Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc

Course 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:

• 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 details

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 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. 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.

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 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.

One-year optional 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.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 2 discovery modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 4 compulsory modules

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

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
• Playing with Infinity ∞ Two Famous Infinite Series
• 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: £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.

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 2023

This course is taught by

School of Chemistry

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.

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.

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.

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