Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling)

Digital technologies are transforming chemistry research with data science, AI and machine learning enabling scientists to make discoveries and run experiments faster and at lower cost. On this degree you’ll gain the chemistry knowledge and computing skills you need to join this fast-growing field.

This is the ideal course if you have a passion for chemistry and a fascination for all things digital. You don’t need previous computing knowledge as your programming training will be tailored to your level. By the time you graduate you’ll be able to write your own programs, use state-of-the-art software to analyse big data, and look at digital simulations of molecules in incredible detail.

Southampton is one of just a few UK universities where you can study this subject to an advanced level. Here you’ll learn in recently refurbished labs and use the University’s supercomputer for your project work. Our commitment to your education is demonstrated in the Guardian University Guide 2024; Chemistry at Southampton ranked 4th overall in the UK.

Your career There will be plenty of demand for your skills with every branch of industry and research looking to harness the potential of AI, computer modelling and big data. As a fully trained chemist, you could pursue a career in any area of the chemical industry, for example in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.

Your modelling and analysis skills could secure you a role in finance, banking or management. Or, as you will have learned programming to a professional standard, you could choose to work in a tech company as a software developer.

This degree is also excellent preparation for a PhD.

Supporting your studies You’ll be part of a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor to provide any extra help you need, both academically and personally. In years one and two, small group tutorials are limited to a maximum of five students, so you’ll have plenty of time and attention from your tutors.

Between classes, the Chemistry department will be your ‘home’ on campus, where you can grab a coffee in the common room, catch up with friends and talk to staff.

Outstanding undergraduate laboratories Study in recently refurbished laboratories, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. In this spacious, modern environment you’ll gain hands-on practical experience of equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student so that you can record your practical work.

It’s the same high-tech equipment you’ll find in industry or academic labs, and you’ll learn to make and analyse your own samples, with full support and training – all excellent preparation for your future career.

Learn about research as it happens Southampton is a Russell Group university, this means you’ll learn from staff who are spearheading computational chemistry research. Our researchers are using AI and digital modelling to benefit society, for example by improving renewable energy technologies and supporting research into COVID-19 treatments.

They will share their expertise with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures, and you’ll be able to take part in their research during your individual project work. In addition, our leading role in the UK’s AI for Scientific Discovery Network will give you access to seminars with leading data and computer scientists.