How to Apply to Chemistry at Lancaster University: BSc and Four-Year MChem Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, A-Level ABB With Chemistry and Another Science, IB 32, Gaokao Not Sufficient for Direct Entry, and Admission Routes and Prerequisites for UK, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

Chemistry at Lancaster University is taught by the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science and Technology. The department's page says it has existed since 2012; its undergraduate page lists both chemistry and pharmaceutical science degrees, and a foundation year version for Home students. This guide covers 2027 entry for UK, international, Chinese and transfer applicants, following Lancaster's website.

1. Chemistry degrees on offer

The department's undergraduate page lists the following chemistry degrees (UCAS code, length and A-level grades are from the 2027 entry course pages):

• Chemistry BSc Hons (F100): three years full-time, A-level ABB;
• Chemistry MChem Hons (F101): four-year integrated master's, A-level ABB;
• Chemistry (Study Abroad) BSc Hons (F1T6): four years with Year 3 at a partner university, A-level ABB; Chemistry (Study Abroad) MChem Hons (F1T7): its course page was not used here;
• Chemistry (with Industrial Placement) MChem Hons (F102): four years with a final-year placement, A-level ABB;
• Chemistry (with a Foundation Year) BSc Hons (F10F): four years, for Home students who do not meet the standard grades, A-level CCC.

The department says the degrees accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) are Chemistry BSc, Chemistry MChem, Chemistry (with Industrial Placement) MChem and Chemistry (Study Abroad) MChem; the Study Abroad BSc and the foundation year version are not on that list. The department also lists Pharmaceutical Science degrees (BSc, MSci, placement year, year abroad and foundation year); pharmacy-type degrees are outside this guide, so check the website.

2. Choosing a course and how the degree runs

• You apply to a specific UCAS code: the BSc and the MChem have different codes. The BSc page says that if you perform to a sufficiently high standard in your first two years you may transfer to an MChem programme, and the MChem page says students may move to another MChem programme. The marks needed are not given on the pages used; ask the department.
• Year 1: core modules include Fundamentals of Chemistry A and B (atoms and molecules, bonding and periodicity, thermodynamics, organic structure and mechanism, equilibria and kinetics, main group chemistry, transition metal coordination chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms), Introduction to Practical Chemistry, Principles of Physics and Sustainability for Chemistry, Professional and Research Skills in Chemistry (across the whole year) and Molecules to Cells. Lancaster says the first year is designed to work whatever curriculum you studied before.
• Year 2: core modules include Principles of Chemical Structure Determination (analytical chemistry, symmetry and group theory, organic and inorganic spectroscopy, macromolecules, transition metal molecular orbital theory), Practical and Skills in Chemistry A and B, Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Concepts in Physical Chemistry (including quantum chemistry and electrochemical processes).
• Year 3 (BSc): core modules include Physical Chemistry of Complex Systems (computational chemistry principles, statistical thermodynamics, reaction dynamics), Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry, Strategies in Chemical Synthesis and Chemistry Project and Skills; options include Techniques for Chemical and Electronic Structure Elucidation, Applications of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry and Medicinal and Biological Applications of Organic Chemistry. Lancaster says Year 3 offers a major research project alongside academics, postdoctoral staff and postgraduate students.
• MChem Year 4: the core module is the MChem Chemistry Research Project and Skills, with options including Frontiers in Computational Chemistry, Frontiers in Biological Applications of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry and Frontiers in Organic Chemistry; Lancaster says Year 4 combines master's-level modules with a significant research project.
• Practical hours: the department's undergraduate page says there are more than 300 hours of practical chemistry across years 1 to 3.
• Industrial placement (F102): Lancaster says you go on placement in your final year; you find the placement yourself with guidance from a dedicated Industrial Placement Programme Officer from Year 2, and interview preparation in Year 3; you complete an industrially focused research project agreed with your employer, which is assessed, and take some master's-level modules by distance learning. The course and fees pages say the placement year is charged at up to 20% of the standard fee (the same share for Home and international students).
• Year abroad (F1T6): Lancaster says Year 3 is spent at an approved partner university, with places that have previously included universities in Australia, the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Asia; the year abroad is charged at up to 15% of the standard fee.
• Foundation year (F10F): Lancaster says it is for Home students who do not meet the standard entry grades. The year is taught at the Lancaster University School of Mathematics, based at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with a free coach from the Lancaster campus (about 40 minutes each way) and accommodation on the Lancaster campus. You study three modules linked to your chosen degree, and progression to Year 1 needs an overall average of 50% and at least 50% in each module.
• Accreditation and final project: see above; the pages used do not give dissertation length or similar details.

3. Prerequisites and admissions tests

• Standard courses (F100, F101, F102, F1T6): A-level ABB, including Chemistry and one other science subject from Biology, Computing, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. IB: 32 points overall with 16 points from the best three HL subjects, including 6 in Chemistry and 6 in a further HL science subject. GCSE: Mathematics 6/B and English Language 4/C; Lancaster says it also looks at the overall GCSE profile and has some flexibility.
• Other qualifications: Access to HE Diploma, case by case alongside the equivalent of A-level Chemistry at B, with a typical requirement of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 at Merit and appropriate science content; BTEC Extended Diploma, DDM may be considered alongside A-level Chemistry at B and sufficient science content; BTEC combined with A-levels, typically A-level B plus BTEC DD, or A-levels BB plus BTEC D, including A-level Chemistry; T Levels are not accepted; Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: five Highers can be enough, but where Chemistry is required an Advanced Higher is typically expected.
• Foundation year (F10F): A-level CCC, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics; IB 26 points overall with 14 points from the best three HL subjects, including HL Chemistry at 4 and one of HL Biology, Mathematics or Physics at 4; Access to HE typically 45 Level 3 credits at Merit; a BTEC Extended Diploma only alongside A-levels in relevant subjects; T Levels likewise only alongside A-levels in relevant subjects. GCSE Mathematics 6/B and English Language 4/C.
• Maths requirement: the chemistry course pages require GCSE Mathematics at 6/B; A-level Mathematics is not a required subject, only one of the options for the "other science".
• Admissions tests and interviews: these chemistry course pages do not mention an admissions test or interview; the "how to apply" page says some courses need an interview or portfolio, shown on the course page.

How to apply and the timeline for 2027 entry

• UCAS only: Lancaster says all full-time undergraduate applications are made through UCAS (UCAS Hub), with one application covering all the universities you apply to; you enter personal details, current and previous qualifications, an academic reference and a personal statement. Lancaster says documents cannot currently be uploaded to the UCAS application and can be emailed to the admissions team. Check the UCAS application fee on the UCAS website.
• Deadlines: the "how to apply" page says the deadline for Medicine and Surgery, or for applicants also applying to Oxford or Cambridge, is in October; for other courses the UCAS equal consideration deadline is in January, after which most courses still accept applications but some may close, so check UCAS course search first. The years on that page contradict each other: it puts "13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time" and "30 June 2027, 18:00" under "courses starting in 2026" while also saying the deadline for courses starting in 2027 "has not yet been confirmed". Check the 2027 entry deadlines with UCAS and Lancaster. Applications received by UCAS after 30 June go into Clearing.
• How applications are handled: Lancaster says it considers applications on a rolling basis and aims to decide within three weeks of receiving the UCAS application, longer where an interview or portfolio is involved. It looks at the qualifications you hold or are studying for, your full GCSE profile, the academic reference and the personal statement, and may take account of admissions tests (such as STEP for Mathematics, which is not required) and work experience. Some courses require an interview or portfolio, shown on the course page; the chemistry and biology course pages used here do not mention an admissions test or an interview. Applicants who need a Student visa may have their financial documents checked or be invited to an interview.
• Applying for more than one course: UCAS allows five choices and you may use more than one on Lancaster courses. Lancaster suggests that if you want a standard degree and its year abroad, placement or master's variant you may prefer to apply only for the more specialised version, in which case you would typically be considered for the standard version if not accepted; if you hold an offer for such a variant, switching to the standard version is usually possible.
• Deferred entry: Lancaster says it will consider deferral to 2028 if the course is still available, and you must meet the entry requirements by Wednesday 1 September 2027.
• Dates after you apply: the "after you apply" page gives 2026 dates (applicants deferring to 2027 must meet conditions by 3 September 2026, and those needing a Student visa by 28 August 2026). The equivalent 2027 entry dates are not given on the pages used; ask admissions.

UK applicants (A-level, BTEC, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and others)

• A-level rules: Lancaster says it generally requires three full A-levels; if you take four or more the offer is based on the best three, and some courses may make two alternative offers (the usual offer, or one grade lower plus a B in the fourth A-level). AS levels are not accepted in place of A-levels. Offers are on actual grades, not UCAS tariff points. Where a reformed A-level in Biology, Chemistry or Physics is a required subject and you sit the practical element, Lancaster expects you to pass it; those who cannot sit it, for example external candidates, should contact admissions.
• EPQ, Core Maths and similar: Lancaster says that for many courses an EPQ or Core Maths at B may bring a lower offer, for example AAB or ABB plus a B in the EPQ; Core Maths is also accepted as meeting a GCSE Maths requirement. Which courses this applies to is not given on the pages used; ask admissions.
• BTEC, Access and the Welsh Baccalaureate: the course pages give each course's wording (above). The general qualifications page says BTEC Extended Diplomas (worth three A-levels) and similar can be matched by grade, with subject requirements shown on the course page; an Access to HE Diploma equivalent to ABB is 30 Distinction and 15 Merit Level 3 credits, subject to covering the required content; the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales counts as one A-level.
• T Levels: the course pages say T Levels are not accepted (the foundation year versions accept them only alongside A-levels in relevant subjects).
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: Lancaster says it will admit on five Highers, but where a subject is required at A-level it typically requires an Advanced Higher in that subject; a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects can be considered; contact admissions.
• GCSE: every undergraduate applicant needs at least GCSE English Language at 4/C, which Lancaster says it applies flexibly; the Maths requirement is on each course page (above). IGCSE is accepted as equivalent.
• Contextual offers: Lancaster has a separate contextual admissions page for applicants whose circumstances may have affected their results; its eligibility criteria were not used here, so check the website.
• Fees and funding: the course pages say "Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2027/28" with Home and International columns, but the figures in those columns are not given on the pages used; check the course page and Lancaster's fees page. The fees overview page gives the 2025-26 Home full-time fee as £9,535 and says Home undergraduates on a full year abroad pay at most 15% and on a placement year at most 20% of the standard fee. Every student belongs to a college, and the course pages give the college membership fee for 2027 starters as £40 for undergraduates. Fee and funding arrangements for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish students are not given on the pages used; check with your funding body.
• Scholarships for Home students: the scholarships pages list the Undergraduate Home Excellence Scholarship (£1,000 per year for up to three years for high-achieving students who make Lancaster their firm choice) and the Lancaster Bursary (£1,000 a year, paid in two instalments, for home undergraduates with an assessed household income under £35,000); the criteria on the scholarship pages apply.

International applicants

• How to apply: through UCAS like everyone else; there is no direct-application route.
• International qualifications: the general qualifications page says Lancaster accepts the IB Diploma, with the points for each course on the course page (above) and usually a required subject at HL grade 6 (sometimes SL 7 or HL 5 can be considered). Either HL Mathematics course at grade 6 can stand in for A-level Mathematics where that is required. International applicants' school scores, for example from Grade 10 or 11, are also taken into account. How other countries' qualifications are graded is on Lancaster's international qualifications page, which was not used here; check the website.
• Foundation: the course pages say Lancaster's one-year international foundation pathways are delivered with the Lancaster University International Study Centre (in partnership with INTO), whose own website holds the list of eligible degrees and entry requirements, not given on the pages used. The foundation-year versions of the chemistry and biology courses (for example F10F and C10F) are UK foundation years for Home students, not international foundation programmes.
• English language: see "English language requirements" below.
• Scholarships for international students: see "Fees and scholarships" below.

Applicants from China

• International school students: those taking A-levels or the IB apply under the A-level and IB requirements on the course pages above; how AP and other international qualifications are matched is not given on the pages used, so check the international qualifications page.
• Gaokao and the high school diploma: Lancaster's China page states that the High School Diploma and the gaokao (NUEE) are not sufficient for entry to an undergraduate degree and that applicants need an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year. The page gives no subject-by-subject gaokao thresholds.
• Foundation route: the China page and the International Study Centre page say the INTO-delivered international foundation and pre-master's programmes are a pathway to a Lancaster degree, with a guaranteed place on the Lancaster degree once you complete the programme and meet your degree's requirements; the international foundation leads to Year 1. Whether a chemistry or biology degree is among the eligible degrees, the entry scores and the fees are not given on the pages used; check the International Study Centre website or ask Lancaster's China team.
• Credential evaluation, interviews, other notes: the China page says undergraduate applications go through UCAS with personal details, qualifications, an academic reference and a personal statement. A China-specific credential-verification body or standard interview arrangement is not given on the pages used. On scholarships the China page says Lancaster's major scholarships are considered automatically on application, while the Chevening Scholarship and China Scholarship Council awards need a direct application; it gives no scholarship amount specifically for Chinese undergraduates.

Transfer students and entry to Year 2

• General process: the "how to apply" page says that for some courses Lancaster will consider entry to Year 2 case by case, applying through UCAS. It asks for your school-level qualifications (it would typically expect you to have met the Year 1 entry requirements), details of your current or previous undergraduate study including all modules completed and still to complete (to check that you have covered material equivalent to Year 1), an expectation that you pass your current year with upper second class honours marks, and a reference from someone who taught you on your degree. If you do not meet these requirements you may be considered for Year 1.
• No entry to Year 3: Lancaster says it does not permit entry into Year 3 or higher of any degree. An HNC may be considered for Year 1 but not Year 2; an HND occasionally for Year 2, although Lancaster recommends Year 1. Students with an integrated foundation year at another institution can apply to Year 1 after that foundation year.
• Specific GPA and credit conversion: beyond the upper-second expectation, no score threshold, credit amount or deadline is given. Whether the chemistry or biology courses accept Year 2 entry, and which prerequisite modules are needed, is not given on the pages used; contact admissions with your module descriptions.

English language requirements

• Course page requirement: the chemistry and biology course pages used here say that if English is not your first language you need IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.
• Accepted tests (standard level): IELTS Academic (UKVI, other centres, One Skill Retake or online) 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element; TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) for tests before 21 January 2026, 87 overall with at least 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 17 in speaking and 20 in writing, and for tests from 21 January 2026, 4.5 overall with at least 4 in each element; Pearson PTE Academic/UKVI 58 overall with at least 42 in each skill (test centre only, not the online version); Oxford ELLT 7 overall with at least 5 in each skill; Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency 176 overall with at least 162 in each element; GCSE/IGCSE English at C/4 (B for IGCSE English as an Additional Language). IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson and LanguageCert certificates are valid for two years from the test date and must be valid on the start date; scores from different sittings cannot be combined.
• High school English by country: Lancaster lists alternatives for Botswana, Brunei, France, Hong Kong (HKDSE English at 4 or above), Germany, Iceland, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Nigeria, Norway, Poland and Singapore, plus general entries for IB English HL or SL at 5 and the European Baccalaureate. Mainland China is not on the list; applicants from countries not listed should contact admissions. Applicants who need a student visa may be asked for further information.
• Exemptions: Lancaster's majority English-speaking countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States; nationals of these countries need no English evidence, and a full degree completed in one of them no more than three years before the start of the course also counts. Canada, the UK and China are not on the list.
• Pre-sessional English: applicants whose English falls short may be considered for pre-sessional courses. The 10-week course needs IELTS 5.5 overall with at least 5.0 in each element; the 5-week (online) and 4-week (in person) courses depend on the degree's standard requirement, for example IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element for a degree whose standard requirement is 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each element.

Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: the 2027/28 Home and international figures are not given on the pages used (the course page's fee columns are filled in dynamically, and a "tuition fee values by year" page sits on a separate Lancaster site that was not used); check the course page and Lancaster's fees page. Lancaster says international fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies; international students on a full-year overseas study or placement are charged at most 15% and 20% of the standard international fee.
• Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship: £3,000 off tuition fees for each year of study, for international fee-paying applicants who achieve A*AA or above at A-level (or an equivalent in another qualification) and make Lancaster their firm UCAS choice; considered automatically; tariff points are not considered; it is not paid during a year abroad, placement or other period away from the University; pathway students progressing from the International Study Centre are not eligible (they have their own progression scholarship); it cannot be deferred.
• Undergraduate International Regional Scholarship: £3,000 off tuition fees for each year of study for international students from Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey or Vietnam; mainland China is not on the list. The scholarships pages also list EU and India scholarships; whether awards can be combined is set on each page.
• Applicants from China: the China page says the major scholarships are considered automatically, and the Chevening and China Scholarship Council awards need a direct application; no scholarship amount specific to Chinese undergraduates is given there.

Checklist

• Pick the chemistry code (BSc F100, MChem F101, Study Abroad F1T6/F1T7, Industrial Placement F102 or foundation year F10F) and check the course page for 2027 entry.
• UK applicants: A-level ABB including Chemistry plus another science, GCSE Maths 6/B; confirm the UCAS deadline with UCAS and Lancaster. International applicants: IB 32 points including HL Chemistry 6 and another HL science 6; English IELTS 6.5 (5.5 each).
• Chinese applicants: the gaokao is not sufficient for direct entry and an additional qualification such as a foundation programme is needed; check the International Study Centre's website for entry conditions.
• Transfer applicants: prepare your module list, marks and an academic reference; Year 2 entry is case by case and Year 3 entry is not permitted.

Sources: Lancaster University, Faculties and departments; Chemistry; Chemistry undergraduate degrees; Chemistry BSc F100; Chemistry MChem F101; Chemistry with Industrial Placement F102; Chemistry Study Abroad BSc F1T6; Chemistry with a Foundation Year F10F; How to apply; After you apply; Undergraduate entry qualifications; Undergraduate English language requirements; Fees and funding; Scholarships and bursaries; International Excellence Scholarship; International Regional Scholarship; International students; Applicants from China; Foundation and pre-master's programmes.