What are the best universities for chemistry?

Hello! GCSE student here (Y11) and I have quite an interest in taking chemistry to a university level. Im expected A*s at GCSE level so I hope i can translate that over to expectes grades at A level.

Yes, I know A-Level chemistry is a big jump. Ive started looking at that curriculum already just to give myself a headstart compared to my compatriots at that higher level. This is just so I can start looking towards where I might be in the future if I pursue chemistry in the future.

Reply 1

TypicalNerd

Original post

by insidemyhome

Hello! GCSE student here (Y11) and I have quite an interest in taking chemistry to a university level. Im expected A*s at GCSE level so I hope i can translate that over to expectes grades at A level.
Yes, I know A-Level chemistry is a big jump. Ive started looking at that curriculum already just to give myself a headstart compared to my compatriots at that higher level. This is just so I can start looking towards where I might be in the future if I pursue chemistry in the future.

Of course, this depends on how you define “best”. If you want to go into research, I’d argue the best university by miles for chemistry is Oxford as the course is quite literally designed for that purpose and you even get a year in research with one of the groups there - the course is also unique in that it isn’t modular and thus you get a far better understanding of how the different disciplines of chemistry interconnect. However, if you are more interested in a career in industry, you may wish to instead consider universities with a year in industry (which Oxford does not offer, unfortunately), such as Bath.

I think it’s definitely good that you’ve picked the subject before the uni and identified the need to do well in your A levels. I’d say for now your main priority should be doing as well as you can in your GCSEs so you can access the right A levels (I would recommend chemistry + maths + further maths and/or physics). The recommended combination of A levels will equip you with all the skills you need to start a chemistry degree and will allow you to meet the entry requirements for any undergraduate level chemistry course in the UK.

Reply 2

EDP8

Hello, my son has just put his application in for chemistry and we have just finished the round of open days. What we have learnt is that all the courses are slightly different, and really it will boil down to what course fits you. Some require maths, some don't which surprised us. Some courses have options to have a year out in industry and or a year out studying somewhere else. The lab facilities were variable. I would encourage you to visit as many universities as you can and then you will get a feel for what is right for you. Good luck.

Reply 3

McGinger

You are only in Year 11. You have no idea what your GCSE results will be, never mind what your eventual A level predicted grades are going to look like. And you have not yet experienced even the slightly more intense study of Chemistry in Sixth Form. So, all in all, its far too early to start to be weighing up 'which University'.

If you want to get a feel for what University study is like and in particular what a Chemistry degree includes, then go to a Uni Open Day in May/June - at any Uni. Its perfectly okay for Year 11s to go to these.