How to Apply to Chemistry at Loughborough University: three-year BSc, four-year MChem, plus Medicinal Chemistry and Chemistry with Computing, all accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry; entry for UK, international (including Chinese) and transfer applicants

Chemistry at Loughborough University is taught in the Department of Chemistry, mainly in the STEMLab building (the website describes STEMLab as a University investment of more than £17 million in STEM facilities, with a further £6 million for undergraduate chemistry teaching laboratories). You apply through UCAS directly to a specific course. This guide follows the Loughborough website for September 2027 entry and is for UK applicants, international applicants (including Chinese applicants) and students who want to join the second year. It does not use the UCAS website or application portals, so check UCAS before you submit.

1. Degrees and routes

The Department of Chemistry's undergraduate courses page lists these chemistry degrees (UCAS codes are given first for the course without a placement year, then with one):

• Chemistry BSc (Hons): three years, F100; four years with a placement year, F101. The website says the BSc prepares you for employment in chemistry, science and other sectors.
• Chemistry MChem (Hons): four years, F102; five years with a placement year, F103. The website says the MChem prepares you for a PhD or a career in industrial research and includes a substantial final-year research project.
• Medicinal Chemistry BSc: three years, F151; four years with placement, F127. Medicinal Chemistry MChem: four years, F128; five years with placement, F129. The website says the focus is drug discovery and the pharmaceutical sector.
• Chemistry with Computing BSc: three years, F133; four years with placement, F132. The website says it is taught by the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, with programming and computer-assisted chemistry from the second year (for example materials design, in-silico drug development and large data sets). A Chemistry with Computing MChem is also listed; its page was not used for this guide.
• Natural Sciences BSc / MSci are listed on the same department page; their pages were not used for this guide, so check the website.
• Chemistry with a Foundation Year: see the sections on Chinese and international applicants below.

The website also lists Chemical Engineering BEng and other engineering degrees. Engineering degrees are outside the scope of this guide; see the relevant course pages on the website.

On BSc versus MChem, the website says both are oriented toward the practice of chemistry outside the University: the BSc equips you for employment in chemistry, science and other sectors, while the MChem prepares you for a PhD or industrial research.

2. How admission works and what you study

• You apply directly to a specific course; each degree and length of study has its own UCAS code. The conditions for moving between chemistry courses after you arrive (for example BSc to MChem, or Chemistry to Medicinal Chemistry) are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the Department of Chemistry or Undergraduate Admissions.
• Years 1 and 2: the Chemistry BSc page says organic, inorganic and physical chemistry form the backbone, with modules in spectroscopy, analytical chemistry and mathematics, supported by laboratory classes, workshops and seminars. In the sample modules, Year 1 compulsory modules include Laboratory and Computer Skills 1, Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry, Fundamental Synthetic Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Analysis 1, Energetics and Equilibria 1 and Structure and Reactivity 1; Year 2 compulsory modules include Laboratory and Skills 2, Structural Characterisation, Spectroscopy and Analysis, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Quanta, Structure and Reactivity 2, Further Topics in Chemistry and Computing Skills (Python). The website says these are examples only and modules change each year.
• BSc final year: compulsory modules include Investigative Projects, Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry, Science Communication, Current Trends in Inorganic Chemistry and Energy, Molecules and Applications; optional examples are Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis and Drug Discovery. The BSc classification is the weighted average of Years 2 and 3 in the ratio 40:60.
• MChem: Year 3 is similar to the BSc final year, and Year 4 is a Research Project plus options (examples include Digital and Sustainable Chemistry, Contemporary Organic Synthesis, Mass Spectrometry, Biomedical Analytical Technologies, Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry, Molecular Simulation and Bioinformatics, and Drugs: Mode of Action). The website says MChem students need an average of 55% or above in Years 2 and 3 to progress, and the MChem classification weights Years 2, 3 and 4 in the ratio 20:40:40.
• Laboratories: STEMLab has a synthesis laboratory (36 fume hoods according to the website), a characterisation suite (including 2 benchtop NMR spectrometers, 4 infrared spectrometers, 4 UV/vis spectrophotometers and an HPLC) and bioscience laboratories for the biology-related modules.
• Placement year: the website says every undergraduate course offers an optional placement year of 45 weeks; a professional placement earns a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) and a year in industry a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS). The Department of Chemistry's page describes the placements as paid and available on all its courses. You can also spend a year studying at a partner university and earn a Diploma in International Studies (DIntS); the length of the period abroad is confirmed by your school or department.
• Accreditation: the website says all the Department's Chemistry courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). BSc graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the RSC (AMRSC); MChem graduates are also eligible for AMRSC and hold a degree accredited for Chartered Chemist (CChem). The Medicinal Chemistry page adds that MChem accreditation lets graduates join the RSC's two-year professional development programme, which can lead to CChem after three years of post-graduation experience.
• Selection: applicants are selected on the UCAS application, and an interview may be required in some cases; applicants considered for an offer are invited to visit the department. The website does not mention an entrance test in chemistry or mathematics.
• AP / IB credit for compulsory modules and a placement test in mathematics: not given on the course pages; check the website.

3. Typical offers (September 2027 entry)

• A-level: Chemistry BSc, Medicinal Chemistry BSc and Chemistry with Computing BSc ask for ABB including Chemistry, preferably with one other science or Maths; Chemistry MChem and Medicinal Chemistry MChem ask for AAB including Chemistry, preferably with one other science or Maths.
• IB: BSc-level courses 34 points (6,5,5 at HL) and MChem courses 35 points (6,6,5 at HL), including HL Chemistry and preferably one other science or Maths at HL.
• BTEC: for the BSc-level courses, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science DDM (including optional units 13, 14, 18 and 19); National Diploma DD plus A-level Chemistry at B; Extended Certificate D plus two A-levels at BB including Chemistry. For the MChem courses, Extended Diploma DDD (same units); National Diploma DD plus A-level Chemistry at B; Extended Certificate D plus two A-levels at AB including Chemistry. The preferred BTEC is Applied Science.
• T Level: the Chemistry BSc page says the T Level in Health and Science (Science pathway, Laboratory Sciences specialism) is considered at Distinction overall with a B in the core component; other relevant T Levels are considered case by case.
• GCSE: Maths and English Language at 4/C.
• Access Loughborough Contextual Offer: Chemistry BSc, A-level BBC including Chemistry (preferably with one other science or Maths); MChem, BBB. The website adds that applicants whose results were affected by circumstances may be considered even if they do not meet the contextual criteria.
• Offers for Chemistry with Computing MChem and Natural Sciences were not used for this guide; see the course pages.

UK applicants

• How to apply: through UCAS, directly to a specific course. This guide does not use the UCAS website or portals; the application fee, personal statement and reference rules are not given on the pages used here, so check UCAS.
• General entry requirements page: A-level applicants normally need at least three A-levels; the IB needs the full Diploma with at least three Higher Level subjects, and both Maths AA and Maths AI count toward Maths requirements; Scottish applicants usually need at least two Advanced Highers plus three other Highers; the Irish Leaving Certificate needs at least five Higher Level passes; the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Diploma counts as one A-level alongside two A-levels; the A-level science practical endorsement is not widely included in offer conditions but is expected to be completed; the EPQ is not generally part of offer conditions but may be considered after results.
• BTEC, T Level, Access to HE: BTEC and Cambridge Technical combinations are on the course pages; an Access to HE Diploma is considered case by case (60 credits, 45 at Level 3). Core Maths cannot replace an A-level where Maths is required.
• Tuition: the course pages give UK tuition of £10,050 a year for 2027/28, tied to the government fee cap and so subject to change; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. The pages give only two bands, UK and international, with no split by England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland; how fee status is decided is not given on the pages used here, so check the fee status page. The course page says lab coats and safety glasses are provided, while textbooks and stationery are not included in tuition.

International applicants

• How to apply: through UCAS, or by progression from the ONCAMPUS Loughborough foundation programme.
• English language: the University standard is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element; some departments may ask for more. The undergraduate "higher requirements" page lists courses such as Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Law, the Psychology courses and the Sport Science courses; the Chemistry courses are not on that list. Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT (before 21 January 2026: 88 overall, 21 in each part; from 21 January 2026 the page uses a 4.5 scale, with 4.5 overall, 4.5 in Writing and Listening and 4.0 in Speaking and Reading), PTE 65 (61 in each part), LanguageCert Academic 70 (65 in each part), Oxford ELLT 7 (6 in each part) and Duolingo 120 (Speaking 110, Writing 115, Reading 110, Listening 105). Tests must be no more than two years old at the start of the course, and Loughborough does not accept Medium of Instruction letters or English proficiency letters. Applicants below the IELTS level may, at the department's discretion, take a pre-sessional English programme.
• Qualifications: the entry requirements page says Loughborough accepts many international qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, French Baccalauréat, German Abitur, Hong Kong DSE and Indian Standard XII, as well as recognised international foundation programmes; applicants from 12-year school systems can enter through the ONCAMPUS Loughborough International Foundation Programme. Country-specific standards sit in the course pages' country drop-down; for example, US applicants are asked for a 3.2/4.0 high school GPA plus any three of AP exams, IB Higher Levels, college-level credit or honors classes, with subject requirements met in AP or IB HL, and Hong Kong DSE offers range from 5, 4, 4 to 5*, 5, 5 from the best three subjects (two of them electives, excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese), depending on the course. Credential evaluation, proof of funds and visa rules are not given on the pages used here; ask the Global Engagement team.

Applicants from China

• Chinese school graduation does not give direct entry: the China entry on the course pages says students taking the Senior Middle Examinations must complete a suitable Foundation Year. Loughborough offers a Foundation Year through ONCAMPUS (its entry requirements are on the ONCAMPUS website, which was not used for this guide); you can also ask the Global Engagement team whether the foundation programme you are considering is acceptable.
• Chemistry with an International Foundation Year: the Department of Chemistry's courses page describes it as for high-calibre international students who have completed 12 years of school education and so need an extra year for UK undergraduate study. Its own page was not used for this guide; check the website.
• International Foundation Programme: the website says it is a one-year programme for international students who have finished secondary education, with guaranteed progression to an undergraduate degree at Loughborough subject to meeting the criteria, in five pathways: Business, Economics, Finance and Management; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Life Sciences; and Art and Design. The website does not say which pathway leads to chemistry; ask ONCAMPUS Loughborough or the Global Engagement team.
• One year at a Chinese university: a first year at a recognised university in China is accepted for entry to the first year of some courses, typically with an overall average of 75% to 80% and specific subject marks for some courses; contact the Global Engagement team.
• Gaokao: the course and entry pages do not say how gaokao scores are used and give no gaokao cut-off; check with the Global Engagement team or Undergraduate Admissions.
• Chinese applicants taking A-levels or the IB apply directly against each course's A-level or IB requirement.
• Interviews and accreditation bodies: nothing specific to Chinese applicants is given; all students must meet the University's English language requirement.

Transfer and entry to the second year

• The course and entry pages do not give conditions for joining the second year from another university, credit transfer rules or deadlines; contact Undergraduate Admissions (the entry requirements page gives +44 (0)1509 274403).
• The entry requirements page says BTEC HND and HNC are also considered and in some cases may allow direct entry to Year 2; Open University study normally needs 120 Level 1 credits for first-year entry, and specific subjects may be required.
• Conditions for changing between chemistry courses inside the University are not given on the pages used here; ask the Department of Chemistry.

Chemistry with a Foundation Year (UK-fee students and others who qualify)

• The foundation page lists Chemistry with a Foundation Year as a 4 to 6 year route (foundation year, undergraduate course and optional placement year), UCAS code F104, for people who have not studied the prerequisite subjects for first-year entry, missed expected grades because of adverse circumstances, are mature students or care leavers, or meet the contextual offer criteria. Completing the year and meeting the progression criteria leads to Year 1 of Chemistry.
• Typical offers: A-level BBB to CCC, IB 32 to 28 points, BTEC Extended Diploma DDD to DMM; at least five GCSEs at 9 to 4 (A* to C) including a science at 6/B and Maths and English Language at 4/C. UK tuition for the foundation year in 2027/28 is £10,050 (foundation year only); the page points international students to ONCAMPUS Loughborough.
• The website puts the course in the Life Sciences foundation stream, which also includes Biological Sciences, Geography and Human Biology with a Foundation Year.

Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: the course pages give £31,500 a year for international students and £10,050 for UK students for 2027/28; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. Fees can change each year; check the website.
• International Excellence Scholarship (international students only): £3,000 a year toward tuition, up to £9,000 over a standard degree; no separate application, since you are considered automatically through UCAS or the ONCAMPUS Loughborough Centre. You typically need AAA at A-level (or equivalent); you must be a self-funded international student without another University award or external sponsorship, make Loughborough your firm choice, and achieve the grades at the first sitting without resits. It does not apply during a placement or study-abroad year or to Foundation courses.
• Future Leaders Scholarship (international students only): a £10,000 tuition discount in the first year, one-off; you must already hold an offer for September 2027, apply by form, and the deadline is 11 April 2027; you must be self-funded and show you can pay the remaining fees and living costs. Scholarships cannot be combined; if you win several, only the highest-value one is honoured.
• UK students: the Loughborough University Bursary is means-tested (household income up to £30,000), £1,000 per year of study with a £500 placement start-up grant, and is not available to students from Wales, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. The Women in Science Bursary is for UK-fee women applying for 2027 entry to Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Natural Sciences: £1,000 a year, a statement of about 500 words, deadline 5 June 2027, a 2:1 or above each year to keep it, and not available for the Foundation programme.

Timeline (September 2027 entry)

• The UCAS key dates page describes the "2026 application cycle" and does not give 2027 entry dates. This is what the page says; check the exact 2027 entry dates on the UCAS website: UCAS applications open in September; 15 October is the first deadline for Oxbridge, medicine, veterinary science and dentistry; 13 January is the second deadline for remaining applications and the last point at which a university gives equal consideration; most offers are made by the end of March; 5 May is the first deadline to reply to offers; 30 June is the last date for a late application; Clearing begins on 2 July; A-level results day is 12 August.
• A separate deadline for international applicants is not given on the pages used here; ask Undergraduate Admissions or the Global Engagement team.
• Applicants considered for an offer are invited to visit the department.

Application checklist

UK applicants:

• A-level Chemistry (ABB for BSc-level courses, AAB for MChem) or IB 34 / 35 with HL Chemistry; GCSE Maths and English at 4/C
• Apply through UCAS by 13 January (check the 2027 entry date); choose the exact degree and UCAS code

International applicants:

• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each element) or equivalent; A-level or IB results as above
• For the Excellence Scholarship: make Loughborough your firm choice, reach AAA or equivalent at the first sitting; for the Future Leaders Scholarship, apply by 11 April 2027

Applicants from China:

• Chinese school students: complete a recognised Foundation Year (for example through ONCAMPUS Loughborough); how gaokao scores are used is not given, so ask the Global Engagement team
• After one year at a recognised Chinese university: an average of about 75% to 80%, plus subject marks for some courses

Transfer applicants:

• Conditions for joining Year 2 are not given; HND and HNC may allow direct entry to Year 2 in some cases

Not given on the pages used here, or to check

• 2027 entry UCAS deadlines; a separate deadline for international applicants; the application fee
• How gaokao scores are used; ONCAMPUS entry requirements and fees
• Conditions for second-year entry and credit transfer; conditions for changing chemistry course; offers for Chemistry with Computing MChem and Natural Sciences
• How fee status is decided; visa and proof-of-funds requirements

Sources: Loughborough University, Department of Chemistry undergraduate courses; Chemistry BSc; Chemistry MChem; Medicinal Chemistry BSc; Medicinal Chemistry MChem; Chemistry with Computing BSc; Chemistry with a Foundation Year; Women in Science Bursary; Entry requirements; English language requirements; Undergraduate English language requirements (higher); Key dates; International Foundation Programme; Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries; Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships; Future Leaders Scholarship; Loughborough University Bursary. Courses, offers and fees follow the course pages marked September 2027 entry (2027/28); the UCAS key dates page describes the 2026 application cycle, as noted in the text. Check Loughborough for the latest details.