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How important is accreditation?

I'm planning on applying to the NatSci programme at Durham, where I hope to ultimately specialise in chemistry, but the programme isn't accredited by the RSC. Should I be worried by this?

Reply 1

Nymthae

I imagine it's entirely the nature of NatSci - they won't accredit the program because there is no structure in place to regulate that you've done a sufficient amount of Chemistry/the modules required. It's not the end of the world, because it's not that NatSci is bad, it's just it's different. An accredited degree will make it easier to become chartered later on in your career, but you can take additional exams to achieve this status later on if needs be. Chances are at the end of your degree you probably won't have done as much Chemistry as someone who has done a straight Chemistry degree, but that's the nature of it (the beauty of the flexibility, even). I wouldn't let it deter you from NatSci.