals of Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics

Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...

Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium

Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...

Introduction to Practical Chemistry I

This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of...

Introduction to Practical Chemistry II

This course follows on from CHEM1051 and teaches slightly more advanced basic skills, with the application of the Semester 1 skills and knowledge. More complex work-ups will be undertaken, with more emphasis on student input (or decision making) in the pr...

Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry

This module will provide an introduction into the fundamentals of main group and transition metal chemistry, and introduce NMR.

Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I

The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data science and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...

Reactions in Organic Chemistry

Structure and Bonding

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Peter Birkin is the course leader.

Careers

There are a large number of roles outside of scientific research where a strong scientific underpinning is beneficial. This bachelor’s level degree gives an excellent grounding in chemistry and how computation and data management can have a positive impact.

There is growing demand for this skillset, with every branch of industry and research looking to harness the potential of AI, computer modelling and big data.

You'll be able to pursue a career in any area of the chemical industry, including sectors like:

Pharmaceutical
Biomedical
renewable energy
Manufacturing

You’ll also be able to explore wider ranging careers in areas like:

Programming and software development
Project management
Scientific journalism
Scientific sales
Teaching

If you’re not sure what path to choose, a career-focused module in year two will help you understand the options and map them to your strengths and interests.

This module includes talks from industry speakers, giving you a flavour of different career paths.

Students interested in teaching can enhance their CVs by volunteering in outreach or chemical education research. There will also be opportunities to get involved in research.

Careers services at Southampton

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £27,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: F106
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling) (BSc) is a course in the Chemistry and chemical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

c

BEng

Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling) (BSc)

About this course

Introducing MChem Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling)

Learn more about this subject area

Chemistry and chemical engineering

Course location

Awarding body

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

Year 1 modules

Analytical Chemistry

Fundamentals of Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics

Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium

Introduction to Practical Chemistry I

Introduction to Practical Chemistry II

Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry

Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I

Reactions in Organic Chemistry

Structure and Bonding

Year 2 modules

Computational Practical

Coordination Chemistry

General Practical Chemistry I

Introduction to Programming

Mathematical Methods in Chemistry II

Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy

Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry

Retrosynthesis and Aromatics

Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry

Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Year 3 modules

Advanced Organic Chemistry (Bioorganic)

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Advanced Practical Chemistry

Chemistry Literature Project

Chemistry Research Project

Chemistry through the Computational Microscope

Inorganic Materials Chemistry

Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy

Communicating and Teaching: The Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme

Medicinal Chemistry

Sustainable Chemistry

Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry

Learning and assessment

Academic support

Course leader

Careers

Careers services at Southampton