Undergraduate
Chemistry
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Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career options.
Career Pathways
Chemistry at UWA produces highly employable graduates for jobs in Western Australia, nationally and internationally. UWA is Western Australia’s top ranked University, and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight Universities. This means UWA Bachelor of Science graduates with a Chemistry major are widely recognised, and our graduates are highly sought-after by employers.
UWA’s research-led teaching will provide you with state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and high level problem solving skills.
The chemical industry is seeking graduates who are specialised in chemistry, but with diverse skill sets. UWA’s unique degree structure sets us apart from other Western Australian universities to train graduates for these jobs.
At UWA, right from first year, you have the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your interest and goals, using your interests as a basis for your choice of subjects to study.
Salary Information
As a chemist, you can expect an annual salary of $113,000 (+ bonus) as the average across all industries and experience levels, with a salary growth of 2.1% per year. The average entry level salary of scientists commences at $80,000 and ranges up to $133,000 for experienced workers. Further studies toward a Master or PhD degree will increase your average base salary toward the upper end of this scale, and will prepare you to take responsibilities as an educator in the higher education system or as manager in industry. Amongst all industries, chemists working in the resource sector have the highest salaries averaging $133,000 p.a. (Salary information from the Professional Scientists Australia 2021 Remuneration Report).
Further Study
By undertaking Honours in Chemistry, you will develop an understanding of the research process and your abilities to conduct independent research. You will acquire training and practice in skills such as experimental methods, problem solving, literature searching, data analysis, computing, team building, and written and oral communication.
Course Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and graduates are eligible to apply for membership.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
International Student Fees
Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.
Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.6
- 75.5
- 254
- 324
- 14.5
- 280
- 61
- 1130
- 56
- 75
Admission requirements
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (must include Academic Reading and Writing modules).
How to apply
Ready for the next step?
Find out how to apply through our simple online application process.
We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course.
We can’t wait for you to join us!
Course details
About the course
Quick details
- Available 2023
- Albany (Regional campus)
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- 16-25 hours' teaching time, plus your own study time.
- Undergraduate
- MJD-CHEMY
- 3 years (BSc), 4 years (BSc [Hons]), 4 years (BPhil[Hons])
Course Structure
Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.
You'll learn to
- understand the properties of atoms and molecules, and their reactivity
- solve chemical problems, including the calculation of yields, dilutions and stoichiometry in chemical reactions, as well as understand the theory and practical methods for creating new molecular structures
- demonstrate knowledge in reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, chemical reactivity and the properties of many classes of compounds and materials
Why study Chemistry
- Taught by experts and award-winning academic staff covering all the fields of Chemistry including organic and inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, biological chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and education.
- A wide and comprehensive laboratory experience throughout all levels of the major.
- Learning content used in research and industry and making connections with these chemistry settings - there is a high demand for chemistry graduates in a variety of industries.
Your degree options
This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Philosophy
Research
Salary Information
As a chemist, you can expect an annual salary of $113,000 (+ bonus) as the average across all industries and experience levels, with a salary growth of 2.1% per year. The average entry level salary of scientists commences at $80,000 and ranges up to $133,000 for experienced workers. Further studies toward a Master or PhD degree will increase your average base salary toward the upper end of this scale, and will prepare you to take responsibilities as an educator in the higher education system or as manager in industry. Amongst all industries, chemists working in the resource sector have the highest salaries averaging $133,000 p.a. (Salary information from the Professional Scientists Australia 2021 Remuneration Report).