Applying for a Chemistry degree

You can find the most common questions from students answered on this page.

If you cannot find what you are looking for on this page please do visit our undergraduate Chemistry homepage where we list all course pages. Alternatively, you can register for a live chat with our staff and current students.

Undergraduate chemistry homepage

Course questions

Can I switch between different chemistry degree courses after I’ve started my degree?

Yes, switching between degrees is possible. To move from BSc degrees to MChem degrees, we ask that students meet and maintain a yearly mark above 60%.

If you meet this academic benchmark, you can proceed as an MChem student. If you do switch to an MChem degree, but then fail to maintain academic performance above 60%, you will have to move back onto the BSc degree stream.

We usually ask that students let us know about any degree changes by the end of Year Two.

If students have an interest in overseas or industrial placements, the department need to know much earlier in Year Two.

What's the difference between the Chemistry degree and the Medicinal Chemistry degree?

Both degrees generally have a common Year One and Year Two. In the Medicinal Chemistry degree, Year Three has optional modules with a focus on drug development and pharmaceutics. Furthermore, students on the MChem (four year) Medicinal Chemistry undertake a research project in Year 4 which relates to their medicinal specialism, such as developing new antibiotics or synthesising natural products - for students on the "standard" MChem degree, there is no such specification of subject area.

How can I ask questions about your courses?

Joining a live chat is the best way to ask us direct questions. The live chats are a online, text-based session with a member of the department. The sessions often involve current undergraduate Chemistry students.

Join an upcoming live chat session

How many hours of teaching will I have each week?

Although this will fluctuate in different years of study, and in different terms. A representative workload for a typical Year 1 chemistry undergraduate will be:

• Roughly 10 hours of lectures
• 1-2 days of laboratory work and one workshop (class size can be anything from 25 to entire cohort)
• 1 tutorial small group teaching in a group of ~6 students with an academic
• 1 large group workshop, with a size range from 20 to full cohort

There is an option to attend ChemCafe sessions organised by our Chemistry SocietyLink opens in a new window. You might also want to attend invited lectures delivered by academic speakers from other universities.

How often will I work in a laboratory?

It depends on the year and the term, but you can expect to work in the undergraduate teaching laboratory an average of 1-2 days per week across Years 1 and 2.

In Year 4, you will undertake a research project with one of our academic groups, requiring you to undertake lab work around 3 days each week in terms one and two.

Are there opportunities to get involved in research?

Yes. The Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS) at Warwick gives students a stipend to undertake some research with an academic group. Students on the four year degrees undertake a research project while embedded in one of our academic research groups, focusing on answering questions at the cutting-edge of the chemical sciences.

For more information on how you can get involved visit the URSS website.

Back to top

Student life

Can I get involved in the Chemistry Society?

Yes.

Our undergraduate Chemistry SocietyLink opens in a new window (ChemSoc) is a vibrant and active society that welcomes all members. You can get involved in regular social events, such as our annual ball, or take part in outreach activities at science galas and local schools.

ChemSoc also run a weekly term-time meeting called ChemCafe. Here students get together to socialise, help each other with course material and lab work. There are often lectures from invited speakers, such as Warwick academics or invited speakers from industry.

Do Year One undergraduates get guaranteed accommodation on campus?

First year undergraduate students have access to convenient on-campus accommodation, subject to demand.

Please visit Warwick's accommodation website for the options we offer.

Back to top