(Full time) 2023 start
Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc
Overview
Chemistry is a central science that’s at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us.
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.
Studying chemistry and mathematics 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 also 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 also 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
Graduate with a degree from a university ranked in the Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2023.
Take advantage of our close links to leading research organisations such as The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute, which help shape our courses across a wide range of areas and provide innovative R&D projects that impact many industrial sectors.
Experience expertise teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of the industry who specialise in a variety of chemistry and mathematical disciplines.
Put theory into practice, with access to 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 research-grade equipment to provide a creative and stimulating learning environment.
Broaden your experience before you graduate and enhance your career prospects with our study abroad programmes and paid industrial work placement opportunities.
We have over 300 clubs and societies you can join at Leeds — including academic societies across many disciplines. There you can meet more of your coursemates and lecturers, whilst gaining guidance and invaluable insight from industry professionals at regular talks and networking events throughout your degree.
Accreditation
Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
Course content
On this course, 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.
Discovery modules are available in all years of your degree, as long as you are taking enough credits of your own subject for that year.
Years one and two
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.
(Optional) One-year work placement or study abroad
To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide. Both of these options will extend your degree by 12 months and take place between the second and third year. You then return to Leeds to complete your final year.
Years three and four
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 and carrying out a major research project in place of laboratory-based practical classes. You’ll work collaboratively with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in your particular research area.
See more examples of recent projects on our Research-based degrees webpage.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Chemistry 1: Bonding and Behaviour 20 credits
- Chemistry 2: Energy, Structure and Transformation 30 credits
- Practical Skills in Chemistry for Joint Honours 1 10 credits
- Calculus and Mathematical Analysis 10 credits
- Numbers and Vectors 10 credits
- Introductory Linear Algebra 10 credits
- Modelling with Differential Equations 10 credits
- Probability and Statistics I 10 credits
- Probability and Statistics II 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics 10 credits
- Structure and Spectroscopy 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Bonding 10 credits
- Laboratory Work 2b 10 credits
- Further Linear Algebra 10 credits
- Vector Calculus 15 credits
- Linear Differential Equations and Transforms 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Structure and Synthesis of Materials 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity 10 credits
- Organometallic Compounds and their Applications 10 credits
- Introduction to Drug Design 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Pericyclic, Heterocyclic and Bioorganic Chemistry 10 credits
- Analytical and Applied Chemistry 10 credits
- Real Analysis 15 credits
- Logic 10 credits
- Logic with Computation 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15 credits
- Nonlinear Differential Equations 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis with Computation 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 1 10 credits
- Calculus of Variations 10 credits
- Statistical Methods 10 credits
- Statistical Modelling 10 credits
- Environmental Statistics 10 credits
Discovery modules
- Science and Society: The Critical Interface 10 credits
- Chemistry: Idea to Market 10 credits
- Mathematics into Schools 10 credits
- Introduction to Scientific Programming 10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Laboratory Work 2M 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Strategy, Methods and Reaction Technology for Organic Synthesis 10 credits
- Energy, Molecules and Chemical Change 10 credits
- Medicinal Chemistry 10 credits
- Atmospheric Chemistry 10 credits
- Properties and Applications of Materials 10 credits
- Big Data, Big Science 10 credits
- Advanced Organometallics and Catalysis 10 credits
- Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (10cr) 10 credits
- Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (10cr) 10 credits
- Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (20cr) 10 credits
- Ethical Issues in Chemistry 10 credits
- Chemistry into Schools 20 credits
- Mathematics Education 10 credits
- Real Analysis 15 credits
- Logic 10 credits
- Logic with Computation 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Laboratory-based Project Work 4M 40 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (40 Credit) 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Advanced Proof and Computation 20 credits
- Advanced Differential Geometry 20 credits
- Advanced Models and Sets 20 credits
- Advanced Coding Theory 20 credits
- Advanced Hamiltonian Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Linear and Nonlinear Waves 20 credits
- Advanced Hydrodynamic Stability 20 credits
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics 20 credits
- Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Entropy in the Physical World 20 credits
- Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Modern Numerical Methods 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
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 practical lab 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 work 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 will receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in Years two, three or four. 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 the School, 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.
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
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
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, fees and applying
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. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
Other course specific tests: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 AAB at A-Level (any required subjects such as Mathematics must still be at grade A).
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Access to HE Diploma
Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.
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BTEC
BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in 3 principal subjects including Chemistry and D3 Mathematics
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though Chemistry and Mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AB at Advanced Higher and AABBB at Higher Level 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.
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.
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.
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 2023
Fees
UK: £9,250
International: £27,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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.
University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, 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 will 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 will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
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 will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
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.
Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you will 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
The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers 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
All placements are salaried
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 will 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 work experience on the Careers website.