Course summary

Study the mathematical techniques that are driving advances in modern chemistry – from the use of artificial intelligence to predict chemical reactions, to the discovery of new drugs through quantum mechanical modelling. On this degree you can combine your passion for chemistry with your talent for maths, studying both to an advanced level. By choosing complementary chemistry and maths options you can tailor your studies to suit your interests, gaining deeper insights into areas such as chemical databases, quantum chemistry, and computational modelling of chemical systems. You’ll gain analytical and statistical skills to impress employers in the chemical industries and beyond. You’ll learn chemistry in recently refurbished labs and have access to the University’s supercomputer. Your fourth-year independent research project will give you an opportunity to generate new knowledge at the interface of chemistry and maths, and there’s a good chance of getting your work published. We’re very proud of our Guardian University Guide results (2023) which show our commitment to your education. Chemistry at Southampton is 1st in the Russell Group for satisfaction with teaching and satisfaction with course. Supporting your studies You’ll join a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor to provide any extra help you need, both academically and personally. In years one and two we limit small group tutorials to a maximum of five students, so you’ll have plenty of time and attention from your tutors. Between classes, the Chemistry department will be your ‘home’ on campus, where you can grab a coffee in the common room, catch up with friends and talk to staff. Outstanding undergraduate laboratories Take advantage of our recently refurbished labs, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. You’ll study in bright and spacious modern laboratories using new, high-tech equipment – the same as you’ll find if you go on to work in the chemical industry. Each student has a laptop to use in the laboratory, for analysing data and writing laboratory reports. Gain hands-on practical experience with research-grade equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. You’ll make and analyse your own samples, with full support and training, rather than sending samples to be analysed or watching demonstrations. And your lab work will incorporate modern ‘green’ chemistry practices that are used in industry. Learn about research as it happens Southampton is a Russell Group university and our chemistry research is joint first in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2022). This means you’ll be taught by staff who are involved in the latest discoveries. Our academics are advancing battery technology, designing drugs for hard-to-treat cancers, and using digital modelling in the fight against COVID-19, to name just a few examples. They will share their passion with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures. The breadth of their research activities gives you a wide choice of project topics. Your career Your skills will be sought after in areas such as analytical chemistry, molecular biology or computational chemistry, and in sectors including pharmaceutical research, chemical engineering and manufacturing. The transferable skills you gain, such as critical analysis, teamwork, project management and communication, can also open up careers outside chemistry. Our graduates have achieved success in sectors including finance, banking, accountancy, sales and marketing, management, patent law and teaching. This course is also excellent preparation for a PhD, which is the next step for over 40 per cent of our graduates.