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).
Undergraduate
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of reactions and interactions between atoms, compounds and ions. It provides the foundation for jobs in nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biotech, materials science, energy and resources, the environment, and agriculture.
75
ATAR
3
Years Full Time
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This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
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.
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.
Chemistry
Course Accreditation
The Chemistry (MJD-CHEMY) major in the Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
Fees and scholarships
Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
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
There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.
International Student Fees
Annual course fee
2024
$43,900.00
2025
$46,300.00
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
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
There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.
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
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
German Abitur
- 3.6
Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
- 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
- 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
- 324
Sweden Slutbetyg
- 14.5
Trinity College Foundation
- 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
- 61
US College Board SAT
- 1130
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
- 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
- 75
Admission requirements
For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
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 IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
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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
Chemistry provides a foundation and detailed understanding of fields such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, green chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, cosmetic and fragrance industries, materials science, nanotechnology, pharmacology and molecular biology.
About the course
In the Chemistry major students will develop an understanding of complex reactions, the mechanisms of reactions and the physical and chemical manipulations that can be used to make reactions occur.
Chemistry
Quick details
Status
- Available 2023
Locations
- Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
- Full-time
- Part-time
Delivery
- On-campus
Starting dates
- Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
- 16-25 hours' teaching time, plus your own study time.
Level of study
- Undergraduate
Course Code
- MJD-CHEMY
Full time/part time duration
- 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