RSC Recognised and Accredited Degree Courses

The RSC's duties as the qualifying body for chemistry in the UK are derived from the obligation in its Royal Charter which requires it

"to establish, uphold and advance the standards of qualification, competence and conduct of those who practice chemistry as a profession".

The RSC has established criteria for admission to categories of qualified membership, the award of Chartered Chemist and to specialist registers.

First degree qualifications in the chemical sciences may be approved by the RSC at one of two levels depending on the satisfaction of criteria outlined in the publication Recognition and Accreditation of Degree Courses (PDF link below or hardcopy available from the Manager, Admissions & Qualifications).

Recognition

The RSC recognises a wide range of degrees based on chemical science as satisfying the academic requirements for Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC) which, depending on fulfillment of experiential criteria, can lead to the categories of Member (MRSC) or Fellow (FRSC).

The recognition process involves universities submitting details of appropriate courses to the Qualification Specialist.  Those courses achieving recognition are then listed on the website and in a booklet distributed each year to all UK sixth forms. In addition, individual applicants for membership can submit a course transcript with their application and decisions about admission are based on this information. Generally for guidance, any UK honours degree that contains greater than 50% chemical science will satisfy the recognition criteria for membership.

To ascertain if your degree course is recognised as fulfilling the academic requirements for AMRSC please contact the Qualifications Specialist.

Accreditation

The Chartered Chemist designation (CChem) recognises the experienced practicing chemist who has demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, significant personal achievements based upon chemistry, professionalism in the workplace and a commitment to maintaining technical expertise through continuing professional development.

The RSC accredits degree courses in chemistry of a high standard in terms of both their intellectual challenge and the competence they are designed to impart to graduates. The process requires universities to submit formally details of appropriate courses that they offer. These are reviewed by the RSC and decisions regarding accreditation are agreed.

Links to current accredited courses are provided below. The courses listed are those that have been accredited by the RSC for satisfying the academic requirements for the award of CChem and refer to the 2008 intake. Accredited courses that have ceased to recruit students are not included.

In some cases conditions for accreditation may apply. For example, module selection may be restricted for those wishing to graduate with an accredited qualification. Universities are aware of any restrictions and be able to advise students accordingly.

Normally, only graduates with accredited degrees awarded with first or second class honours satisfy fully the academic requirements for CChem.

Further details of the courses listed can be obtained directly from the institution's chemistry department.

Courses are reviewed on a five year cycle.