Entry requirements
The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard and Minimum entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
Other qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
Yes, applicants are expected to have studied Chemistry and Mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, IB Higher Level, or equivalent. Preference may be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.
Course details
The BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and Mathematics will teach you the fundamentals of the central science of chemistry, from the composition and properties of matter, to using reactions to create new molecules and materials. You will learn about the critical role of chemistry in industries and new technologies, from pharmaceuticals to accessing drinkable water, and from efficient energy generation to sustainable food production.
You will also develop a high level of mathematical ability to understand complex patterns and structures, and develop the tools with which to analyse them. Whether these patterns relate to physical or biological phenomena or the structure of mathematics itself, the primary aim is to describe, categorise, and understand the processes involved.
Chemistry and Mathematics at St Andrews interfaces with biology, physics, medicine and geology, making it a highly applicable degree.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure webpage.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.
Modules
Students will take the following compulsory first-year modules:
- Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry: covers origin of the elements and the periodic table, atomic structure, shapes and properties of molecules, chemistry of the elements, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, and mathematical tools for chemistry.
- Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 1: covers bonding in simple molecules, inorganic solids, chemistry of the first-row transition metals, properties of solids, states of matter, and introductory spectroscopy.
- Organic and Biological Chemistry 1: covers the structure and nomenclature of simple organic compounds, basic stereochemistry, fundamental organic reaction mechanisms, organic functional groups and their reactions, introductory bioorganic chemistry, and organic spectroscopy.
- Mathematics: is designed to introduce students to the ideas, methods and techniques which they will need for applying mathematics in the physical sciences or for taking the study of mathematics further. It aims to extend and enhance their skills in algebraic manipulation and in differential and integral calculus, to develop their geometric insight and their understanding of limiting processes, and to introduce them to complex numbers and matrices.
Each of the compulsory sub-honours modules in chemistry involves a mixture of lecture-based and practical teaching.
Students will take the following compulsory second-year modules:
- Inorganic Chemistry 2: covers metal complexes and organometallics, descriptive transition-metal chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, solid-state chemistry and descriptive main-group chemistry.
- Physical Chemistry 2: covers quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy and diffraction, and advanced mathematical tools for chemistry.
- Linear Mathematics: extends the knowledge and skills that students have gained concerning matrices and systems of linear equations. It introduces the basic theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformations and diagonalization.
Students will choose three other Mathematics modules from a range of options. Each of the compulsory sub-honours modules in chemistry involves a mixture of lecture-based and practical teaching.
The knowledge and skills in research and analysis that you gain during the sub-honours years will prepare you to undertake more advanced and specialist modules during your final two (Honours) years combining Chemistry and Mathematics modules.
In the final year students also undertake a substantial research project in Chemistry on a topic chosen in consultation with academic staff. The project aims to develop your skills in experimental design and problem-solving, the evaluation and interpretation of data, independent working, and oral and written communication.
This course does not have RSC accreditation.
The modules above are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course. Please see the module catalogue for more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment.
Teaching
Fees
Scotland
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man
£9,535
EU and overseas
£31,670
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
Careers
S Andrews chemistry graduates have an employment rate of more than 95% and are in demand by large multinational and grassroots companies alike.
Chemistry degrees provide a range of highly desirable skills that are prized by employers across numerous sectors, including:
- problem-solving
- numeracy
- data handling
- teamwork
- oral and written communication
St Andrews Chemistry and Mathematics graduates move into a wide range of employment both in the chemical and allied industries, as well as sectors outside physical science which rely on a high degree of mathematical ability.
Many BSc Chemistry and Mathematics graduates continue on to PhD-level degrees both in the UK and overseas.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
What to do next
Online information events
Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.
Undergraduate visiting days
We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.
Contact us
- Phone
- +44 (0)1334 46 3800
- chemistry@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Address
- School of Chemistry
Purdie Building
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST
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