Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc

Course overview

Chemistry is a central science at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us while mathematics has always played an intrinsic role in helping comprehend chemistry and unlocking new perspectives in the chemical world. It’s for this reason that these two fundamental disciplines have become invaluable in tackling global challenges faced by society today such as climate change. This is also why a joint honours degree in both could equip you with skills highly sought after by a wide range of industries worldwide — and could open a lot of doors when it comes to your career.

This Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc degree at Leeds will enable you to understand the fundamental concepts of each field alongside a variety of optional modules available, so you can tailor your degree to what really interests you the most. You'll be taught by expert academics, with the unique opportunity to get involved in real-world research happening in the Schools of Chemistry and Mathematics.

You'll have access to world-class research and specialist facilities right here on campus, alongside exciting opportunities like studying abroad and industrial work placements to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.

Why study at Leeds:

• We have close links with leading research organisations such as the Priestley International Centre for Climate, The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute whose globally-renowned research feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of their specialisms in a variety of chemical and mathematical disciplines.
• Access our specialist facilities and laboratories in the School of Chemistry and the School of Mathematics which are both fully equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to provide a creative and stimulating learning environment.
• Broaden your experience before you graduate and enhance your career prospects with our study abroad and industrial work placement opportunities.

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Course details

We are currently reviewing our curriculum as part of a university-wide process. As a result, we are unable to publish module information for this course at this time. The information below provides an overview of what you’ll study and our approach to teaching and assessment. We will update this page as soon as the changes are confirmed. Read more in our terms and conditions.

This content was last updated on 3 April 2023.

On this course, you'll study alongside students on single honours programmes in chemistry and mathematics who are learning the same concepts and reaching the same depth of knowledge as you.

In the first year of this degree, you'll study each subject with equal weighting. As you progress through the programme, you'll have more flexibility to tailor your studies to match your interests, with the option to focus more strongly in either chemistry or mathematics or maintain an equal balance between the two disciplines.

Throughout your time in Leeds, you'll be given guidance and support from academic staff to help plan your studies and subject choices to build a coherent degree programme tailored to your particular talents and interests.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Years 1 and 2

In years 1 and 2, you'll cover the essential aspects of both disciplines. Compulsory modules will cover the core of modern mathematics, linear algebra and calculus, alongside the fundamentals of chemistry.

As a core part of your chemistry modules, you’ll have extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, allowing you to perform experiments that reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures.

Years 3 and 4

During the final years of your course, you can select precisely which modules you wish to study and tailor your programme, so it really matches your interests in chemistry and mathematics. At this point, you also have the option of focusing more strongly on one of the two areas.

In your final year, you'll undertake a major research project in the School of Chemistry, with opportunities to make use of your strong mathematical skills applied to an area of current research interest. During your project, you'll have full use of our research laboratories, working collaboratively with your supervisors, who will be experts in your particular research area.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either work in a one-year industrial placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Course structure

Below, we’ve outlined details of the subject content in each discipline to give you a taste of the areas you may cover throughout this course.

Chemistry

The chemistry content in year 1 covers core aspects of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry relating to molecular structure and reactivity. You'll study topics in bonding and chemical behaviour, covering aspects of the nature of chemical bonds, the influence of electronic structure on molecular shape and physical properties, whilst also considering the energetics of chemical and physical processes, equilibrium processes, and the determination of molecular structure.

As you progress through the chemistry content in subsequent years, you'll further your understanding of the nature of chemical bonding and the role of quantum mechanics in modern chemistry, and the interplay between chemical kinetics and thermodynamics in controlling the outcomes of chemical processes. You'll have options to learn about the structure and synthesis of solid-state materials, the preparation and applications of organometallic compounds, the interactions between conformation, configuration and reactivity, and aspects of drug design and pericyclic, heterocyclic and bioorganic chemistry.

You'll also take core modules which include laboratory-based practical work in Chemistry, providing opportunities to develop your practical skills in synthetic chemistry and/or chemical measurements and analysis. The core modules will also include taught material on analytical chemistry, which will develop your awareness of advanced analytical techniques including mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, which are essential to the modern chemist.

You'll be provided with opportunities to expand your knowledge of strategies, methods and reaction technology in organic synthesis, the role of reactive intermediates in chemical synthesis, energy storage within molecules, reaction dynamics, materials chemistry, organometallic chemistry and catalysis. You'll be able to choose options to apply your chemical knowledge to areas including atmospheric chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or to learn about electrochemistry, chromatography, soft matter, laser spectroscopy, computational chemistry, chemical biology and supramolecular chemistry.

As a fourth year student you'll take specialist courses from a wide range of options based on current research topics within the School of Chemistry, many of which are interdisciplinary in nature and will link your skills in Chemistry and Mathematics. The range of topics will build on those available to you in year 3 and will be taught by leading experts, providing you with opportunities to learn about the most recent developments at the frontiers of chemical research.

Mathematics

You'll gain a solid foundation in the core concepts and techniques of University-level mathematics, which will pave the way for a deeper understanding of the world around us.

You'll begin by exploring the theoretical concepts of number systems, unlocking the secrets of linear algebra and delving into the fascinating worlds of calculus and ordinary differential equations. These fundamental techniques will be essential as you continue your mathematical journey.

You'll take your skills to the next level by diving into year 2 applied mathematics. You'll deepen your understanding of differential equations and discover how calculus applies to vector-valued functions. With options like fluid mechanics, non-linear differential equations, numerical methods, and more, you'll have the opportunity to construct mathematical models and manipulate their objects in order to derive results and predictions.

As you progress further through your programme, you'll be able to access a range of options in applied mathematics, such as advanced fluid mechanics, statistical mechanics and mathematical biology. Our team of experts in the field will guide you along the way, providing depth of insight and breadth of understanding that will help you excel in your studies.

With the knowledge and skills you gain from mathematics, you'll be equipped to tackle some of the most challenging problems facing our world today.

Learning and teaching

As a chemistry and mathematics student at Leeds, we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and computational and practical laboratory work.

Laboratory classes and project work allows you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life situations. Together, they will equip you with in-depth knowledge, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you'll receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in years 2, 3 or 4. They’ll help you when you arrive at University and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Transition metal chemistry: controlling nanosized metallo-cages
• How Do Reactions Behave in Very Cold Environments? A Journey from Earth to Deep Space
• What does it mean to be round?

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Chemistry and Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ or IPQ we may make an offer of ABB at A-Level.

GCSE: GCSE: English Language grade C (4) and Mathematics grade B (6) or above, or an appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English. 

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including Chemistry and A in Mathematics and pass Access to Leeds. For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

The University will provide you with personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and a lab coat, and laboratory notebooks you’ll need to undertake laboratory work. You’ll also have access to a vast supply of books, academic journals and periodicals from the university libraries however you may wish to purchase some books that are recommended on the course.

This course requires work using a range of relevant software which is provided by the university. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conferences using a computer or mobile device (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone).

You’ll have access to the extensive IT facilities on campus including 24/7 computer clusters with everything you need to complete your work however you may wish to purchase your own computer.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Chemistry
School of Mathematics

Contact us

School of Chemistry Undergraduate Admissions

Email: admissions@chem.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities available to you with a joint honours degree in chemistry and mathematics are extensive across numerous industries, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 10 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2023, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in chemistry and mathematics from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Finance
• Environment
• Food and drink
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Technology
• Education
• Healthcare
• Scientific research and development
• Legal

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem solving, research, communication and IT skills taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our graduates in chemistry and mathematics have obtained:

• Case Handler, Capita
• Partner, Holeys Chartered Accountants
• Finance Manager and Business Controller, Nynas UK AB
• Whole School Assistant, Sheffield City Council
• Research Group, University of Liverpool
• Director, Bennett Brooks & Co. Limited

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This optional programme offers you the chance to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months. You'll return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Find out more about Industrial placements.

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