Chemistry - UCAS

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Study options
Chat to a current chemistry student
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Careers: Where it can take you
Getting in: Entry requirements
Other subjects you may be interested in
Considering an apprenticeship?
Explore further
Application advice

Through chemistry we’ve made great discoveries, such as penicillin and pasteurisation, and made the modern world possible with inventions including plastic and lithium-ion batteries.

Chemical scientists are leading research on the world’s most pressing concerns, including challenges around human health, climate change, and energy. There are job opportunities in many sectors, including medicine research, manufacturing, and education.

You could enter a professional or managerial role once you’ve graduated, or go on to further study.ther study.

The impact you could make

Conduct tests and experiments that pioneer new medicine, technologies, and discoveries.
Further develop renewable energy technology like solar energy and car batteries.
Enrol on a postgraduate course to become a nuclear engineer, helping the UK or other countries reach their nuclear power goals.

What you could study

Chemical lab skills
Medicinal and biological chemistry
Molecular pharmacology
Physical chemistry
Solid state chemistry
Mathematical skills for chemists
Computational chemistry

Study options

Options to study in this field include:

undergraduate courses
apprenticeships

Chat to a current chemistry student

Chat to a current chemistry student using UniBuddy.

Some conversation starters for you:

Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?

Chat to students

UCAS Media Service

Hi everyone! I'm Charlotte, a third year MChem student from Durham University. I'm interested in organic and medicinal chemistry, transition metal catalysis and drug development. I am hoping to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry after I have graduated. I have worked as a tutor and student mentor for the University so feel free to ask me anything related to chemistry, admissions to university, the collegiate system at Durham or any other questions you may have! 😊
After doing my A levels in Chemistry, Maths, and Psychology, I wasn't sure what to do next. I chose to come to Glasgow because of the flexibility they offered with their degree plans; I initially enrolled in a Psychology degree, but have since changed my degree to Chemistry! Next year, I will be on a placement year in Industry, and I hope to work in research in the future! I love studying in Glasgow, and am happy to answer any questions you may have :)
My name is Ojo, Oluseyi. I am a masters degree student studying pharmaceutical chemistry at University of South Wales. I am also a STEM ambassador for the University. I am passionate about the quality assurance of products and services having worked in manufacturing for over 7 years. It would be my pleasure to chat and answer all prospective students questions relating to studies, scholarships, student life, accommodation and other necessary information.
Hello! My name is Jana and I am a third year MChem Chemistry student. Feel free to ask me any questions about the course, Lincoln, being an international student or anything else. I am happy to help :)
Hi~ I'm Hoi Ching. I'm currently studying Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Manchester Met! I come from Hong Kong. My interest is swimming and reading, also a huge anime fans! If you have any questions please feel free to message me! I'm happy to help~~

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Your place to discover your options and research your future.

Example module

"Medicinal chemistry, the use of metals in medicine, and of course laboratory skills for chemists. Once a week, going into the lab really helps me have a productive, interactive learning day." Second year pharmaceutical chemistry student, University of Reading

Example project

"The analytical chemistry research task, where I was asked to investigate the best way to analyse concentrations of certain chemicals in coffee to then determine its quality." Second year chemistry with medicinal sciences student, University of Southampton

Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some chemistry courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.

Chemistry

Maths

Biology

Physics

Hard skills you'll develop

Laboratory and experimentation work
Independent research projects
Placements and industry experience

Soft skills you'll develop

Communication
Research and observation
Analytical and reasoning skills
Presentation skills

Careers: Where it can take you

Find out more about your career prospects from studying chemistry. The following information is based on a typical chemical scientist professional role.

Available jobs

23,746 vacancies in the past year 4.61% growth over next eight years

Average salary

£34,067 Up to £56,981

Career options

Chemistry

Chemical scientist

Laboratory technician

Science, engineering and production technician

Chemical and related process operatives

Pharmacology

Biochemists and biomedical scientists

Pharmacists

Environment

Conservation professional

Environment professional

What is a…. colour technologist?

Colour technologists often work in a chemical lab or workshop, developing and testing new dyes and pigments for use in things like paints, textiles, printing inks, cosmetics, and medical products. They tend to work in the manufacturing industry, and will develop and record the processes that make sure a colour can be reproduced accurately, it’s durable, and it doesn’t run when put in the wash or under other similar conditions. Colour technologists are also sometimes referred to as colour scientists or textile dyeing technicians or technologists. Smiling student

Find your ideal career

Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study chemistry at university or as an apprenticeship.

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from chemistry applicants.

A levels

AAB

Scottish Highers

AAABB

Vocational

BTEC: DDM Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative Science apprentice in a laboratory

Health and science apprenticeships

Check out our industry guide to help you decide if a health and science apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.

The expert view Lakshmi Hughes, Careers Advice & Guidance Manager, Royal Society of Chemistry

Chemistry is in everything you see, smell, taste, and use. As a chemical scientist you could be developing life-changing medicines, influencing how things you touch and wear are made, or finding sustainable solutions for the pressures on energy, food, and water in our lives. From sports science and aerospace engineering to art conservation and patent law, there’s a huge range of career opportunities that open up to you when you study the chemical sciences. Your chemistry journey could end up changing the world.

Second year chemistry student Cardiff University

I love the vast knowledge it brings into interdisciplinary subjects. I learn new things every day and it gives a deeper level of meaning into everyday life.

Other subjects you may be interested in

Biomedical sciences
Chemical engineering
Environmental and earth sciences
Food science and nutrition
Forensic science
Materials science and engineering
Mathematics and statistics
Pharmacy, pharmacology, and toxicology

Considering an apprenticeship?

Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:

1
Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
2
Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer.
3
No limits
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
4
Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
5
Find out more
Read our guide to health and science apprenticeships.

Let's talk about... science apprenticeships (Sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University)

Katie discusses social life, work-life balance, and what day-to-day life is like as a science apprentice with representatives from GSK, Unilever, and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Chemistry apprentice using microscope in lab

Apprenticeship vacancies

Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in chemistry.

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around chemistry with the following:

1
Royal Society of Chemistry

Find out how the Royal Society of Chemistry are making the world a better place through chemical sciences.
2
TED Talk – How green hydrogen could end the fossil fuel era
Listen to Earthshot Prize winner, Vaitea Cowan, talk about how she and her team mass produce electrolzyers (which split water into hydrogen and oxygen), helping to make carbon-free fuel. Browse TED’s selection of talks on chemistry too.
3
New Scientist magazine
Lots of news articles and features about chemical science and research that’s happening right now.

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your chemistry journey.

Skills, experiences, and interests to mention

Demonstrate your natural curiosity and analytical skills. What field trips or holidays have you been on that ignited your passion for chemistry? When have you dug further into a topic or object because you wanted to know how something worked, or what it was made of?
Show you understand about lab work and workshops too, whether through school experiments, work experience, or at home. Can you think of something you tested and what you learned from the results?

What do you want to do with your degree? Show you understand the industry by mentioning organisations or publications you follow, and what you’ve learned about what jobs you might do with this subject.
Illustrate how you can be self-motivated, whether that’s studying for your exams, pursing a hobby, or getting an after-school club started, for example.
Consider other skills you can demonstrate too, like teamwork and/or presentation skills. Are you part of a sports or other team? Have you given a presentation at school, or in another setting?

Personal statement guide

We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging chemistry personal statement. Here's what they told us.

Personal statement builder

Try our tool.

Get help structuring your statement.

Explore courses

Add to favourites Chemical Engineering University of Chester
- MEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- Chester
- 06/10/2025
Tariff points: 120/120
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering University of Chester
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- Chester
- 06/10/2025
Tariff points: 112/112
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering University of Wolverhampton
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- Wolverhampton
- 09/2025
Tariff points: 104/104
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering The University of Edinburgh
- MEng (Hon)
- 5 Years
- Full-time
- Edinburgh
- 08/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Queen Mary University of London
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- London
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Brunel University of London
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- Uxbridge
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Swansea University
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- Swansea
- 22/09/2025
Tariff points: 104/128
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering University of Bradford
- MEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- Bradford
- 09/2025
Tariff points: 104/104
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering University of Bradford
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- Bradford
- 09/2025
Tariff points: 104/104
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Newcastle University
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Lancaster University
- MEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- Lancaster
- 01/10/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Brunel University of London
- MEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- Uxbridge
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering University of Strathclyde
- MEng
- 5 Years
- Full-time
- Glasgow
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering Teesside University
- HNC
- 1 Years
- Full-time
- Redcar
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: 64/80
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering London South Bank University
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- London
- 09/2025
Tariff points: 120/128
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering London South Bank University
- MEng (Hon)
- 5 Years
- Sandwich
- London
- 09/2025
Tariff points: 136/144
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering with a Year Abroad Queen Mary University of London
- MEng (Hon)
- 5 Years
- Full-time
- London
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering with Placement Brunel University of London
- MEng (Hon)
- 5 Years
- Sandwich
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- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering with Placement Brunel University of London
- BEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Sandwich
- Uxbridge
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A
Add to favourites Chemical Engineering with a Year Abroad Queen Mary University of London
- BEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- London
- 15/09/2025
Tariff points: N/A