Undergraduate 

Chemistry (in partnership with BUCT) BSc/MSci

Chemistry is the science of molecules and materials. It is a science with a well-developed theory base which is central to modern life and which continues to make advances in, for example, new materials, antibiotics, semiconductors and trace analysis.

  • September start
  • Session dates
  • Chemistry (in partnership with BUCT) BSc 4 year degree
  • Chemistry (in partnership with BUCT) MSci: 5 year degree
    You may apply for transfer to the MSci mid-BSc.

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2

Students at BUCT on the programmes of BSc Chemistry, BSc Applied Chemistry, BSc Energy Chemistry will follow years 1 and 2 of those programmes.

Years 3 and 4

Students coming into Honours will study advanced topics in chemistry including aspects of synthetic methods, medicinal chemistry, colloids, catalysis, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and main group and transition metal chemistry. In your final year you will undertake a research project at the frontiers of the subject.

Year 5

You can take Chemistry as an MSci degree which includes an additional work placement year in the UK or overseas, between the third and final years of the degree. 

Course details

Years 1 and 2

Students at BUCT on the programmes of BSc Chemistry, BSc Applied Chemistry, BSc Energy Chemistry will follow years 1 and 2 of those programmes.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study advanced topics in chemistry including aspects of synthetic methods, medicinal chemistry, colloids, catalysis, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and main group and transition metal chemistry. In your final year you will undertake a research project at the frontiers of the subject.

Core modules:

(We are presently reviewing these level 3 courses to allow greater flexibility and compatibility with other science subjects; the revised structure will be updated in mid-2022 once approved.)

There is an opportunity to take Chemistry as an MSci degree, which includes an additional work placement year in the UK or overseas, between the third and final years of the degree.


Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2025

Students should consult the BUCT website for details of entry requirements into year 1.

For entry to Level 3 (Honours) at the University of Glasgow students should obtain a minimum of 75% in all core courses in years 1 and 2 at BUCT. 

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)

  • 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic)

  • 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

  • 65%.
  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

  • iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
  • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
  • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
  • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
  • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
  • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
  • Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
  • Masters degree from English speaking country
  • Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:


Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study


Career prospects

Our graduates are employed as chemists working in research, process development and analysis, as well as in management, marketing, environmental control, patents and finance. Recent graduates have been employed by:

  • EDF Energy
  • Quotient Clinical
  • Reckitt Benckiser
  • Sterling Medical Innovation
  • Synergy Outsourcing. 

Accreditation

These programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

University of Glasgow- BUCT Scholarship

This scholarship is for students transferring to the University of Glasgow from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology as part of our articulation agreement.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

How to apply

Students should consult the BUCT website for applying to year 1 of the programme.

Students intending to transfer to the University of Glasgow from BUCT in Level 3 may apply directly to the University of Glasgow.

You will require copies of your transcript showing courses already taken and in progress in the first two years of your degree; your English language test result; the photo page of your passport. 

We would encourage students to apply in January/February for September start.

  • Application form: coming soon
  • Application deadline: 30 June

Students who have yet to complete year 2 of their programme at BUCT, or to obtain the necessary English language qualification may receive an offer of a place conditional on meeting these two requirements. There is no need to wait to obtain these to submit an application. 

UK top 20

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Chemistry]

Times Good university guide

Times Good university guide
UK top 20

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Chemistry]