Chemistry (Study Abroad) Lancaster University

Chemists, with their ability to analyse and problem-solve, have played a big part in shaping our world. Our teaching is research-led, so you will learn at the forefront of the subject, tackling genuine scientific work. Solve contemporary problems with our leading academics and work in outstanding purpose-built laboratories to set yourself up for a career in a wide range of industries.

Broaden your horizons

Enrich your university experience with a year spent overseas at one of our partner universities. Head out in Year 3 to start your adventure and immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic community. We’ll support you all the way!

The Chemistry logic

Our world-leading staff teach chemistry in logical stages, in an approach that integrates the topics of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Research conducted by our academics continually shapes the content that they teach, so you’ll never be far from their findings. Part of the Department’s ethos is for all to act as sustainable chemists.

What to expect

With our four-year BSc Hons Chemistry (Study Abroad) degree, there’s an expansive introduction to the subject in Year 1, covering the fundamentals of atoms and molecules; organic and inorganic reactions; chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. You will build on these topics during the rest of your degree while also developing an understanding of other areas of chemistry.

Year 2 brings you topics such spectroscopy and electrochemistry as well as more advanced areas such as d-block metal chemistry, materials chemistry and quantum mechanics.

Year 4 offers you more flexibility and an exciting opportunity to undertake a major research project alongside our academics, postdoctoral staff and postgraduate students. These projects are directly connected to contemporary research questions that our academics are tackling and give you research experience that will be invaluable in your future career.

You may wish to transfer to one of our MChem programmes should you perform to a sufficiently high standard in your first two years.

Personal development

There will be lots of moments of discovery throughout your degree, whether that's working out the product of an unfamiliar chemical reaction or bringing out your passion for the environment by learning about cutting-edge sustainable chemistry. These small achievements add up to a wealth of transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and time management, all of which make you stand out to future employers.

We hope you find your year overseas personally enriching. Our students often tell us that they return feeling more confident, self-assured and with a broader perspective to take into job interviews.

3 things our chemistry students want you to know:

• We’re part of a close-knit community of students and staff. Small group teaching means a strong support network and a very productive learning environment

• We develop our practical skills in outstanding, research-grade labs. These have been created specifically for chemistry, and to deliver the project work in our third and fourth years

• There's so much support in the Chemistry Department, from academics, lab technicians and teaching office staff. If you need help with your studies, you're encouraged to ask questions in workshops and tutorials. Alternatively, you can contact your lecturers outside of teaching sessions

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. This should include Chemistry and one other science subject from: Biology, Computing, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis alongside A level Chemistry grade B. Our typical entry requirement would be 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate science content.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM may be considered alongside A level Chemistry grade B, along with sufficient science content

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D. This should include A level Chemistry, and other sufficient science content.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Chemistry and 6 in a further HL science subject

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Not accepted

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.