Chemistry

Chemistry

Introduction

Chemistry is central to our understanding of virtually every aspect of modern life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe, to the medicines we take and the energy we use to power our homes, cars and phones.

You will be taught in the brand new Science Teaching Hub to use advanced instrumentation by internationally recognised experts in material, biomolecular and environmental chemistry to help create sustainable solutions to the many challenges we face today, such as food and water security, environmental protection, climate change and clean energy.

  • We are ranked 7th in the UK for Chemistry, Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
  • We are ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction, National Student Survey 2021.

Our Degrees

We offer a range of Chemistry degrees which you can read more about below.

View available degree programmes

Pathway Programmes

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for progression to undergraduate degree study at the university.

Discover the International Study Centre

Chemistry has been taught at the University of Aberdeen since 1793. With over 200 years of teaching and research experience, we produce graduates with a range of knowledge, skills, and attributes to prepare them for employment in the 21st century.

BSc or MChem?

We offer a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) and five-year Master of Chemistry (MChem) degrees. The four-year BSc Chemistry is the traditional route to a chemistry qualification. The five year-year MChem provides students with a wider range of research skills, leading to the professional qualification of Chartered Chemist.

The first two years cover the main areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. You will also choose some courses, outside of chemistry, during your first two years. This is known as Enhanced Study, and you can study other science subjects or languages, amongst other options. In levels 3-5, you will take more specialised courses, culminating in your research project, which will further develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A Chemistry degree from Aberdeen will prepare you for a career in the chemical sciences, but it can also be a stepping stone to many other opportunities. Chemistry graduates are very employable due to the breadth of career opportunities in many areas. As well as chemistry topics you’ll have courses in IT and data analysis, programming, and careers and employability.

Science Teaching Hub

The brand-new Science Teaching Hub provides the latest high-tech teaching labs and equipment to support your learning and to help you develop industry-standard skills and techniques to launch your chemistry career.

Why study STEM?

The University of Aberdeen offers a range of STEM-related degrees, STEM being the collective of subjects covering science, technology, engineering and maths. With world-class academics and cutting-edge facilities like our Science Teaching Hub, we can give you access to some of the best STEM teaching and research in Scotland, maximising your learning potential and preparing you for industry.

Learn More

Available Programmes of Study

Why Study Chemistry at Aberdeen?

  • Ranked 7th in the UK for Chemistry, Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
  • Ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction, National Student Survey 2021
  • Our teaching is informed by cutting edge research at the forefront of human health, clean energy technology and materials and we have a number of spin-out companies such as TauRx Phamaceuticals, who specialise in Alzheimer's research.
  • The brand-new Science Teaching Hub provides the latest high-tech teaching labs and equipment to support your learning and to help you develop industry-standard skills and techniques to launch your chemistry career.
  • The most recent Research Excellence Framework report found that Chemistry at Aberdeen had the largest research impact in Scotland, with over 80% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • With industry standard equipment housed in our state-of-the-art teaching facilities, our students are given all the tools they need to immediately enter the workforce, using technology and techniques that will feel immediately familiar
  • The University of Aberdeen has a long history of excellence in Chemistry, with two Nobel Prize winners and an academic staff that includes some of the most experienced chemists in the UK.
  • We pride ourselves on our sense of community, with students and staff collaborating on real-world research projects, as well as the active Student Chemistry Society, giving the ability to develop skills and make connections outside of the classroom.
  • Students go on to work in a wide range of highly rewarding careers, tackling the problems we face today in areas such as drug discovery, energy, environmental protection, forensics, food and agriculture as well as in academic research and teaching.
  • Applicants with good A-levels or Advanced Highers can apply for direct entry into level 2.
  • A feature of our MChem programme is a final year 4 month research project placement in the area of specialisation, usually at a university, research institute or industrial laboratory.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX