Chemistry with Mathematics - BSc (Hons)

Develop a strong foundation in core chemical concepts, underpinned by advanced mathematics, to explore cutting-edge topics in our Chemistry with Mathematics BSc. Guided by our nationally recognised educators and leading researchers, you’ll have access to specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation, opportunities for industry experience, and dedicated professional development and employability modules. You'll graduate equipped with the analytical, practical and professional skills that employers value in a wide range of industries.

This programme will be put forward for accreditation by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

UCAS code

  • FG12

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Why study Chemistry with Mathematics at Keele University?

Chemistry at Keele is Top 5 in the UK for student positivity* NSS 2024 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the National Student Survey
15th in England for Mathematics, Guardian University Guide 2025
Gain hands-on access to specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratories
Be career ready by gaining transferrable, professional and employability skills
Attend our Chemical Sciences Seminar Series and engage with speakers from academia and industry presenting material at the forefront of current scientific knowledge 
insert-i start

Studying Chemistry at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of what it's like to study Chemistry at Keele.

View video transcript

insert-i end
insert-a start

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele TEF Gold 2023

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

insert-a end
insert-d start

Academic expertise

A dynamic group of staff with a broad range of expertise teach on the chemistry with mathematics programme and bring a wealth of experience acquired through research and scholarship across a diverse set of areas. Our staff regularly make scholarly contributions to national education conferences, journals and books, as well as attract funding for teaching innovation projects, on topics spanning authentic assessment, embedding technology in teaching, team-based and active learning, gamification and induction to HE.

Chemistry department award

insert-d end

Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Work placement year

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. In between year two and three of your studies, you can undertake a placement. This will provide you with practical experience and the opportunity to enhance your employability by applying the skills and theories you have learnt to real situations in the industrial workplace.

Throughout your placement you will be supported by an academic advisor and a placements and project manager, who is based in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. 

If you don't think you can commit to a full year on placement, our Flexible Work Placement module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your time in industry around existing demands.  
 
We also offer work placements based in schools and colleges, specifically for students interested in entering the teaching profession. 

International year

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions. Find out more here

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB Subject specifics apply
BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply
T Level: N/A Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in Maths

Contextual Offer: BBD in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in Maths

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
and B in Maths A level

Contextual Offer: DMM  in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
and B in Maths A level

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in Applied Science BTEC National Diplomas / Diplomas and B in Maths A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Chemistry and B in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

T Level

Unfortunately we do not accept T Levels for this Combined Honours course. However please do explore our other courses in Chemistry or Maths, which do typically accept T Levels.

 

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry and 5 in Maths (Any), or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry and 5 in Maths (any)

Contextual Offer: 553 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry and 5 in Maths (Any), or 28 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry and 5 in Maths (any)

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry and Maths related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers including Chemistry and Maths Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Chemistry and Maths Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including Chemistry and Maths Advanced Higher.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Chemistry or Physics and Chemistry (combined) and H4 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Chemistry and 70% in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry and 70% in Maths in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry and 75% in Maths in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Chemistry and 12 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics and 13 in Maths, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Chemistry / Physics and 12.5 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Chemistry and 4 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry and 8 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

70% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry and 8 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Chemistry and 18 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry and 16 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Chemistry, 70% in Advanced Functions and 70% in Calculus and Vectors.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry and 4 in Calculus (either).

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced Levels including B in Chemistry and B in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three Principle level subjects in the STPM including B in Chemistry and B in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 Levels including B in Chemistry and B in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

72% overall with 7 in Chemistry and 7 in Maths (5 period).

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB including B in Chemistry and B in Mathematics. Grade C in EAP English Language module

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Chemistry and B in Maths
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Chemistry and B in Maths

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

insert-b start

Chemistry students working in lab

insert-b end
insert-c start

Facilities

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

Apply your learning

Practical and computational teaching will take place in Keele’s state-of-the-art, £34m Central Science Laboratories (CSL).
You will have access to a wide variety and high volume of industry-standard equipment that is housed within a space designed to encourage and enable collaborative and interdisciplinary working. We continue to invest in high quality equipment and instrumentation to an industry standard. You will be trained how to use research level equipment from the first semester of your first year.
This means you will be familiar with the type of instrumentation you may use in your career within the field.
You will also have access to dedicated computer labs, including remote access, which will enable you to gain experience with specialised scientific software and Python coding facilities.

Emma, Chemistry student

"Chemistry at Keele offers the perfect microcosm to flourish. It cemented my love for science and has truly nurtured me into a critical and enthusiastic scientist. "

Emma, Chemistry

insert-c end
insert-e start insert-e end
insert-f start insert-f end

Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme that provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Mathematics degree. For example, the Foundations of Business 1 module will help you to develop appropriate investigative skills in order to analyse financial information and make informed business decisions. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do. 

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00185 Practical and Academic Skills in Science 15 credits
FYO-00189 Foundations of Chemistry 15 credits
FYO-00217 Foundation of Mathematical Methods 30 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00191 Advancing Chemistry 30 credits
FYO-00229 Advancing Mathematical Methods 30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United KingdomEuropean Union and International students

  • 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English

How to apply

Students will need to apply for Chemistry with Foundation Year (UCAS code F103) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

insert-g start insert-g end insert-h start insert-h end

Discover the Keele difference

Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.

We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.