Are you aspiring to study at Imperial College London? Do you want to know about the chemistry department, its admission requirements, courses offered, housing options and other information related to studying the world’s leading chemistry department?

One might be forced to ask the question; why is Chemistry important? Without further ado, here is the sure answer; Chemistry is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, and clean air, water, and soil. Knowing something about chemistry is worthwhile because it provides an excellent basis for understanding the physical universe we live in. For better or for worse, whether you like it or not, everything is chemical! As one of the topmost Public universities in London, Imperial College was previously a part of the University of London. The institution started operating independently in 2007 and has been serving as a history of research pioneers for a long time before that. One of the notorious researchers, Alexander Fleming, was an Imperial alumnus.

Having carved a niche in the international education system for its profound research and teaching excellence, Imperial College is determined towards producing notable scientists, academicians, and researchers in a variety of disciplines. It has been reported that more than 90% of Imperial graduates find their dream jobs.

As an attraction of international students, the college boasts of widely recognised alumni, one of them being the sixth Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Ratna Gandhi.

Chemistry at Imperial is designed to produce chemists of the highest calibre, who are capable of pursuing a career in the chemical sciences.

All of Chemistry courses at the college are professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and cover modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in all years of study.

Years one and two of all of our chemistry courses follow the same core lecture module content supplemented by two ancillary modules. These modules are not always chemistry modules, and have been chosen to support specific degree program.

In the third year of this course you will take a mixture of core and optional modules, and complete a substantial research project.

Laboratory experience

All of our Chemistry courses include a high level of laboratory experience, designed to develop the practical, analytical and theoretical skills required to work in the sector.

You will take part in a wide range of laboratory-based activities in the Department, which vary from year three depending on which course you choose.

As well as traditional synthetic chemistry labs, you will also be trained in measurement science, analytical chemistry and molecular modeling, helping you gain confidence in applying a large number of different experimental techniques.

You will also take part in theoretical and mathematical methods laboratories, workshops and IT laboratories.

White City Campus

The Department of Chemistry is currently based at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus. It also occupies the Molecular Sciences Research Hub on the College’s brand new White City Campus. This provides us with state-of-the-art research facilities and exciting opportunities for collaboration with industry.

Final-year undergraduate projects and some third- and fourth-year lectures will take place at White City. A free shuttle bus service runs between the campuses.

Imperial Chemistry Entry Requirements

Both Master in Science (MSci) degrees and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees are offered.

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 substantial individual project in the final year, which gives you the chance to work in a research environment; you also engage with more advanced research-led lecture modules.

Transfer between degrees

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.

Often called the ‘central science’, chemistry combines mathematics and physics together with the life sciences and applied sciences like medicine and engineering. Our researchers are working to develop new cancer treatments, create self-healing materials and make chemistry more sustainable.

Chemistry at Imperial is all about training you to become an expert in your field through problem-solving and hands-on practical experience. With state-of-the-art facilities at our main base in South Kensington and at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub at our White City Campus, we’re one of the leading chemistry departments in the UK.

The flexibility of our courses lets you follow your own path, whether that’s through a year abroad, in industry or research, combining your studies with languages or management, or the enormous variety of modules inspired by our research.

Where could your degree take you?

Chemistry informs everything, from developing new pharmaceuticals that will help fight disease, to mitigating climate change. This means our graduates are recruited into practically every branch of industry.

Many choose to pursue a PhD, while others work in roles as diverse as industrial development, production and quality control, marketing, finance and teaching.

Recent graduates have become…

• Process Scientist, Drug discovery and development company
• Data Scientist, Tesco
• Graduate Audit Trainee, KPMG
• Research Scientist, Global snack company
• Graduate Scientist, Ministry of Defence

Entry Requirements

A Levels

Minimum entry standard for 2021 entry: AAA overall.

Typical three A-level offer: A*AA – A*A*A.

• A* / A in Chemistry (A* is required if Mathematics is offered at grade A)
• A* / A in Mathematics (A* is required if Chemistry is offered at grade A)
• A in a third subject: preferably Biology, Physics or Economics**

If made an offer, you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer. The practical endorsement is part of the reformed English linear A-levels.

Our minimum AAA entry is our contextual offer. Most offers are higher than this, and all offers are made based on a combination of the UCAS application, academic potential, motivation for Chemistry and interview performance.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

We require an overall typical score of 39 points (minimum 38), including:

• 6 / 7 in Higher Level Chemistry (7 is required if Mathematics is offered at grade 6)
• 6 / 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (7 is required if Chemistry is offered at grade 6).
• 6 in a third subject at Higher Level: preferably Biology, Physics or Economics**

**Please see note under Combination of Subjects tab below. 

NOTE REGARDING HL MATHS QUALIFICATION

For entry in 2021, the Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will BOTH be accepted at higher level with no preference.

Advanced Placements (AP)

We require the following AP subjects (where taken alongside SATs or ACTs):

• 5 in AP Chemistry and 5 in AP Calculus BC
• 5 in a third AP subject: preferably Biology, Physics C (either stream), Microeconomics or Macroeconomics**

We are unable to accept SATs or ACT on their own in the place of Advanced Placements. Some offers may include a fourth AP subject, or more when presented without SATs or ACT.

**Please see note under Combination of Subjects tab below. 

Cambridge Pre-U

Our typical three-subject offer:

• D2/D3 in Chemistry (D2 is required if Mathematics is offered at grade D3)
• D2/D3 in Mathematics (D2 is required if Chemistry is offered at grade D3)
• D3 in a third subject: preferably Biology, Physics or Economics**

**Please see note under Combination of Subjects tab below.  

Scottish Advanced Highers

• A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics
• A in a third subject: preferably Biology, Economics, Physics**

We are unable to accept Scottish Higher, only Advanced Higher qualifications.

**Please see note under Combination of Subjects tab below. 

 

Irish Leaving Certificate

• H1 in Chemistry and H1 in Mathematics
• H1 in a third subject: preferably Biology, Economics, Physics**
• H2 in three other subjects

**Please see note under Combination of Subjects tab below. 

European Baccalaureate

Typically, we require 82.5% overall, including:

• 9 in Chemistry and 8.5 in Mathematics.**

**Please see note under Combination of Subjects tab below. 

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels (SIPCAL)

• A in Chemistry at H2 level and A in Mathematics at H2 level
• A in a third subject at H2 level: preferably Biology, Economics, Physics**

 A Merit in a subject at H3 level would be accepted in lieu of A at H2.

 English Language Requirements

All applicants must meet our minimum English language qualification requirement. See the Language Requirements tab below for further details, including additional language requirements for applicants to our Research Abroad (F104, F101) or Language for Science (F1R1, F1R2, F1R4) programs.

 

Additional entry requirements

Interview

If your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements and you live within reasonable travelling distance of the College you will be invited to visit the Department. After a talk by the admissions tutor about the College, the structure of the course and other opportunities available you will experience a lecture given by one of our academics, highlighting the breadth and depth of research being conducted in the department and the way in which undergraduates have contributed to this research. You will have the chance to talk to current undergraduates over lunch and will be taken on a tour of the department and College. Each applicant will be interviewed individually in the afternoon. The interview will comprise a discussion with two academics 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 panel to observe how an applicant things and how they reason their way through a problem. The interview teams are highly experienced and are able to see through nerves 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.

Why Chemistry?

Chemistry is connected to every aspect of life – from the medicines you take for a headache to the colour of the clothes you wear. Modern life would not be the same without chemists.

As a chemist, you will study the nature of atoms and molecules and the way they react together to produce useful products. You will also study both organic and inorganic materials, looking at their properties, synthesis, reactions, analysis and uses.

Why choose Chemistry at Imperial?

Chemistry at Imperial has always placed strong emphasis on practical education. Intensive laboratory experience not only teaches chemical techniques and scientific method, but also provides a framework for developing transferable skills.

Our graduates are highly valued by both chemical and non-chemical employers. The college regularly host recruitment visits by UK, European and US companies, who include Imperial College in a small group of Chemistry Departments whose students they recruit.

What can I do with a Chemistry degree?

Chemists are recruited into practically every branch of industry. They have an especially important role in areas like pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, oil and chemicals, photographic materials, cosmetics, plastics, textiles, building materials, silicon chips – and a host more.

Overseas Students

Imperial College London is truly international university which benefits from academic staff and students drawn from around the world. Students from 110 countries are currently studying here so you are very likely to meet other students from your homeland. International students are particularly welcomed for the different perspectives and diversity they bring to teaching and learning at Imperial. There is an international students’ Committee at the College, which has representatives from all parts of the College community, including students. We keep an eye on all matters affecting international students, particularly their well-being

imperial college entry requirements medicine

A-levels

Minimum entry standards

Our minimum entry standard for 2022 entry is AAA overall, to include:

• A in Biology
• A in Chemistry
• A in a third subject

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

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Typical offer range

As a guide, here are the typical offers made to at least 80% of A-level applicants for 2020 entry:

• Three A-level offer: A*AA (A* in Biology or Chemistry)

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Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)

If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.

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Additional Mathematics support

Our A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.

This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.

Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.

International Baccalaureate

Minimum entry standards

Our minimum entry standard for 2022 entry is 38 points overall, to include:

• 6 in Biology at higher level
• 6 in Chemistry at higher level

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Typical offer range

As a guide, the typical offer made to at least 80% of IB applicants for 2020 entry was 39 points.

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Mathematics Higher Level for award in 2022

For entry in 2022, the Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level with no preference.

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Additional Mathematics support

We have launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.

Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.

Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.

Overview

Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest in Europe, with medical campuses across north and west London and partnerships with a wide range of NHS Trusts, hospitals and clinics. In response to several drivers for change, including updated GMC guidance, technological development in education and healthcare, the planned Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) and expectations of medical practice within the NHS of the future, a review of the MBBS programme has been undertaken and a new curriculum developed.

Our teaching is enriched by our internationally competitive research and clinical expertise, so you’ll be learning at the very cutting edge of the subject. We deliver the course through a range of innovative and traditional teaching methods, including lectures, small group teaching, computer workshops, laboratory classes and problem-based learning.

The emphasis of our new MBBS programme is on the development of Professional Values and Behaviours, Professional skills, and Professional Knowledge, in line with the GMC’s most recently published Outcomes for Graduates (2018). The redeveloped spiral curriculum is delivered in three phases and provides exciting opportunities for our students and staff including: 

• More opportunities for clinical skills training and patient experience. 
• A case-based learning approach to facilitate integration and translation of scientific knowledge to clinical care. 
• A structure to facilitate active, life-long learning, with each module building on the previous one, adding more depth and complexity. 
• A Programmatic Assessment strategy to enable you to build your knowledge throughout your studies. 
• A focus on the application of science and research skills in Phase 2, expanding upon early science exposure in Phase 1. 
• A redeveloped and enhanced tutoring programme to support your progression with a focus on Study Skills. 
• Continued opportunities across Phase 3 for reflective learning, to be recorded and reviewed by you and your tutor. 

The new MBBS curriculum is aligned to the College’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, and our in-house developed bespoke Curriculum Map (Sofia). This will enable you to study specific learning outcomes, mapped to your assessments.

Phase 1

In Phase 1, you will focus both on the scientific basis of health and disease and the foundations of clinical practice, including early clinical exposure. The course will include modules on lifestyle medicine and prevention and case-based learning, with opportunities to undertake clinical improvement and research projects. 

Phase 2

During Phase 2, you will work towards your BSc by completing a series of modules and a supervised research project in a scientific/medical subject of your choice.

This gives you the chance to develop your scientific knowledge and research skills, as well as expose you to research at the forefront of the field.

Phase 3

In Phase 3, students will build on the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed in the first four years of the MBBS. In hospital and community settings, students will experience how clinical teams work together to deliver patient care from beginning to the end of life. Throughout Phase 3, significant emphasis will be placed on preparing students for clinical practice.

Exceptional students may be offered the opportunity to include a PhD as part of their course. 

edinburgh university chemistry entry requirements

Introducing BSc Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of molecules – their structures, properties, synthesis – and how they interact with each other to create new molecules.

Its range and compass are enormous. From the simplest compounds like methane and sodium chloride to vast and complex biological molecules such as DNA or the proteins which form the basis for life itself.

An understanding of every facet of science, technology and engineering is therefore informed by knowledge of chemistry.

A 21st-century chemist can make significant contributions to a sustainable, secure and healthy future for the coming generations through the development of:

• efficient renewable energy sources
• smart materials and devices
• targeted medicinal therapies

A chemistry degree from the University of Edinburgh provides the intellectual framework for understanding the properties of molecules – from the fundamentals to the frontiers of current research.

The degree focuses strongly on the wide range of analytical and experimental skills necessary to practice the subject. It also provides insight into research via a final-year research project working at the cutting edge of the subject.

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA – AAAB (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA – ABB.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL – 32 points with 555 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 555 at HL.

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A and Chemistry at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics and Chemistry are recommended. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Chemistry and Mathematics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Chemistry and Mathematics (from 2021, Mathematics: Analysis and approaches only) at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (from 2021, Mathematics: Analysis and approaches only) at 6 (if not at HL).

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Second year entry

For direct entry to second year the standard requirements must be exceeded, including the following:

• SQA Advanced Highers: AAB to include Chemistry and Mathematics; or AA in Chemistry and Mathematics, plus at least BB in two further Highers.
• A Levels: A*AA in set of exams to include Chemistry and Mathematics, or AAA in one set of exams to include Chemistry and Mathematics and one of Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Geology.
• IB: 38 points with 666 at HL to include Chemistry and Mathematics (from 2021, Mathematics: Analysis and approaches only) at 6.

Other entry pathways

Entry to many degrees in Science & Engineering is possible via other qualifications (eg HNC/D, Access, SWAP).