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)
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202425
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
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.
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
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry and mathematics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from three A-levels including chemistry and mathematics or AB from two A-levels including chemistry and mathematics plus B in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate 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.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202526
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 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 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.
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
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry and mathematics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from three A-levels including chemistry and mathematics or AB from two A-levels including chemistry and mathematics plus B in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate 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.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
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.
Year 1 modules
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
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Computational Practical
Coordination Chemistry
This module will build on the principles of Transition Metal chemistry covered in Part 1. Through developing a molecular orbital approach, you will be taken from the basics of ligand interactions and binding modes to understanding a transition metal's...
General Practical Chemistry I
Introduction to Programming
This module will introduce the basics required to produce efficient and effective code. You will be introduced to the underpinning architecture of a modern computer and from this starting point learn the basic of good computer practice from a code agnosti...
Mathematical Methods in Chemistry II
This module provides training in advanced mathematics and numerical methods that will allow in-depth understanding and solving of problems in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, and spectroscopy. It will also provide transferable skills that can ...
Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy
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 prov...
Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
Retrosynthesis and Aromatics
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry
In this module you will learn about the fundamental theory of bonding in solids – band theory, and show how this can be used to understand the optical, magnetic and optical properties of solid phase materials. You will also be taught about X-ray diffracti...
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Organic Chemistry (Bioorganic)
Fundamentals of Bio-organic Chemistry Nucleic Acids Chemistry • Chemical structure and properties of nucleosides, nucleotides, nucleic acids. • Structure and properties of DNA – A, B, and Z-DNA structures, Watson-Crick base pairing. • The biological...
Advanced Physical Chemistry
The course deals with the nature of surfaces, both real and ideal, the energetics of adsorption at surfaces and adsorption isotherms, and the charge distribution at the liquid/solid interface. The kinetics of reactions at interfaces, including the role of...
Advanced Practical Chemistry
This module represents an advanced practical course designed to build on the practical skills developed through lab modules undertaken in years 1 and 2 of the Chemistry degree programmes. The course will extend this vital skill by enabling students to un...
Chemistry Literature Project
This module requires students to produce a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor extending the skills developed in the Advanced Practical module. The dissertation may take the form of a literature review or other extended written report, the pr...
Chemistry Research Project
The project involves approximately 300 hours of commitment between the beginning of week 1 and the end of the last week before the Easter vacation (the finish date is to be confirmed). This corresponds to a minimum of 150 hours in the laboratory/ researc...
Chemistry through the Computational Microscope
This module builds on the student’s core understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules to predict their behaviour using state-of-the art computational chemistry methods. This will involve learning how quantum chemistry methods can be used to st...
Inorganic Materials Chemistry
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy
This module aims to develop an intermediate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, including familiarity with its mathematical formulation. It is intended to bridge the gap between the qualitative, pictorial approach used in the core modules of the fir...
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry is pivotal in the design, synthesis and evaluation of new medicines, and involves multidisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. This module will introduce key molecular concepts and methods in Medicina...
Sustainable Chemistry
Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
Carbon-carbon bond forming reactions lie at the heart of organic synthesis. In this course we will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation using carbanions and radicals, and through thermally and photochemically induced pericyclic processes. The si...
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.
Your fees will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
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
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
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