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Chemistry or Physics at degree level.

Hi just looking for advice on which subject I should choose for when writing my uni application. I've always loved aspects of both but haven't been able to decide on which I prefer more. The areas of intersection that I enjoy are the more quantum sides of physics and chemistry.
Original post by lucasnch1
Hi just looking for advice on which subject I should choose for when writing my uni application. I've always loved aspects of both but haven't been able to decide on which I prefer more. The areas of intersection that I enjoy are the more quantum sides of physics and chemistry.

There’s no rule that says you have to settle on one or the other - have you considered courses that combine aspects of chemistry with those of physics (e.g. natural sciences, chemical physics)? I’ve linked a few (and others) below that you may be interested in, but the best way to decide is by thoroughly looking into the modules in each course. The degree may be titled a certain way, but some universities may take a more flexible approach when it comes to selecting optional modules and allow you to take modules outside of pure chemistry and pure physics, or, take modules that have some overlap between the two.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/chemistry-molecular-physics/
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/chemistry/chemistry-mchem/chemistry-and-physics-joint/
https://undergraduate.degrees.ed.ac.uk/?code=F334&action=view
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/chemical-physics/bsc-chemical-physics/
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Natural-Sciences-BSc-Hons-U6UNATRS.html
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/degrees/chemical-engineering-beng
Reply 3
Thanks for the advice and links guys. Really useful. Don't think I wanna go down a Chemical Engineering route. Also do reckon materials science is also a viable route too. Also my only three concerns are: will single science degrees hold more weight compared to those of which that consist of multiple sciences for example Chemistry and Physics, or natural sciences. Will these be harder to manage at degree level? And thirdly will it be challenging to write a personal statement on these especially if they may not all be the same
Original post by lucasnch1
Thanks for the advice and links guys. Really useful. Don't think I wanna go down a Chemical Engineering route. Also do reckon materials science is also a viable route too. Also my only three concerns are: will single science degrees hold more weight compared to those of which that consist of multiple sciences for example Chemistry and Physics, or natural sciences. Will these be harder to manage at degree level? And thirdly will it be challenging to write a personal statement on these especially if they may not all be the same

Multi-subject STEM degrees are actually preferred by many employers - because it means that you would 'speak several different science languages' and can make the innovative connections between different areas that are needed out there in the real world. This is what you write about in your PS - the connections between sciences and therefore why you want to study them together.

If you are currently in Year 12, then you need to go to Uni Open Days in May/June, and listen to the subject presentations for both 'single subject' and 'multi' courses like Natural Sciences. Find out how these courses are structured, what the academic advantages are, and what their grads go on to do. Don't just 'assume'.
Reply 5
Thanks so much this is all really helpful. One more question. I'm thinking of applying to the UNIQ summer school for this year at Oxford. Deadline is quite soon but I'm still unsure on which subject I should choose out of Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science. Or would you say it doesn't matter?
Original post by lucasnch1
Thanks so much this is all really helpful. One more question. I'm thinking of applying to the UNIQ summer school for this year at Oxford. Deadline is quite soon but I'm still unsure on which subject I should choose out of Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science. Or would you say it doesn't matter?

If its a specifically Oxford-entry question, its best to ask this on the Oxford forum -(1) Oxford Undergraduate - The Student Room For all other Unis, you would use the UNIQ experience as evidence of enthusiasm for STEM at Uni, and could discuss specific topics in your PS - and therefore it would make sense to choose the subject that interests you the most.

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