BSc Chemistry

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.  For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's scholarships information . 

Grades AAA including chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.  

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

a) sat your examinations early;

or

b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

General Studies

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.

36 points overall. Grades 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects to include chemistry and one other science or mathematics.

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at HL as the second science subject in addition to Chemistry HL.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

Two Advanced Highers at Grade BB, and two Highers at grade BB. This must include Chemistry and another science or mathematics at Advanced Higher. Or 3 Advanced Highers at grade BBB including Chemistry and another science or mathematics.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require award of Baccalaureate with an average of 84% with at least 8.5 in chemistry and another science or mathematics, and at least 7.0 in English in a four periods per week.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA to include Chemistry and another science or Mathematics and an EAP score of C without an acceptable IELTS qualification.  INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA to include Chemistry and another science or Mathematics and an EAP score of C without an acceptable IELTS qualification. 

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic Department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

The Department of Chemistry only accepts the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Qualifications in Applied Science . Please note that acceptability is dependent upon completing specific modules.

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma

The Biomedical Sciences pathway is not suitable for entry.          

The Analytical and Forensic Science pathway is suitable, but the following specific modules must be completed:    

• Group A Optional Units must include:

            - Applications of Inorganic Chemistry

            - Applications of Organic Chemistry

• Group B Optional Units must include:

           - Industrial Chemical Reactions

We highly recommend students take the module in Practical Chemical Analysis in Group A

The Physical Science pathway is suitable, but following specific modules must be completed:    

• Group A Optional Units must include:

           - Applications of Inorganic Chemistry

           - Industrial Chemical Reactions

• Group B Optional units must include:

           - Applications of Organic Chemistry

We highly recommend students take the module in Practical Chemical Analysis in Group A

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

Please refer to subject criteria for the Extended Diploma in Applied Science above.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level or equivalent at grade A, preferably in chemistry, physics, biology or mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

Please refer to subject criteria for the Extended Diploma in Applied Science above. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as two A Levels or equivalent at grade A to include chemistry and preferably one from physics, biology or mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Please refer to subject criteria for the Extended Diploma in Applied Science above. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as two A Levels or equivalent at grade A to include chemistry and preferably one from physics, biology or mathematics.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic Department for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Qualifications (CTEC) may be considered alongside two A Levels or equivalent in Chemistry plus at least another science or mathematics.  Entry requirements will depend upon the type of CTEC qualification being studied alongside the A Levels. 

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 39 credits at Distinction, 15 of which should be in chemistry and 15 in another science (mathematics, physics or biology).  We may request a copy of your modules. 

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Conditional offers will be set on an individual basis but are likely to include achieving grade D3 in Principal Subjects. Where A Level chemistry plus another science or mathematics A Level are not taken, then Principal Subjects must include chemistry and at least another science from mathematics, physics or biology.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic Department for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.  The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here .

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE English Language grade C (Grade 4 for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) or;
• IELTS - minimum 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component.
• TOEFL - minimum 90 with no subscore below 20 (internet-based) or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applicants are considered on their predicted grades, a good academic reference, their personal statement and an interview.

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell the admissions team why we should offer you a place here at Manchester. It will be read by an academic and administrative member of staff. We will be looking for evidence of the following:

• the nature and extent of the interest in your chosen course;
• your motivation to study your course and potential to contribute to the teaching and learning environment within the Department;
• your academic ability and potential (what do you know about chemistry; what have you read about chemistry; how have you engaged with chemistry at school/college or independently; what aspects particularly interest you);
• we are also keen to hear about you - your interests, hobbies, extra-curricular experiences, career aspirations - and how these have prepared you for success on your chosen course.

All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview with an academic member of staff.

Your academic reference will be read to ensure that we are aware of any mitigating circumstances to be taken into account when assessing your application.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on our University website   or the UCAS website .    

The Department's policy is to interview all UK based applicants. A series of Visit Days are arranged between November and March annually. 

We welcome applications from overseas.  We have no quota limitations for international applicants. 

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and 2 years at the maximum. We normally also guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in more than one sitting.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

We are happy to consider students who wish to transfer from other courses.

Our student community

ChemSoc is a student-run society with the aim of giving chemistry students the complete experience whilst at The University of Manchester. The year begins with the infamous lab coat pub crawl and concludes with a fantastic annual ball! In between ChemSoc hosts socials alongside other societies, allowing your inner passion for your subject to come out and show everyone that chemistry is the best subject.

The society has two successful sports teams, football and netball, with the football team winning the league last year! Teams comprise of first years right through to PhD students, so you will be able to meet lots of new faces!

Besides the social side the society has reinvented its academic aspects; ChemSoc hosts research talks accessible to all students featuring our high level of research from Manchester. Finally, the society encourages students to think about their employability, and have worked closely with the Careers Service to run events throughout the year, such as a LinkedIn workshop.

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Our blog

You can read about our students' experience in studying chemistry, work placement and study abroad diaries, as well as alumni profiles in our department blog .

First-year topics include:

• molecular orbital approaches to chemical bonding

• chemical reaction mechanisms

• molecular spectroscopy; coordination chemistry,

• thermodynamics

• kinetics

• quantum mechanics

You will also take course units that cover a range of presentational, mathematical and analytical and IT skills. Finally, you have the opportunity to study subjects from another Department - see the list of optional course units below.

The second year continues developing the core and extends topics from your first year, introducing new areas such as:

• bonding and reactivity

• chromatography

• organometallic chemistry

• molecular symmetry

• metal-ligand bonding

• polymer chemistry

• advanced spectroscopy

• biological and heterocyclic chemistry

In addition to the core units you have the opportunity to study course units introducing some of the contemporary themes of modern chemistry, as well as green and environmental chemistry. Alternatively, you may choose to take a course unit from the University's College for Interdisciplinary Learning , including our innovative Leadership in Action course, which combines study with volunteering and personal development.

In your final year you can choose from a wide range of course units made up of core and advanced chemistry units and also some units from outside chemistry.

These include advanced course units in computational chemistry, organic and inorganic synthetic methods, surface chemistry and catalysis, molecular structure determination and photochemistry, as well as topics that cut across the traditional subject areas (e.g. nuclear, environmental and biological chemistry).

You'll also take your practical chemistry and independent learning to a higher level with extended, advanced experimental and theoretical research projects.

For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and go to Department and university scholarships

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

BSc Chemistry is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Graduates are eligible for Affiliate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry at a reduced rate. On graduation you can proceed to Associate or Full membership and Chartered Chemist Status (depending on degree class).