School of Chemistry School of Chemistry

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

In the labWhich course should I apply for?

If you're interested in coming to Edinburgh to study for a Chemistry-based degree then it really doesn't matter which course you apply for as it is possible to transfer between them all until the end of third year, apart from Chemical Physics where you have to decide by the end of second year. All of the degree programmes require you to pass specific outside subjects in the early years. We will help you to choose outside courses so that you can keep open your degree options for as long as possible.

What careers are open to me after I graduate?

See our careers page for more information.

What Maths qualification do I need?

Students must have a minimum of an A in Higher Mathematics, B in A-level Mathematics or IB Mathematics SL at Grade 6 or HL at Grade 5 as appropriate.

In the labsWhat is the difference between a BSc and an MChem degree?

We offer both BSc (Bachelor of Science) and MChem (Master of Chemistry) undergraduate degree programmes. Some universities offer MSci (Master of Sciences) degrees but these are just the same as an MChem degree. Which degree programme you opt for depends on your personal circumstances and career plans. You should study for an MChem degree if you are planning a career as a professional chemist either at university or in industry. The MChem degree is classified like a BSc degree (1st, 2nd and 3rd class honours) but is one year longer than a BSc degree. The extra year means you can study topics at greater depth than is possible at the BSc level and it gives you more time to do an extended research project and allows you to develop further skills such as teamworking, problem solving and the use of information technology. Transfer from BSc (Honours) to Masters streams is possible up to the end of the second term of the second year and transfer from Masters to BSc (Honours) can take place at any time up to the end of third year.

How long will my degree take?

That depends on the degree course you take and on your entrance qualifications. If you enter at first year level and complete a BSc (Honours) degree then you will take four years. An MChem degree will take you five years. However if you have three good passes at Advanced Higher (AH) (or CSYS) or good passes in two AH and two further Highers or three good passes at 'A' level then you will be offered exemption from first year. Your BSc (Honours) degree will then only take three years and your MChem will take four years. Specific entrance requirements are given in the individual programme pages.

What might my timetable look like?

Your timetable will be put together especially for you. This means that you can select courses that interest you - although you will have to do some compulsory courses! To help you with your course selection you will be paired with a member of staff from the School known as a Director of Studies. He or she will help you design your timetable and will also give you guidance and advice throughout your studies at Edinburgh. A typical first year timetable consists of a Chemistry course (accounting for one third of total contact hours), a Maths course and another course selected by you. The Chemistry course has three or four 50 minute lectures per week plus a one-hour tutorial and a three hour lab. As you progress through your degree the amount of Chemistry you will study will increase until in your final years there will be approximately seven 50 minute lectures, tutorials and workshops and a research project of 15 to 20 hours per week. In addition, you will also be expected to undertake private study for all courses.

Are any bursaries available for studying Chemistry at Edinburgh?

Yes. Both the School of Chemistry and the University offer bursaries. Some are awarded for one year only and some are given for every year of study. In addition, we are also able to award a number of Industrial Scholarships each year. If you are interested then you should contact the School for details.

See also the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office website.

South Clerk Street flatsWhat is University of Edinburgh accommodation like?

You have a choice of accommodation type when you come to Edinburgh. You can stay in the university's main halls of residence, Pollock Halls, where about 1,900 students live in single study bedrooms on a full board basis. Many of these rooms have their own bathrooms. Or you could live in a university self-catering flat which normally accommodates between 4 and 6 people. A third option is to stay in a student house. The accommodation services at the University of Edinburgh guarantee all students in their first year at the university from outside the Edinburgh area a place in University accommodation. For the rest of your time at the university most students like to find a flat or a house to rent with their friends. The accommodation services will help here too.

What is it like to be a Chemistry undergraduate at Edinburgh University?

"...It's really good fun. There are all sorts of people in our year. It's not at all elitist, almost everyone is very friendly. There's a broad mix of people and personalities and you're bound to find a group with the same interests as you. It's a bit intimidating at first - there's lots more students in the lectures than at school but by the end of the first term you'll have got to know everyone in your year. Chemists have a structured life compared to many other courses but it's a balanced timetable and well organised. The transition from school work to university is very straightforward. We found it easy to adapt and the staff genuinely takes an interest in you. There are great computer facilities. Everyone gets an email address and there is never any queue for the computers so you can keep in touch with your friends in Edinburgh and everywhere else. The School of Chemistry is next door to KB House which has just been refurbished with a nice bar and good sports facilities - it's a good place to go after labs! There's lots to do in Edinburgh in the evenings and at weekends. Come and find out for yourselves!" --Group 5 MChem students.

A clown (Edinburgh festival)What is it like to live in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is one of the best cities in which to live - particularly for students. It is small enough for you to walk to most places you might want to visit and the public transport is frequent and fairly cheap. If you're healthy then Edinburgh is a safe place to cycle with its cycle ways in the centre of town. There is something for everyone in Edinburgh, from cheap to expensive, cultural to sporty. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs, theatres, cinemas and art galleries, museums and parks, shops and sports facilities (e.g., golf courses, olympic sized swimming pool, athletic track, football and rugby pitches, artificial ski slope, tennis and squash courts, gyms) plus all the clubs and societies you can join as an Edinburgh University student. Day or night there is always something to do in Edinburgh.

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