BSc (Hons), MChem Chemistry with Teaching

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) / MChem Chemistry with Teaching at the University of Strathclyde gives you the perfect mix of science and education. You’ll not only learn the ins and outs of chemistry but also gain the skills and experience to inspire the next generation as a secondary school teacher. It’s ideal for students who love chemistry and want a career that’s both intellectually challenging and socially rewarding.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in chemistry, covering the basics of analytical, organic, and physical chemistry through modules like Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2. You’ll spend plenty of time in the lab developing essential hands-on skills, while modules like Mathematics 1C and Foundation Science: Big Ideas for Chemists sharpen your problem-solving and scientific thinking. It’s a year to get comfortable with the building blocks of chemistry and explore how science fits into the bigger picture.

Years 2 & 3
In your second and third years, the focus turns to deepening your chemistry knowledge. You’ll explore Inorganic Chemistry, Intermediate Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry 1 & 2, learning advanced techniques like spectroscopy, reaction kinetics, and computational chemistry. Lab work continues to be a big part of your studies, with Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry and Practical Physical & Applied Chemistry helping you gain confidence in real-world applications. Alongside this, you start exploring how chemistry is taught, setting the stage for your teaching career.

Year 4
Year four is where teaching comes to the forefront. You’ll study modules like Education Studies: Professional Values and Professional Learning Through Enquiry, which focus on pedagogy, curriculum design, and reflective practice. Two school placements give you invaluable real-world classroom experience, helping you apply your chemistry knowledge while developing as a confident, skilled teacher. You’ll leave this year feeling ready to make a difference in a secondary school science classroom.

Year 5 (MChem only)
If you’re on the MChem route, your final year is about specialization and research. You’ll tackle advanced chemistry topics through Core Chemistry and pick a Specialisation module in areas like nanochemistry or molecular catalysis. The highlight is your Final-Year Project & Dissertation, where you can combine your chemistry expertise with educational insights, producing work that reflects both your scientific curiosity and teaching skills.

Focus Areas

Chemistry fundamentals, lab skills, teaching pedagogy, curriculum development, classroom experience, reflective practice.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of chemistry, practical lab experience, and the ability to teach confidently at the secondary level. You’ll also be skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and inspiring young learners, ready to step into a teaching career or continue in the chemical industry.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving you a route toward Chartered Chemist status.
Recognized by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), fully meeting professional teaching standards.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Strathclyde’s Chemistry department ranks #1 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting the strength of teaching and research.
Graduates enjoy excellent career options in teaching, chemical industry roles like analytical chemist or forensic scientist, or further research.
Teaching graduates have access to Scotland’s Teacher Induction Scheme, helping secure your first professional post.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Strathclyde, learning chemistry isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting your hands dirty (in a good way!) and seeing science in action. From your very first year, you’ll spend time in modern, fully equipped teaching labs, practicing techniques that real chemists use every day. As you progress, you’ll gain more advanced lab experience, and in Year 4, you’ll step into actual classrooms during school placements, bringing your chemistry knowledge to life and discovering what it means to be an inspiring teacher.

Here’s how you’ll experience learning throughout the course:

School Teaching Placements: In Year 4, you’ll spend around 18 weeks in Scottish secondary schools, teaching real students and applying your knowledge in real-world classrooms.
State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Strathclyde’s chemistry labs feature HPLC, GC, IC chromatography systems, ATR-IR spectroscopy, and rotary evaporators, giving you the tools to explore chemistry hands-on.
Final-Year Research Project: MChem students undertake a research project & dissertation in advanced labs, where you can investigate topics ranging from chemical synthesis to education-focused chemistry projects.
Teaching & Pedagogy Training: Modules like Curriculum & Pedagogy and Professional Learning Through Enquiry help you design lessons, reflect on practice, and work collaboratively with peers.
Mentorship & Support: Demonstrators, postgraduate mentors, and faculty are there to guide you in labs and classrooms, ensuring you build confidence and practical skills.
Optional Study Abroad: There’s the chance to spend a year abroad, broadening your experience and seeing how science education works in other countries.
Industry Connections: While the main focus is teaching, Strathclyde’s Chemistry department also runs an Industrial Placement Scheme with partner companies if you want additional professional experience.

Strathclyde makes sure you graduate not just with a degree, but with real-world skills, classroom experience, and the confidence to thrive as both a chemist and a teacher.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Strathclyde’s Chemistry with Teaching degree leave ready to make an impact — whether it’s inspiring the next generation in secondary schools or applying their chemistry expertise in industry. Many go on to roles such as secondary school teacher, analytical chemist, research scientist, or process/development chemist, giving you the freedom to follow a career that matches your passion. Here’s how the university helps you get there:

Tailored Careers Support: Strathclyde’s Careers Service provides one-to-one guidance, networking events, job fairs, and alumni mentoring to help you step confidently into teaching or industry.
Strong Employment Outcomes: Graduates moving into teaching typically start around £32,000, and many secure posts through the Teacher Induction Scheme, a one-year paid training program in Scottish schools.
Professional Accreditation: Your degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), giving you long-term professional recognition whether you teach or work in chemistry roles.
Flexible Career Paths: Beyond teaching, you can pursue careers in chemical analysis, forensics, biotechnology, or research, with skills that are highly valued across multiple sectors.
University–Industry Connections: Strathclyde maintains partnerships with local schools and chemical industry employers, ensuring that your learning experience is connected to real-world opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you have plenty of options to keep learning:

PhD in Chemistry: Dive deeper into research at Strathclyde’s Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry.
Master’s in Education: Specialize in science education, curriculum design, or educational leadership.
Chartered Chemist Status: Use your RSC-accredited degree as a stepping stone to professional recognition once you gain the required work experience.

Strathclyde ensures you leave not just with a degree, but with real-world experience, professional credibility, and the confidence to build a fulfilling career in both teaching and chemistry.