Frequently Asked Questions About Our Undergraduate Chemistry Courses
Should I apply for BSc or MSci?
What's your typical UCAS offer?
Can I transfer between the BSc and MSci courses?
When can I transfer between the BSc and MSci courses?
Is it possible to change my choice of degree course when I get to Nottingham?
What's the difference between MSci and MChem?
Do I need A2-level Maths or Physics?
Are there any bursaries available at Nottingham?
Will I have to pay fees?
Do I get paid during my year out in industry on CF71 and F105?
Will I pay a lab deposit or lab fee?
What are the recommended textbooks?
How much should I budget for one year at Nottingham?
Do you have a student-run Chemistry Society?
How many hours of study are there in a typical week?
How are students assessed?
Will I have internet access?
Can students take on laboratory experience in the holidays?
What jobs are available to chemistry graduates?
How much does each year contribute to the overall degree mark?
Both are great courses and contain the same material in years one and two, but if you are unsure then we recommend applying for the MSci as this gives you the maximum amount of choice later on.
Our UCAS offer will be tailored to your particular application. It will depend on the balance of A2 qualifications that you are studying, but typically it will be in the range AAB-ABB for our BSc and MSci Chemistry courses. Our range of UCAS offer is identical for all of our BSc and MSci Chemistry courses.
Yes, because these courses contain the same material in years one and two. Transfers are quite common as students develop their career aspirations. We view this flexibility as a key benefit of our degree structure within the School of Chemistry at The University of Nottingham.
You can transfer during the Admissions process or when you commence your studies at Nottingham and up to the first 18 months of study.
The answer is almost always yes. We have a dedicated Undergraduate Student Support Centre within the School of Chemistry as a first point of contact for all of your study-related queries.
Nothing. Different universities call their undergraduate masters different things, but both mean the same to potential employers.
No, but it is likely that any offer that might be made is at the higher end of our offer range.
The reason why the offer for students who do not offer Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at A2 level is likely to be higher is that these students will be required to take mathematics and/or physics modules in Year 1 at Nottingham to ensure they have the necessary mathematics and physics skills for subsequent years of the course.
Yes, we offer a number of scholarships and bursaries. Some are especially for applicants to our Chemistry courses and are offered by the School of Chemistry, and some are offered by the University.
Yes, please visit The University of Nottingham Undergraduate Finance Pages for more information about Student Finance. Students who spend a year away from Nottingham as part of their studies on CF71, F103 and F105 currently pay half-fees during this year.
Yes, currently your salary will be usually in the range of £13-15,000.
No, this is covered by your fees.
We have a well stocked Science Library opposite the School of Chemistry which contains multiple copies of our recommended textbooks. We have one recommended textbook in each of three main branches of chemistry and we have worked closely with our on-campus Blackwell’s Bookshop to offer you these textbooks at a substantial discounted rate.
Our University of Nottingham Undergraduate Finance Pages provide details of what you’ll need to budget for while you are studying and living in Nottingham.
Yes, we have a vibrant student-run ChemSoc that organises visits by speakers from the chemistry industry, promotes social events that run throughout the year and offers a support network for all of our undergraduate chemists.
You’ll have 10 to 12 hours of lectures and workshops, 8 to 12 hours laboratory work and one to two tutorials per week.
It depends on the module choices that you take but a typical student would be assessed by a combination of traditional written examinations (60%) and continual assessment (40%).
There are numerous wifi hotspots across campus within Schools, libraries and the Student Union, and each hall of residence study bedroom has a wired internet connection.
A number of students choose to work in research laboratories within the School during their summer vacations. These paid eight to ten week projects provide a valuable experience for undergraduate students by providing them with the opportunity to work in a real life, cutting edge chemical research laboratory.
Most of our graduates take up industrial positions within chemistry or pursue PhDs in Chemistry or related sciences. A significant number of our graduates are also highly sought after by employers in other sectors which include education, finance, marketing and the media. You can find out more about the opportunities available for you by visiting our Career Destination pages or The University of Nottingham Centre for Career Development.
We recognise that students come from variety of backgrounds and the first year provides an introduction to university study and life. A BSc degree classification will be awarded on your marks for your second (34%) and third (66%) years. A MSci degree classification will be awarded on your marks for your second (20%), third (40%) and fourth (40%) years. It is important that you work hard in your First Year as this provides the basis for more advanced courses in subsequent years. Passing the First Year is a formal requirement for progression onto the Second Year of your course.