Chemistry
Develop your understanding and problem-solving through interdisciplinary chemistry study and build practical laboratory skills.
Course key facts
Qualification
BSc
Duration
3 years
Start date
October 2027
UCAS course code
F100
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
-
South Kensington
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White City
-
Applications: places
8 : 1 (2025)
Minimum entry standard
AAA (A-level)
38 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Engage with world-leading chemistry research on this three-year course, designed to help you develop an interconnected understanding of core chemistry concepts.
During your first two years, you'll examine fundamental topics across inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, synthetic and computational chemistry, through interdisciplinary modules.
You'll also advance your practical skills through an extensive laboratory programme. Through this work, you'll learn to synthesise chemicals and study chemical systems using experimental measurements and computational models.
You'll receive training in measurement science, analytical chemistry and molecular modelling as you learn how to apply a large number of different experimental techniques.
The third year offers you the flexibility to select from a range of advanced chemistry topics, enabling you to follow your own interests at the frontiers of the discipline.
Your final year will include an introduction to emergent ‘industry 4.0’ approaches and technologies such as rapid prototyping, 3D printing, electronics and machine learning.
You'll then apply your research skills from the course to a supervised independent project.
Teaching is primarily delivered at the South Kensington Campus, and at state-of-the-art research facilities at our new Molecular Sciences Research Hub in White City.
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Undergraduate events
Want to get a feel for life at Imperial?
Save the date for our next Open Days on 24–25 June and 12 September 2026. You can also find upcoming in-person and online events across the UK and overseas on our Events pages.
Search our eventsStructure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules.
You’ll also take one optional (ancillary) module for degree credit.
Taking a language through Imperial Horizons may be for degree credit or for extra credit (in addition to one degree credit option).
Core modules
Begin to engage with thinking like a chemist, and receive training in teamwork, use of GenAI and finding chemical information.
Explore how structures and concepts in chemistry are represented and described, and learn drawing, naming, structure, shape and properties of molecules.
Build familiarity with the tools used to predict molecular structures and use theoretical models to explain the bonding in molecules and other chemical structures.
Develop your understanding of the physical and theoretical basis for spectroscopic measurements and examine spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques.
Learn about the major types of reactivity at carbon centres and how to rationalise trends in reactivity, and apply your understanding of properties of compounds.
Explore the major theories and methodologies (linked to thermodynamics and kinetics) that are used to interpret chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium at a macroscopic level.
Examine concepts and trends in the chemistry of the s-, p-, d- and f- block elements, and their compounds.
Develop skills in synthetic chemistry, measurement science and coding, and begin to apply these to investigative practical work and data analysis.
Optional (ancillary) modules
Explore more deeply, important mathematical and physics concepts that underpin theory of physical phenomena and at the chemistry-physics interface. May be taken for degree credit only.
Explore the principles that underpin medicinal chemistry, including biomolecule structure and function, and drug design in the pharmaceutical industry. May be taken for degree credit only.
Study one of ten languages through the Imperial Horizons department. May be taken for degree credit or for extra credit.
You’ll study the following core modules.
You’ll also take one optional (ancillary) module for degree credit.
Taking a language through Imperial Horizons may be for degree credit or for extra credit (in addition to one degree credit option).
(Please note, Mathematics and Physics 1 and Medicinal Chemistry 1 are prerequisites to study Mathematics and Physics 2 and Medicinal Chemistry 2 respectively).
Core modules
Appreciate the expectations as a scientist, learning about inclusivity and diversity, and how to communicate science to different audiences.
Study what electronic states are and why chemical bonds form, based on approximate quantum mechanical models, building up to polyatomics, complexes and solids.
Gain skills in analysis and applying theories behind a variety of spectroscopic, mass spectrometric and purification techniques and applications.
Apply knowledge of thermodynamic quantities to describe the state of equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems, phases and interfaces; and calculate how such quantities change during a chemical transformation.
Build on your knowledge of properties, reactivity and synthesis, and apply it to a wider range of molecular chemical systems, including use of transition metals in catalysis.
Extend your knowledge of properties, reactivity and synthesis of small molecules, applying to solids, polymers and biomolecules such as carbohydrates, DNA and peptides.
Apply your prior knowledge of synthesis and molecular properties to achieve control and selectivity in chemical reactions, including use of organometallic reagents and retrosynthetic analysis.
Build on training foundation from Year 1, developing more complex practical design and analytical skills and independence through synthetic, physical/data analysis and computational experimental work.
Optional (ancillary) modules
Build knowledge and application of mathematical techniques relevant in the analysis and interpretation of physical theories including electromagnetism and molecular interactions. May be taken for degree credit only.
Further your knowledge of medicinal chemistry in pharmacokinetics, drug design and optimisation, assays in drug discovery and protein therapeutics. May be taken for degree credit only.
Stimulate your professional and intellectual growth in areas including languages, humanities and social sciences, and collaborative Change Makers modules. May be taken for degree credit or for extra credit.
Examine a range of business, finance and management topics on a module delivered by the Imperial Business School. May be taken for degree credit only.
You’ll study all these core modules.
Core modules
Explore five advanced chemistry topics.
You’ll choose from topics including advanced synthesis, materials chemistry, soft condensed matter and molecular reaction dynamics.
Investigate a further five advanced chemistry topics.
You’ll choose from topics including chemical biology, environmental and green chemistry, process chemistry and strategies in drug discovery.
Advance your skills in practical chemistry, experiment design and research, by carrying out a short independent research project and advanced lab practicals.
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.
All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.
Professional accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
This accreditation is internationally respected in an increasingly global industry and graduate market. It will allow you to demonstrate that you’ve completed a high-quality degree programme that was designed to meet the needs of both students and their future employers.
This BSc degrees partially satisfy the academic requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Chemist (CChem). Becoming a Chartered Chemist earns you an internationally recognised qualification which can enhance your career prospects and earning potential.
Our accreditation agreement with the Royal Society of Chemistry is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement was recently extended through 2027.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS) upon completion of this course This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Classroom teaching and laboratory work
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 30% Title 1 goes here
- 70% Title 2 goes here
Year 3
- 20% Title 1 goes here
- 80% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Practical workshops
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Guided laboratory work
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Group work
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Literature reports
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Research projects
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Examination
- Coursework and practical work
Year 1
- 75% Title 1 goes here
- 25% Title 2 goes here
Year 2
- 65% Title 1 goes here
- 35% Title 2 goes here
Year 3
- 40% Title 1 goes here
- 60% Title 2 goes here
Assessment methods
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Written examinations
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Oral presentation
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Written reports
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Coursework
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Academic posters
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Viva voce
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Practical Assessment
Testimonials
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Once applications open, you can register and start your application via the UCAS Hub. There, you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
Applications open on 12 May 2026.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Post-application open day and interview
If assessment of your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements, you will be shortlisted for an academic interview as part of our interview programme.
There will be a pre-recorded talk by the admissions tutor made available online, about the department, the structure of the course and other opportunities available to enrich your experience with us. There will also be talks and presentations available by the accommodation and finance teams, and from Horizons about the great range of modules they offer. We are organising online Q&A sessions, where you will have the chance to talk to the admissions tutor and to current undergraduates, and you can see more about the department on the Chemistry and Virtual Tour websites.
We will run interviews in the morning and afternoon (UK time) to accommodate students in different time-zones, and each applicant will be interviewed individually. The interview will comprise a discussion with two experienced academics or researchers who will be looking to assess an applicant’s motivation for studying chemistry and their potential for the future.
Although the discussion may begin with topics mentioned in the UCAS personal statement, the conversations will likely expand to cover topics that the applicant may not be so familiar with. This enables the interviewers to observe how an applicant thinks and how they reason their way through a problem.
The interviewers are highly experienced and are able to see through nerves, stress and silly mistakes so you should not worry about answering the questions. There are no trick questions, if an answer seems obvious, it might be just that. Do talk through what you are thinking with the interviewers.
We then use the interview feedback in combination with the UCAS application, to decide whether we are able to make an offer, and what the conditions of the offer will be. We will be making offer decisions only after all interviews are complete. We will aim to contact all applicants directly by e-mail, by early March with a decision. You should be able to see this updated on UCAS Hub by the end of March.
The Department of Chemistry have put together an admissions support page with frequently asked questions that often arise during the admissions process.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
We offer both Master in Science (MSci) degrees and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees.
Our MSci degrees cover more in-depth chemistry study than our BSc degrees, making them more suited to students who are considering a career in research or who may wish to progress to further study such as a PhD.
Our MSci degrees also include a more substantial individual project in the final year, which gives you the chance to gain more experience in a research environment; you also engage with more advanced research-led lecture modules in your final year.
Years one and two of our Chemistry degrees follow the same core course content, supplemented by optional modules designed to match your chosen course of study.
This structure offers you the opportunity to transfer between Chemistry degrees at a later stage providing you have studied the appropriate optional subjects, and as such you should apply to only one degree within the Department of Chemistry.
You may need to meet a certain academic standard to be eligible for placements in industry or abroad.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2027 entry
£10,050* per year
Fees to be confirmed
*Home tuition fees
In England and Wales, the UK government sets the maximum tuition fee (known as a 'fee cap') chargeable by universities for Home students. Imperial’s Home fees for undergraduate courses starting in 2027 will align with this cap, which means that, subject to parliamentary approval, they are expected to be £10,050.
It is current Imperial policy to charge Home fees in line with the Government’s fee cap. The UK government announced its proposed fee caps for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years in November 2025.
The fee cap beyond this hasn’t been announced yet but the Government plans to increase the fee cap each year to match inflation.
So, you should expect a rise in your fee each year. As soon as we know what this will be for 2028- to 2029 academic year and beyond, we will publish it on our course pages.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Upcoming changes: Lifelong Learning Entitlement
From January 2027, students who live in England can access student finance through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – a single funding system that brings together Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans.
The LLE currently applies to England only. Student finance in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not affected by this change.
You can learn more about the LLE on the GOV.UK website.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
Upcoming changes: Lifelong Learning Entitlement
From January 2027, students who live in England can access student finance through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – a single funding system that brings together Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans.
The LLE currently applies to England only. Student finance in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not affected by this change.
You can learn more about the LLE on the GOV.UK website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
Overseas fee
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2026-27 was £45,500.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
93% Of Imperial Chemistry graduates in work or further study*
- 93% Of Imperial Chemistry graduates in work or further study*
- 7%
84% Of Imperial Chemistry graduates in work highly skilled or further study*
- 84% Of Imperial Chemistry graduates in work highly skilled or further study*
- 16%
*2022-23 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2025
Become familiar with a broad range of research skills.
Gain proficiency in finding, designing, analysing and communicating reliable information.
Chemistry graduates pursue careers in high-demand fields, as well as further education at the PhD level.
Consulting, research, accounting, industrial development, production control, marketing, and teaching are common careers.
Other potential careers include pharmaceuticals, data science, accounting, and defence.
Further links
Contact the department
- Email: ch.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Chemistry website
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Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications