BSc Chemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) Chemistry, a chemistry degree exploring core scientific principles and practical laboratory techniques. The course includes an optional placement year and an optional year abroad. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Principles of Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry Lab and Skills 1, Chemical Reactivity, and Introductory Chemistry Lab and Skills 2, alongside further mathematics and optional science modules. Students can pursue specialist pathways in pharmaceutical chemistry, computational chemistry, biology, or materials and nanoscience.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC (Chemistry and either Maths or Physics required) IB: 29 points. Must include Chemistry at Higher Level 5 and either Maths or Physics at Higher Level 5. Highers: AABB (over two sittings). Must include Chemistry at B, and one of Maths or Physics or Engineering Science at B. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths. HNC: A in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths. HND: BB in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 25%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 55 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 2%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- Other HE qualification: 35%
Modules
- Principles of Chemistry
- Introductory Chemistry Lab and Skills 1
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
- Introductory Biology 1
- Mechanics, Fields and Forces
- Chemical Reactivity
- Introductory Chemistry Lab and Skills 2
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2
- Introductory Biology 2
- Waves and Matter
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £27,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,000 and £36,000. The £30,000 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 29 points in the IB. The average entrant had 178 UCAS points.
Does BSc Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.