University of Manchester

UK · Chemistry · Chemical Engineering · Materials Science & Engineering · A-Level Applicant Guide · 2027 Entry

This guide covers 6 undergraduate programmes across 3 departments — Chemistry (BSc/MChem), Chemical Engineering (BEng/MEng) and Materials Science & Engineering (BSc/MEng) — at the University of Manchester. Manchester is the historic birthplace of chemical engineering as a discipline and one of Europe's largest centres for materials research. Written for students applying with A-levels from international schools for 2027 entry.

Key differentiators: Chemistry is not routinely interviewed; Chemical Engineering invites every eligible UK-based applicant to a UCAS Interview Day; Materials invites eligible applicants to a Virtual Visit Day that includes an interview. Entry grades range from AAB (Materials BSc) up to A*AA (MChem Chemistry). All three departments sit within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

6Programmes in this guide

3Departments

Top 5UK for Materials Science (QS)

6.5IELTS overall (all six)

The 6 Programmes at a Glance

Faculty of Science and Engineering · A-level and IELTS requirements verified against live 2027-entry course pages, July 2026

Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemical Engineering

Department of Materials

Programme	UCAS Code	A-Level Offer	IELTS	Admission Test / Interview	Success Rate
BSc Chemistry3 yrs · Dept of Chemistry	F100	AAAChemistry + 1 other science/maths	6.5 / 6.0	None routinely	— not published
MChem Chemistry4 yrs · Dept of Chemistry	F109	A*AAChemistry + 1 other science/maths	6.5 / 6.0	None routinely	— not published
BEng Chemical Engineering3 yrs · Dept of Chemical Engineering	H800	AAAMathematics + Chemistry or Physics	6.5 / 6.5	UCAS Interview Day	— not published
MEng Chemical Engineering4 yrs · Dept of Chemical Engineering	H801	AAAMathematics + Chemistry or Physics	6.5 / 6.5	UCAS Interview Day	— not published
BSc Materials Science & Eng.3 yrs · Dept of Materials	J500	AAB2 of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry	6.5 / 6.0	Virtual Visit Day + interview	— not published
MEng Materials Science & Eng.4 yrs · Dept of Materials	J501	AAA2 of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry	6.5 / 6.0	Virtual Visit Day + interview	— not published

Why there's no success-rate column filled in: Since at least 2020, Manchester has maintained a University-wide policy of refusing to release undergraduate application/offer/intake figures at individual-course level under FOI Section 43(2) (Commercial Interests), on the grounds that per-course figures would reveal "market sensitive information" to competitor universities. The only confirmed exceptions are Medicine and Dentistry, which fall outside this guide. For Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials there simply isn't a published number to show — this reflects Manchester's standing policy, not a gap in research.

IELTS reading tip: the two numbers in the table are "overall / minimum per component." Chemical Engineering is the strictest — it requires 6.5 in every sub-skill, not just overall, while Chemistry and Materials only require 6.0 in each sub-skill alongside a 6.5 overall.

Which Programme Suits You?

Find your best fit based on your interests and strengths

"I love atoms, molecules and chemical reactions for their own sake"

→ Chemistry (BSc/MChem)

Also consider: Chemical Engineering (applied, process-scale)

"I want to design industrial or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes"

→ Chemical Engineering

Also consider: Chemistry (if fundamentals-first)

"I'm fascinated by metals, polymers, ceramics or nanomaterials like graphene"

→ Materials Science & Engineering

Also consider: Chemistry (materials chemistry option unit)

"I want a research career or PhD in the chemical sciences"

→ MChem Chemistry

Also consider: MEng Chemical Engineering

"I want professional accreditation and a fast route into industry"

→ BEng Chemical Engineering or BSc Materials

Also consider: the 4-year MEng/MChem if aiming for Chartered status

"I don't have Chemistry at A-level but do have Maths and Physics"

→ Materials Science & Engineering

Also consider: Chemical Engineering (Maths + Physics also accepted)

Important: Chemistry offers a common BSc/MChem pathway — you can transfer between the two up to Year 3, so applying for the MChem keeps both routes open. Chemical Engineering and Materials both offer a direct BEng/BSc route and a 4-year MEng route with the same first-year grade requirement in Chemical Engineering's case, so choose based on whether you want the extra specialisation year, not just entry difficulty.

6 programmes · Department of Chemistry · Department of Chemical Engineering · Department of Materials

Programme Introductions

BSc Chemistry

BSc (Hons) · 3 years · Department of Chemistry · UCAS: F100

ChemistryNot Routinely Interviewed

What is it?

A three-year degree following a common core structure across the first two years, giving flexibility in the final year to specialise. Students share a pathway with the MChem and can transfer onto the four-year Master's route up to Year 3, subject to academic performance. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, partially fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem).</div>

What you'll study

Organic, inorganic & physical chemistry core
Analytical chemistry & spectroscopy
Practical laboratory chemistry every year
Advanced Practical Training research project (Year 3)

</div>

Career paths

Analytical / research chemist
Biotechnology
Science communication
Finance, management, computing, IT

</div>

★ "Other science/maths" means Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Applicants are not routinely interviewed — in the majority of cases, decisions are made on the application information alone, though some may be invited to an interview online or in person depending on qualifications held.

</div>

MChem Chemistry

MChem · 4 years · Department of Chemistry · UCAS: F109

ChemistryNot Routinely Interviewed

What is it?

The four-year integrated Master's in Chemistry. The first two years mirror the BSc; the final year is an extended individual research project within one of the department's research groups. Fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, satisfying the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status for graduates with a first or second class honours degree.</div>

What you'll study

Core BSc curriculum in Years 1–2
Advanced synthesis, catalysis & computational chemistry (Year 3)
Extended individual research project (Year 4)
Optional units in nanoscience, medicinal & nuclear chemistry

</div>

Career paths

PhD / postdoctoral research
Industrial R&D chemist
Pharmaceutical & medicinal chemistry
Patent law, consultancy

</div>

★ If you miss the MChem grades but meet the BSc grades (AAA), you're automatically considered for the BSc — no need to reapply. It's possible to transfer between Manchester's chemistry degrees in Years 1–3, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

</div>

BEng Chemical Engineering

BEng (Hons) · 3 years · Department of Chemical Engineering · UCAS: H800

Chemical Eng.UCAS Interview Day

What is it?

A three-year degree at the birthplace of chemical engineering as a discipline. Covers the design and management of processes that transform materials and energy at scale — from pharmaceuticals to sustainable energy. Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Teaching uses one of the largest pilot-scale laboratories of any UK university, in the £12m James Chadwick Building.</div>

What you'll study

Process fluid flow, heat transfer & thermodynamics
Chemical reactor design & process control
Multi-part design project across all three years
Process safety & sustainable development

</div>

Career paths

Process / site engineer
Oil, gas & petrochemicals
Pharmaceuticals & FMCG
Energy generation & waste treatment

</div>

★ UK-mainland applicants meeting the application criteria are invited to a UCAS Interview Day (online, November–April) — an academic interview plus a chance to meet staff and current students. Design teams here have won more IChemE Macnab-Lacey Prizes than any other university.

</div>

MEng Chemical Engineering

MEng · 4 years · Department of Chemical Engineering · UCAS: H801

Chemical Eng.UCAS Interview Day

What is it?

The four-year integrated Master's. Years 1–3 mirror the BEng; Year 4 adds specialisation in an advanced area of your choosing — energy, separations or modelling — plus a research project and dissertation. Also IChemE-accredited, and the standard route toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.</div>

What you'll study

Core BEng curriculum in Years 1–3
Specialisation: energy, bioengineering, catalysis or systems modelling
MEng dissertation & poster presentation (Year 4)
Machine learning & AI in chemical engineering (optional)

</div>

Career paths

Chartered chemical engineer (CEng route)
R&D & product design
Low-carbon technologies
Management consulting

</div>

★ Entry grades for the MEng and BEng are identical (AAA) — Manchester lets you enter the four-year route directly rather than reserving the MEng for higher grades, so choose based on whether you want the extra specialisation year, not entry difficulty.

</div>

BSc Materials Science & Engineering

BSc (Hons) · 3 years · Department of Materials · UCAS: J500

MaterialsVirtual Visit + Interview

What is it?

A three-year degree covering the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of all solid materials — metals, ceramics, polymers, biomaterials and nanomaterials such as graphene. Part of Europe's largest and most diverse materials science activity. Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), fully meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.</div>

What you'll study

Structure of crystalline solids & microstructures
Materials processing & sustainability
Team Research Project (Year 3)
Options: biomaterials, nanomaterials, corrosion, textiles

</div>

Career paths

Materials scientist / engineer
Development scientist
Aerospace, automotive & defence
Patent law, technical consultancy

</div>

★ If not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE Mathematics is required instead. Graduates have gone on to Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, BP, Airbus and BAE Systems. Recent graduates' average salary six months after graduating exceeds the sector average.

</div>

MEng Materials Science & Engineering

MEng · 4 years · Department of Materials · UCAS: J501

MaterialsVirtual Visit + Interview

What is it?

The four-year integrated Master's. Years 1–3 mirror the BSc; Year 4 is built around eight research-level modules and a six-month individual research or industrial project. Fully accredited by IOM3 for Chartered Engineer (CEng) / Chartered Scientist (CSci) status — the strongest professional recognition of the two Materials routes.</div>

What you'll study

Core BSc curriculum in Years 1–3
Six-month individual research or industrial project (Year 4)
Advanced options: graphene, superalloys, corrosion for sustainability
Team Business Project

</div>

Career paths

Chartered materials engineer / scientist
PhD / advanced research
Advanced manufacturing & R&D leadership
Nanomaterials & graphene technologies

</div>

★ The MEng requires one grade higher overall than the BSc (AAA vs AAB). If you apply for the MEng and don't quite meet the grades, you may still be considered for the BSc if places remain. Close ties to leading centres including the National Graphene Institute and the Henry Royce Institute.

</div> </div>

A-level grades · Required subjects · IELTS · Admission tests · 2027 entry

Entry Requirements

How to read this tab: figures below are the standard (non-contextual) A-level offer taken directly from each course's live 2027-entry page. Manchester also publishes separate contextual and UK refugee/care-experienced offers on every course page — this guide doesn't reproduce those, so check the official course page if either might apply to you.

Chemistry (Department of Chemistry)

Programme	A-Level	Required Subjects	IELTS	Interview?
BSc Chemistry (F100)	AAA	Chemistry + 1 of Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths	6.5 overall / 6.0 each	Not routine
MChem Chemistry (F109)	A*AA	Chemistry + 1 of Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths	6.5 overall / 6.0 each	Not routine

GCSE requirement: grade 4/C in English Language, grade 6/B in Mathematics. Practical science element must be passed alongside the written A-level.

Chemical Engineering (Department of Chemical Engineering)

Programme	A-Level	Required Subjects	IELTS	Interview?
BEng Chemical Engineering (H800)	AAA	Mathematics + Chemistry or Physics	6.5 overall / 6.5 each	UCAS Interview Day
MEng Chemical Engineering (H801)	AAA	Mathematics + Chemistry or Physics	6.5 overall / 6.5 each	UCAS Interview Day

GCSE requirement: grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics. IELTS here is stricter than Chemistry or Materials — every sub-skill must clear 6.5, not 6.0.

Materials (Department of Materials)

Programme	A-Level	Required Subjects	IELTS	Interview?
BSc Materials Sci. & Eng. (J500)	AAB	2 of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry	6.5 overall / 6.0 each	Virtual Visit + interview
MEng Materials Sci. & Eng. (J501)	AAA	2 of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry	6.5 overall / 6.0 each	Virtual Visit + interview

If Mathematics isn't one of your two chosen science/maths A-levels, Grade 7/A at GCSE Mathematics is required instead. GCSE requirement: grade 4/C in English Language, Mathematics and Science.

Interview & Selection Formats

Chemistry (BSc/MChem)

No routine interview

Decisions usually made on the UCAS application alone; some applicants may be invited to interview depending on qualifications held.

Chemical Engineering (BEng/MEng)

UCAS Interview Day

All UK-mainland applicants meeting the criteria are invited; runs online, November–April; academic interview + meet staff/students.

Materials (BSc/MEng)

Virtual Visit Day

Includes an informal interview with no specific preparation required; parents/guardians are welcome to attend.

International Baccalaureate equivalents

36–37 points

Chemistry needs 37 (7,6,6 HL); Chemical Engineering & Materials MEng need 36 (6,6,6 HL); Materials BSc needs 35 (6,6,5 HL).

UCAS · Interviews · Personal statement · Key dates · Common mistakes

How to Apply

UCAS Application Process

Step-by-step for 2027 entry · All six programmes share the January UCAS equal-consideration deadline

A-Level student applies →

2026

Register on UCAS Hub — Create your account at ucas.com. You may apply to more than one Manchester course, but not normally more than one first-year course within the same department.

2026

Write your personal statement — One statement for all UCAS choices. Name specific topics, reactions, materials or processes that excite you and link them to your A-level subjects.

Jan 2027

Submit UCAS application — Equal consideration deadline. Include school-submitted predicted grades; non-UK schools without a predicted-grades policy should have this explained by the referee.

Nov 2026 – Mar/Apr 2027

Interviews where applicable — Chemical Engineering (UCAS Interview Day) and Materials (Virtual Visit Day) applicants are invited during this window. Chemistry applicants are not routinely interviewed.

Jan–Apr 2027

Decisions issued — Offers are conditional on final A-level grades and subjects specified in your offer letter.

Aug 2027

A-level results & confirmation — Meet your conditional offer to secure your place. Grades from resits are considered but may need extra supporting information.

Personal Statement Do's & Don'ts

One statement for all UCAS choices · Interviewers (ChemEng/Materials) will read it before your interview

Name specific reactions, materials, or processes that excite you
Show realistic understanding of what the course involves day-to-day
Link your A-level subjects directly to the degree content
Mention any relevant projects, reading, or lab experience
Prepare for interview if applying to Chemical Engineering or Materials

DON'T

Apply to more than one first-year course in the same department
Open with generic sentences ("Since childhood I have loved science…")
Assume Chemistry will interview you the way Chemical Engineering does
Forget the GCSE Maths grade 6/B requirement for Chemistry
Confuse the BSc and MEng/MChem grade requirements when self-predicting

Common Application Mistakes

Applying to more than one Chemistry course in the same first year

Pick one — internal transfer between BSc and MChem is possible up to Year 3

Assuming Materials only needs Chemistry

It needs any 2 of Maths, Physics, Chemistry — check which two you hold

Not preparing at all for the Chemical Engineering UCAS Interview Day

It's informal, but be ready to discuss your personal statement in depth

Overlooking the Chemical Engineering IELTS sub-skill rule

Every sub-skill must be 6.5+ here, unlike Chemistry or Materials (6.0 each)

Missing the GCSE Maths grade 7/A rule for Materials applicants without A-level Maths

Check this early if you're not taking A-level Mathematics

Letting IELTS expire before the course start date

Valid 2 years only — plan your test date well ahead

Application Timeline

2026

UCAS Hub opens

2026

Write personal statement

Jan 2027

UCAS Deadline

Nov–Apr

ChemEng / Materials interviews

Jan–Apr

Offers issued

Aug 2027

Results — confirm place

Useful Resources

BSc Chemistry

manchester.ac.uk/study/courses

MChem Chemistry

manchester.ac.uk/study/courses

BEng Chemical Engineering

manchester.ac.uk/study/courses

MEng Chemical Engineering

manchester.ac.uk/study/courses

BSc Materials Sci. & Eng.

manchester.ac.uk/study/courses

MEng Materials Sci. & Eng.

manchester.ac.uk/study/courses

All information current as of July 2026, sourced from live 2027-entry course pages. Always verify requirements on official Manchester course pages before submitting — offer grades, IELTS bands and interview formats can change year to year. Contextual and refugee/care-experienced offers are published on each official course page but are not reproduced in this guide.