UCAS code F161
Do you want to pursue a high-level research career as a professional chemist? This course brings you to the frontiers of chemistry where you will join one of the research teams in the department after a year of industrial research experience.
Study Chemistry at Liverpool and learn in a culture of research excellence. Chemistry is a great choice for those with a keen interest in materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry and theoretical and computation chemistry. You’ll thrive in our award-winning undergraduate laboratories. All our chemistry programmes have a common core in the first two years, this provides a good measure of flexibility and choice for you during the first two years. These first two years progress rapidly, with a mix of theory and practical modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject.
In year three you take up your paid industrial placement (recent examples of employers are AstraZeneca, Beckmann Coulter (China), Dyesol, Ineos, GlaxoSmithKline (UK and US), Johnson Matthey, Reckitt Benckiser, and Sigma-Aldrich). While you are on placement, you take a specially developed chemistry module by distance learning that covers the core chemistry studied by the third year students not taking up placements. If you choose not to take up a placement, you can transfer onto the MChem Chemistry (F102) programme in year two or at the start of year three.
In your final year, you will take a range of advanced core modules in inorganic, physical and organic chemistry and can tailor your studies to choose high-level modules in areas that interest you and that are related to our research areas. Chemical research is particularly important in year four and involves you conducting a significant project as a member of one of the research groups in the Department.
Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics (which is essential for studying chemistry to a high level) we provide a flexible tiered maths for chemistry course allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.
The Department of Chemistry is committed to continuous improvement of our curriculum. We are undergoing a curriculum review to further prepare our graduates for the next stage of their career by developing our degree programmes to incorporate knowledge and skills for the future workforce and ensure a positive learning experience for all students. Module and programme structures may change as we further develop an inclusive curriculum with enhanced sustainable, digital, and analytical chemistry elements. These aspects will sit alongside all the expected core chemistry components including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and professional skills.
Our MChem programmes have bachelor accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.
The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned society for chemists in the United Kingdom.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In the first year, you will take modules that cover the fundamentals of Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, plus necessary key skills.
Four Chemistry modules combine theoretical and practical aspects and one Chemistry module develops Quantitative and General Key Skills. You will spend three to six hours per week in the laboratory and so will receive a comprehensive training in practical aspects of the subject.
You will have the choice of 30 credits of subsidiary modules from subjects which could include the chemistry-biology interface and modules from other departments such as Maths/Physics/Open languages. Please note these modules are subject to change each year.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (CHEM141) | 15 |
| INTRODUCTORY PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR CHEMISTS (CHEM142) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will learn more advanced topics within all the main branches of Chemistry and continue to develop your quantitative and key skills.
Practical skills will be developed through stand-alone practical modules and you will have the opportunity to spend between six and nine hours per week in the laboratory.
During this year, students will be seeking their industrial placements and so you will also receive help in writing an attractive CV to showcase your skills and interview technique, with mock interviews being provided.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your third year will be spent on a paid industrial placement. Since you will be returning from placement into the fourth year of the MChem programme, you also need to cover the core chemistry of the regular year three. This is done in specially developed distance learning modules supported by recorded lectures and special tutorial assignments. You will be required to write a final report on your research and performance during the year in industry, and this will contribute part of your mark for the year.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (DISTANCE LEARNING) (CHEM340) | 30 |
| YEAR IN INDUSTRY (MCHEM) (CHEM360) | 90 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
On returning from industry, you enter the fourth year of the MChem Chemistry programme.
The final year of your programme will be dominated by the chemical research project which accounts for 75 of the 120 credits.
You will choose which branch of chemistry you wish to pursue research in (and usually also which research group you wish to be in), and work throughout the year on original research at the frontiers of chemistry.
You select three of the available optional modules each semester that best reflect your interests.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEM480 - CHEMICAL RESEARCH PROJECT (CHEM480) | 60 |
| KEY SKILLS AND RESEARCH PROJECT PREPARATION (CHEM479) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Laboratory classes in years one and two prepare you for independent laboratory work in year three. In year three you will carry out mini research projects, applying learning in computational modelling and molecular visualisation that are introduced in year one.
You will be able to perform your own calculations to underpin final year research projects.
You are assessed by examination at the end of each semester (January and May/June) and by continuous assessment of laboratory practicals, class tests, workshops, tutorials and assignments.
You have to pass each year of study before you are allowed to progress to the following year. Re-sit opportunities are available in September at the end of years one and two. If you take an industrial placement, a minimum standard of academic performance is required before you are allowed to embark on your placements. All years of study (with the exception of year one) contribute to the final degree classification.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
This course is also available without an included year in industry.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
This course is also available as a four year BSc (Hons) programme.
Central Teaching Laboratories offer a unique environment for the study of physical sciences. Chemistry occupies the top floor, which houses synthetic chemistry and physical chemistry labs with new equipment for a wide range of experiments.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The research that takes place in the chemistry department here in Liverpool is internationally leading, and makes a huge impacts around the world.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Our graduates develop a wide range of skills including numeracy, problem solving and IT in addition to scientific skills. Visits to the Department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year.
Typical careers of our graduates include
Recent employers:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Fizah is a graduate from 2018 who completed a degree in chemistry, nonetheless has started a graduate career in commercial at Johnson Matthey, and has gone on to be appointed Strategy Execution Analyst.
Victoria is graduated from our BSc Chemistry with a year in industry degree in 2020. She received an offer to work as a Global Operations Graduate Associate at AstraZeneca.
Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year in industry fee - £1,905
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
ABB for ABB two science A levels including Chemistry or AAB one science A level including A in Chemistry. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism. Additional test required Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
| GCSE |
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
| Subject requirements | Two science A levels including Chemistry and a second science. Acceptable second sciences are: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Computer Science and Economics. For applicants studying A levels with English exam boards: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required. |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | D*DD in relevant diploma. Students will be invited to attend interview and take an assessment. Applicants must be completing the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science and be studying the following optional modules: For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification: The Applied Science pathway is acceptable and the following optional modules must be studied: • Chemical Periodicity and its Applications |
| International Baccalaureate | 33 points including 6 points from Chemistry at higher level and 5 points from one other science at higher level |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 (including Chemistry and one other Science) |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | Not accepted without Advanced Highers |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Accepted at grade B including 2 science A levels at grades AB including Chemistry |
| Access | 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Chemistry and a Second Science. Students will be invited to attend interview and take an assessment. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| TOEFL Paper | Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 59 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 65 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 169 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| LanguageCert | Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.0 overall, with no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 19 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions