Oxford & Cambridge Chemistry

Chemistry Admissions SupportInterviews, the ESAT and choosing a course

One-to-one help for students applying to Chemistry at Oxford, or to Natural Sciences at Cambridge to study chemistry. Our tutors are Oxford and Cambridge students and graduates.

Find a Chemistry tutor

Which course, which test

Two routes into chemistry

Cambridge uses the ESAT for Natural Sciences. Oxford Chemistry has no admissions test. This is how it works for students who applied in October 2026, for entry in 2027.

Cambridge

Natural Sciences (for Chemistry)

What you studyThree sciences plus maths in your first year. You can take Chemistry from the start and specialise in it later.

TestThe ESAT: Mathematics 1, plus any two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. Our ESAT page

Subjects you needMaths plus two other sciences or maths subjects. First-year Chemistry needs A-level Chemistry.

Typical offerA*A*A at A-level, or 41–42 points in the IB with 776 at Higher Level.

Interview7–18 December 2026, online or in person, depending on the college.

Oxford

Chemistry

What you studyThe science of matter at the level of atoms and molecules, over four years.

TestNone.

Subjects you needA-level Chemistry and Maths. Another science or Further Maths is recommended.

Typical offerA*A*A, including Chemistry and Maths, with both A*s in science or maths subjects, or 40 points in the IB.

InterviewOnline. At least two interviews at your first college on 7–10 December 2026. A second college may also interview you on 15–16 December.

Entrance tests for these courses

ESATCambridge Natural SciencesHow the test works, and our ESAT tutors.

Interested in the chemistry of living things? Oxford's Biochemistry course is on our Biology page. For Chemical Engineering, see our Engineering page. Always confirm the details on the official course pages.

Applying to Cambridge? See our Natural Sciences page. Not your course? See every Oxford and Cambridge course and its admissions test, A–Z.

How we help

Support for every part of the application

Interview practice

Chemistry interviews test how you reason. You might draw possible molecules, think about their 3D shape, or meet a new idea and use it straight away. A tutor runs a mock interview like this and gives you honest feedback.

The ESAT (Cambridge)

For next year's applicants. See our ESAT page for how the test works and our ESAT tutors.

Choosing a course

Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering? A tutor can talk you through how they differ.

Your Tutors

Chemistry tutors

We're adding Chemistry tutors now

Tell us what you need, and we'll get back to you about a tutor who fits.

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How it works

Simple, flexible, by the hour

Choose your tutor

Pick a tutor from this page and send them a message. Not sure who to choose? Tell us what you need and we'll suggest someone.

Arrange a first lesson

We put you in touch with your tutor to agree a time. For students under 18, a parent is included in all messages.

Book lessons by the hour

Lessons are online. Your lessons and invoices are in your MyOxbridgeTutor account.

Our charging promise: You only ever pay for the hours you need to use, no packages or contracts. Rates vary by tutor and are shown on each tutor's profile.

Questions

Chemistry admissions FAQs

Is there a test for Oxford Chemistry?

No. Oxford Chemistry has no admissions test and no written work.

How do I study Chemistry at Cambridge?

Through Natural Sciences. Take Chemistry in your first year (you need A-level Chemistry for it), then specialise later.

What happens in a chemistry interview?

Tutors want to see you have a go at problems, even when you can't see the answer straight away. In one example Oxford has published, candidates draw possible molecules, decide whether two drawings are really the same 3D shape, then meet a new idea and use it.

How many mock interviews should I book?

We suggest a series of sessions with one tutor, as many as you need, to build your technique. A tutor who knows you can see what you're improving on and take each session further than the last.

Then book one or two sessions with tutors you haven't met. On the day, you'll be interviewed by people you've never spoken to, who ask questions in their own way. Practising with someone new shows you whether your technique holds up when the style and the questions are unfamiliar.

Ready to strengthen your Chemistry application?

Tell us a little about the course and where you'd like support — interview, the ESAT or choosing a course — and we'll get back to you about a tutor who fits. No packages, no obligation.

Enquire about Chemistry tutoring