Program Overview

Our Chemistry degrees prepare you for a variety of exciting and interesting careers including scientist, researcher, writer and teacher. Through hands-on "learning by doing" you'll get access to innovative research facilities and invaluable industry placement opportunities.

• Our accredited chemistry degrees combine modern, practical chemistry with core theory. You'll have the opportunity to explore topics including computer modelling, forensic chemistry, environmental chemistry and topics in energy
• Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements, where you can work in one of our partner laboratories, in the UK or abroad
• Choose our integrated masters pathway where you’ll spend a year conducting independent research
• Learn from lecturers who are active researchers, whose work is used by governments, health professionals and industry
• Become part of a supportive community with one of the best staff-to-student ratios in the country.

During your first two years, you’ll develop a broad understanding of chemistry, its methodology and some of its most intriguing applications. You’ll study a range of modules in topics such as computer modelling, materials, data analysis and visualisation alongside four fundamental core chemistry topics.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to specialise in a range of optional modules such as polymers or medicinal chemistry. You'll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical and presentation skills you’ve developed.

If you choose to complete an integrated masters degree your placement year will be lab-based and research-focused while you also complete distance learning. You will experience advanced techniques in chemistry and you’ll enhance your scientific communication skills. During your final year of both bachelor's and master's degrees, you'll be embedded in a research group, working alongside an academic to carry out independent research. Example topics include drug design, materials for pollution control, catalysis, biodegradable polymers, monitoring microplastics and investigating novel data storage devices.

Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.

We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.

Chemistry placements

Students on our BSc can complete one of our award-winning Professional Training placements. There is a compulsory Industrial Research Year for students on the MChem.

Placements help you gain management and leadership skills, allowing you to become confident in problem-solving and communication. This gives you a real advantage in pursuing whatever career you choose. Many companies hosting placements offer our students employment upon graduation.