Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc

Using the tools of advanced mathematics to understand the diversity and complexity of the chemical world is what really drives students on our Chemistry and Mathematics degrees.

On this programme you’ll study alongside single honours chemists and mathematicians who are learning the same concepts and reaching the same depth of knowledge as you. As you move through the programme you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in a range of topics in both areas of your course and vary the split between the two components to study the topics that interest you the most.

You’ll develop your mathematical skills in major branches such as linear algebra and calculus. A wide range of optional modules allows you to explore topics from dynamical systems to probability to coding theory. You’ll combine your mathematics knowledge with the study of chemistry to understand how and why molecules react and the methods of studying them. You can specialise in organic, inorganic or physical chemistry.

The programme will allow you to develop a range of sophisticated analytical and problem solving skills that are attractive to employers, including theoretical modelling, practical experimentation, computational programming and data analytics.

Mathematics will allow you to develop a sophisticated understanding of mathematical structures and principles while gaining a wide range of skills that are attractive to employers. Core modules will develop your knowledge of key topics such as linear algebra and calculus, while a wide range of optional modules will allow you to pursue areas from probability to coding theory, special relativity and financial modelling.

Enhancing your degree

We offer two degree options: the MChem, BSc, a four-year integrated Masters degree programme, and the BSc programme, which is a three-year course.

There are opportunities to gain industrial experience on a placement year or to study abroad for a year. Both schemes add an additional year to your course.

There is also the opportunity to transfer to the MNatSc, BSc Natural Sciences Integrated Masters course, provided certain academic standards are achieved.

Accreditation

Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute of Actuaries.

During the first and second years of the course 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. For the remainder of your programme, you're able to choose either additional mathematics or chemistry options or even take a third elective subject available from a wide range.

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. In addition, small tutorial groups are used to support the teaching so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.

Once you reach the third and fourth 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 and carrying out a major research project in place of laboratory-based practical classes.

Course structure

Details of typical modules/components for this course will be published on May 1st. These may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

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

These different methods of teaching, together with the continuous support of our teaching staff, enable you to effectively apply what you have learnt through a series of exams, coursework, and continuous assessment. This means that you graduate with the correct mix of knowledge and transferable skills for a successful future career, whatever you choose to do.

Assessment

The types of assessment used for each module aim to measure the learning outcomes we want you to achieve. Although formal end-of-semester examinations are predominant, often accounting for 80% or more of the formal assessment, many modules include a significant coursework element. You are also continuously assessed through practical work.

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.

GCSE: English Language grade C (4), or an equivalent English language qualification.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.

• BTEC

  BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 D3 in 3 principal subjects including Chemistry and Mathematics

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H2 including higher level Chemistry and H1 in Mathematics

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though Chemistry must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAAAB including Chemistry and A in Mathematics at Advanced Higher.

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.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the School of Chemistry Admissions Team.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

After you apply we will assess your application based on the information on your UCAS form. On the basis of this information we will decide whether to invite you to one of our informal interview days which, for UK based applicants, are an essential part of the admissions process.

Read more about how to apply on our School of Chemistry website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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.

Applicant days

Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll have an informal interview with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans, have your questions answered and find out more about studying at Leeds.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, if you are unable to attend and have previously attended an admissions event at Leeds then please let us know.

In the case of some non-standard qualifications, it may be necessary for an extended technical interview to play a bigger part in the selection procedure. This is to ensure that the course is suitable for you and that your current studies have prepared you for the curriculum at Leeds. If you are unable to attend, a telephone or Skype interview may be arranged. For further information, read our admissions policy.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for 2019 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For all full-time students starting in 2020, our fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed and we expect to publish an update later in 2019.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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.

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.

The School of Chemistry offers a range of scholarships for Home, EU and International students.

Scholarships for 2020 entry are to be confirmed.

This degree not only prepares you for working directly in science and technology but also gives you a skill set and knowledge base that is prized in a huge range of sectors, ranging from financial services to sustainable development. Graduates of this course have gone on to enjoy successful careers as medicinal and analytical chemists, technical directors/managers, technologists, journalists, patent attorneys and accountants, amongst other roles.

Studying for a joint honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects and demonstrates that you’re intellectually versatile. Your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek. You’ll develop excellent research skills and you’ll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you’ll hone excellent organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team.

A joint honours degree also lends itself to progression onto a Masters degree or PhD, specialising in either chemistry or mathematics.

For further information on career paths and employability please see our careers pages.

Careers support

Throughout your degree course we will make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.

We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. Our programmes provide you with opportunities to develop the core subject knowledge and skills that you need to progress to a career in a particular area.

We offer skills development modules and modules that will give you an insight into industrial new product development, from concept to market, in the chemical and allied industries. These modules lead you through the various stages of setting up a new social enterprise, from the inception and development of the idea itself, through preparation of a business plan to creating a funding proposal for potential investors/grant awarding bodies.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. Unlike the passing tourist, you have the chance to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will gain unforgettable experiences and memories that you will draw upon in your working and personal life for years to come. In addition to this, the proven ability to live and work in an international context is an asset that employers actively seek.

As a BSc student you may include your study abroad experience as an additional year of your studies, or, subject to satisfactory academic performance, transfer to our MChem degree scheme in which your study abroad year replaces your third year at Leeds.

During your year abroad, you will follow the Chemistry and/or Mathematics course at your host institution. Many students find it valuable to undertake an extended practical project during this year which can be presented as part of your assessment for the year.

If you wish to study at an institution where the course is taught in a foreign language, such as French, you don’t need to be fluent in the language before you go. We will help prepare you with a specialist language module at Level 2 which introduces you to scientific vocabulary and enhances your conversational and comprehension skills.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

The industrial placement (“Year in Industry”) scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews. In addition, the opportunity to work every day with scientists and mathematicians who are experts in their field is an incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge.

An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area, but in the marketplace generally. You will be able to choose from a range of chemistry and/or mathematics-related industries in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies.

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year. On the MChem programme, you also have the flexibility to undertake an industry placement either between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4.