Chemistry with a European Language

This BSc programme provides a thorough grounding in all major aspects of chemistry and fluency in one of a range of languages, including French, German, Italian and Spanish. Graduates will be well placed to work in mainland Europe or as part of a multinational company.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

This programme is offered either as a three-year BSc or as a four-year MSci. The first two years of study are identical, so you can defer which to opt for until the end of your second year. We advise you to select the four-year MSci programme initially as this keeps more options open. You do not have the opportunity to study abroad on the BSc programme.

The chemistry content directly follows that of the single-subject Chemistry programme. You will cover the full range of chemistry core components, together with optional modules in chemistry and other options from outside the department.

Around 25% of your time will be centred around CLIE and the specialist language departments, providing a continuous progression of language and related modules. The language component is taught in small groups with common levels of fluency ranging from complete beginners to experts.

In the final year you will also undertake a compulsory literature project.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

Chemistry, plus one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics required. Any language preferred as third subject, but not essential.

GCSEs

English Language at grade C, plus Mathematics at grade B. For UK-based students a foreign language at grade B is required.

IB Diploma

Points

36-38

Subjects

A score of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, with no score lower than 5. Any language preferred as third higher level subject, but not essential.

The financing of the Chemistry with a European Language undergraduate program at University College London is structured through a combination of government funding, student loans, and personal funding. UK students are typically eligible for government-funded tuition fee loans provided by the Student Loans Company, which cover the cost of tuition fees up to the published threshold. These loans are repayable only after the student graduates and earns above a certain income threshold, ensuring manageable repayment terms. In addition to tuition fees, students may access Maintenance Loans to support living expenses, which are also repayable post-graduation based on income levels. International students, on the other hand, are responsible for paying the full tuition fees upfront or via university-approved payment plans; they do not qualify for UK government loans. To assist with financial planning, students are encouraged to explore scholarships and bursaries offered by UCL, some of which are specifically aimed at students studying science or language combinations. Scholarships are competitive and may provide partial or full funding and are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the program. UCL also offers work-study programs and opportunities for part-time employment within the university, helping students offset living costs. External funding sources such as national research councils, private foundations, and international organizations may also provide grants or scholarships for exceptional students or those undertaking specific research projects within the program. Students are advised to research and apply for financial aid early in their academic planning to ensure adequate funding for their studies. Overall, the program’s financing options aim to make a high-quality education accessible through a variety of funding avenues, balancing government support, external funding opportunities, and personal resources.

The BSc Chemistry with European Language program at University College London offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and advanced topics of chemistry, combined with the opportunity to develop proficiency in a European language. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, industry, and academia by providing a solid grounding in chemical concepts, laboratory skills, and scientific communication.

Throughout the course, students are exposed to core areas such as organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. They also explore specialized topics such as materials chemistry, environmental chemistry, and computational chemistry, enabling them to develop a broad understanding of the subject and its applications. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with extensive laboratory work, project-based learning, and opportunities for independent research.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the integration of a European language component, which aims to enhance students' communication skills and cultural awareness, providing a competitive edge in international careers. Students typically choose from languages such as French, German, Spanish, or other European languages, and engage in language courses tailored for scientific contexts, including scientific writing and presentations in the target language.

The program duration is typically three years full-time, with opportunities for study abroad or placement years, which allow students to gain international experience and improve their language proficiency. The university's strong links with industries and research institutes facilitate placements and internships, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Graduates of the program will be equipped with a versatile skill set that combines scientific expertise and language proficiency, making them suitable for careers in pharmaceuticals, environmental consultancy, chemical manufacturing, research institutions, and science communication. The program also prepares students for postgraduate studies in chemistry or related fields.

Entry requirements generally include a strong academic background in sciences, with proficiency in the chosen European language being advantageous. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and language classes, supported by world-class faculty dedicated to student success.

In summary, the BSc Chemistry with European Language at University College London is an innovative and rigorous program designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in science and international communication by integrating cutting-edge chemical education with language skills, promoting both scientific literacy and cultural competence on a global stage.