Studying Chemistry at Southampton University

Hi guys,

I am not sure as to whether I should put Southampton or UCL as my firm choice.

Please could current students share their experiences of studying Chemistry at Southampton:

• teaching quality/ academic feedback
• how you’re assessed
• support from the university
• student life/ work-life balance
• Would you recommend going to Southampton?

Thank you for your help!

Reply 1

Mumtogirls

Original post by Anonymous

Hi guys,
I am not sure as to whether I should put Southampton or UCL as my firm choice.
Please could current students share their experiences of studying Chemistry at Southampton:
• teaching quality/ academic feedback
• how you’re assessed
• support from the university
• student life/ work-life balance
• Would you recommend going to Southampton?
Thank you for your help!

Not chemistry but DD1 medical student at Southampton and lives it. Fabulous uni. Great student city. Free laundry and bus pass for year 1 if in halls. Loads of societies. Happy to answer any general questions you have x

Reply 2

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Hi there!

I'm not a chemistry student myself, but I will ask the other reps if any of them do chemistry so that they can reply to you in more detail.

Southampton is rated 16th on the Complete University Guide for chemistry, and UCL is 12th, so both unis are quite high rated and both have an overall score of 92%. For assessments, it will vary depending on what modules you pick, which you can look at here, but overall this is the breakdown:
1st year: 66% Written exam, 13% Coursework, 21% Practical exam
2nd year: 78% Written exam, 3% Coursework 19% Practical exam
3rd year: isn't listed unfortunately on their degree page but I would imagine its similar

Regarding support from the University, every student gets assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) to help you with any course related problems and signpost different support options available, we have a Student Hub which is available to be contacted 24/7 365 days a year for any problems (from homesickness to financial help), and we have an advice centre in our student Union too, so students can be well supported!

The student life at every university will be different and depend a lot on what you look for and where the university is situated. For me personally, I've loved the student life at southampton as I'm really involved with societies (there are over 400 societies currently, from sports to cultural to interests and hobbies), and there are plenty of places for nightlife and to go out with friends.

I would recommend Southampton as I've enjoyed my time here so far, highfield campus where chemistry students would be based is a very green and open campus, the city isn't too far away, and the transport links to the rest of the country are quite good.

Have you had a chance to come and visit us yet? Coming down on an open day would be a great way to have a look at the campus and the chemistry facilities too, to decide if southampton is the place for you.

Hope this has helped!

Joshua
2nd Year Student