Undergraduate

Chemistry is the central science. Many of the global challenges in areas such as energy, health, resources, environment and climate change require interdisciplinary solutions with significant contributions from Chemistry. Our degree programmes reflect this breadth and diversity.

6th

Subject ranking

The Times Good University Guide 2026

87.7%

Overall Student Satisfaction

National Student Survey (NSS) 2025

7th

Subject ranking

Complete University Guide 2026

RSC Accredited Degree logo

Key Features

  • Courses on our programmes taught by world class experts and supported by an extensive tutorial system
  • This course is accredited by the RSC. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem)
  • Chemical Physics degree is accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics
  • A large and diverse chemistry community with over 50 academic staff with international reputations in their research fields
  • Significant choice and flexibility in Years 1 and 2 with access to other science or engineering courses, or courses from across the university, and also retaining the ability to transfer to alternative degrees
  • Extensive training in practical chemistry, presentation skills, scientific writing and team working

The degree is not only about subject mastery, but rather a life changing experience with personal growth. Future opportunities are endless, only you define the limits.

Flexibility

We have incorporated a lot of flexibility into our programme structures. These include the option to change between Bachelors or Masters, and choosing entry in to 1st or 2nd year.

Visit Us

Study location

All teaching and labs are based at the King's Buildings campus. Year 1 chemistry labs take place in the Nucleus Building.

Explore the Nucleus Building in Google Maps

Photos of the Nucleus Building in Google Maps

The King's Buildings campus is about a:

  • 15 minutes' bus journey from central campus (there is a regular free shuttlebus between both locations)
  • 40 minutes’ walk from central campus

Walking map from the Nucleus building to George Square central campus

Shuttlebus route and timetable (limited to current students & staff)


If you have a UCAS offer, the best way to learn more about us is to come to one of the School of Chemistry Offer Holder Days which will be listed below when they are confirmed. These usually take place in March or April each year. You will be invited to one if you receive an offer to study Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.

Offer Holder Days

You can find out more about our Offer Holder Days at the link below:

University of Edinburgh UG Open Days

Self-Guided Tours

Applying

International Placements and Exchanges

The final year of the MChem degrees have only one activity, the research project.  This project can be Edinburgh-based, Industry-based or International, in the chemistry department of one of our partner universities around the world. The benefits resulting from these experiences in terms of both academic and personal development and future employability are very substantial.

  • Gain valuable work experience
  • Earn a salary
  • Work outside the UK

Our Students' Experience

Amy - Year Abroad

Amy tells us about her year abroad while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Bonity - year abroad

Bonity tells us about her year abroad while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Briana - Industrial Placement

Briana tells us about her year in industry while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Charlotte - Year Abroad

Charlotte tells us about her year abroad while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Claire tells us about her year in industry while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Jack tells us about his year in industry while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Miroslav tells us about his year in industry while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Moritz tells us about his year in industry while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh.

Paulina tells us about her year in industry while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh

Pepy tells us about his year abroad while studying Chemistry at Edinburgh

Scott tells us about his industrial placement