Which other subjects fit with chemistry?

Do you want to take chemistry at A-level but are not sure which other subjects to take? What about the role of maths or other complementary subjects? Keep reading to find out which subjects will be most beneficial to you in your future career.

If you want to do a degree in chemistry you should seriously consider taking maths as it will help you to understand the various chemical concepts and principles. Although you don’t need it for entry on to all chemistry degree courses, maths plays such an important role in many aspects of chemistry that having a good grounding in the subject definitely makes life easier. Not taking maths will limit your university choice. However, don’t panic if your maths isn’t up to scratch as universities can offer advice, guidance and support in this area. Talk to the admissions tutors at your university choices to get their opinion and if possible talk to future employers as they will be able to give you the most up to date information in what they look for in potential employees.

The table below gives an example of the subjects you will need to study for various chemistry-related degree courses. For more information on entry requirements for all courses make sure you have a look at the UCAS website.

Degree course	GCSE Standard Grade	A level/Advanced higher
Analytical chemistry	English, Maths	Chemistry
Biochemistry	English language, Maths	Chemistry, Biology
Chemistry	English, Maths	Chemistry
Chemistry & Business	English, Maths, Science	Chemistry, 1 other science
Chemistry & Computing	English, Maths, Science	Chemistry, Maths or Computing, 1 other science
Chemistry & Pharmacology	English language, Maths, Science	Chemistry, Biology or other science
Chemistry with Analytical Science	English, Maths	Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry	English language, Maths	Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology
Medicinal Chemistry	English, Maths	Chemistry
Pharmaceutical chemistry	Maths	Chemistry

Chemistry graduates can work in a huge range of careers so gaining your chemistry degree will open up a wide range of possibilities for you. For more information on jobs that chemistry graduates have gone into have a look at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s employee profiles, talk to people you know who are using chemistry in their work – you may be surprised at how many people that is, and talk to employers. If you can, try to get work experience in a variety of chemical roles so that you know which one best suits you.