Chemistry BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F100 (full-time), 350M (sandwich)
About this course
Chemistry is a practical subject and we know there’s just no substitute for doing it yourself. That’s why on this course, you’ll get to use our analytical equipment and facilities including mass specs and x-ray crystallography, all in our state-of-the-art labs.
As well as the support you’ll get from our experienced teaching staff and technicians, you’ll also learn in small teaching groups to allow you to develop confidence, boost your technical skills and meet new friends.
Staff and student community
Whatever the support you need – whether it’s support around your studies or university life in general – you can be sure we’ve got you covered. On the academic and practical side of things you’ll get the support of your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, so there’s always someone to turn to. They will get to know you during your course and can help you target support where you need it most.
Our mentoring scheme gives you support from other students on your course. They can give you practical advice on how to tackle a particular part of your studies or more general guidance on life as a student. They’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective.
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Through group work and the Professional Practice module you’ll start designing your own experiments and trying things out. Developing problem-solving skills by testing and learning are valuable skills for any chemist to have and we make sure you get this experience right from the start of your course. We’ve also embedded employability skills in the course so you are not only learning theory and skills, but you know where to find your dream job and how to apply for it. -
We have Royal Society of Chemistry accredited courses. We work closely with industry and we know what they want from graduates. With that in mind, we’re constantly developing this course to meet these needs. For example, industry want chemistry graduates that can problem solve and communicate their findings clearly. We’ve built these skills in as a core part of our modules, so you might find yourself working on a design project as part of a group or presenting your results to your class. -
Through module options in Year Two and Three you can personalise your learning in the areas of materials, environment and medicinal chemistry. You can choose to continue studying these areas of chemistry in your final year project to deepen your knowledge further. -
94% of chemistry students were positive about the academic support on their course. National Student Survey 2024.
What you’ll study
Study abroad opportunities
Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.
Who will teach me?
We have a passionate team of experts who are committed to providing you with all the skills and experience you need to build a successful career in industry or in research. We are proud to have won awards and recognition for our high levels of teaching and student satisfaction. As a student here, you will not only have the full support of your tutors, but you’ll also work with a highly skilled technical team who are on hand to help you throughout your studies.
In your first year, you will be introduced to the various strands of chemistry, and we will start to think about the ways in which chemistry contributes to our economy and the world around us.
Core modules
Structure and Function
Learn about the bonding and structure in organic molecules and functional group chemistry, with an emphasis on reactivity and mechanism.
Inorganic Bonding and Solid-State Materials
Learn the fundamental concepts of theoretical and practical chemistry as well as aspects such as inorganic complexation reactions, indicator theory and acid-base systems.
Physical States of Matter
Study physical chemistry including kinetic theory of gases, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, phase equilibria and distillation processes.
Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Analysis
Learn basic chemical principles including chromatography, applied optical spectroscopy, statistical tests, electroanalytical techniques, and appropriate specialist methods.
Professional Development
Engage with real-life examples of how chemistry works, and understand the influence of social, economic or environmental factors on the way chemical sciences operate.
Introduction to Specialist Areas of Chemistry
These include biological chemistry of drugs, polymeric materials and environmental issues.
This year we will be exploring more advanced concepts and you’ll have the opportunity to take a short placement to get you thinking about the world of work. You’ll also choose a specialist area for further study.
Core modules
Organic Chemistry
Learn more advanced concepts in synthetic organic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms and reactivity, as well as advanced structural analysis through organic spectroscopic techniques.
Inorganic Chemistry
Develop the concepts introduced in Year One and learn about structural chemistry in relation to chemical behaviour, functionality, reactivity and identification of inorganic molecules.
Physical Chemistry
Learn about the basic principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Analytical Chemistry
Builds on Year One with a focus on interfering sample matrices, quantitative and qualitative identification of multicomponent samples and measurements under non-ideal conditions.
Professional Practice
Get prepared for the world of work through a short placement. You’ll be able to apply and observe, analyse and evaluate a range of vocationally relevant processes and attitudes.
Optional modules
Choose one from:
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Introduces you to the processes involved in drug discovery and the steps taken by the medicinal chemist to take a lead compound and develop a drug for market.
Modern Day Materials
Develop an awareness of the impact of advanced materials science on modern-day life through a series of lectures and laboratory demonstrations on the applications of carbon and composite materials.
Applied Instrumental Analysis
Develop an understanding of how modern analytical instrumentation and radiochemical techniques are used to solve real-world problems in areas such as research, industry and the regulatory sectors.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
We’re moving on to advanced topics and you’ll start to work more independently, carrying out research for your final year project. You’ll have more input in deciding which modules you study this year, depending on your own interests and career aspirations.
Core modules
Advanced Chemistry
Study advanced topics across the spectrum of chemistry including heterocyclic chemistry, reaction mechanisms at metal centres, and molecular self-assembly and polymer chemistry in solution.
Project
Develop plans and carry out a substantial independent research project of publishable quality. Understand the principles of analytical work and the limitations of experimental design.
Optional modules
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Study a range of topics including bioinorganic chemistry, magnetochemistry, and the chemistry of lanthanides and actinides, to name a few.
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Builds on previous concepts presented in organic chemistry, and introduces you to concepts of total synthesis, asymmetric synthesis and advanced theories in pericyclic reactions.
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Study the principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Advanced Chemical Analysis
Develop through advanced topics in the theory and practice of chemical analysis, including method development from first principles through to final presentation, method validation, and group work.
Chemotherapeutics
Study the biological processes involved in disease proliferation and the use of chemotherapeutic agents as a treatment.
Nano and Green Chemistry
Develop an appreciation of cutting-edge progress in nanomaterials and green chemistry, their use in domestic and engineering applications and the theory and practice of green chemistry.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
"Great facilities, get loads of hands on lab experience. Tutorials in each module to help your understanding of content. All lectures are recorded in the case you miss any. Assigned a tutor and student mentor at the start of the year as a first point of contact if you need and help or support."
(BSc (Hons) Chemistry student review, Student Crowd)
Video Gallery
How you're taught
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
Hands-on learning
You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment, such as our mass specs and x-ray crystallography, right from the very start of your course. From developing risk assessments and COSSH assessments you’ll know how a professional lab works and how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry – all valuable skills to have before you graduate.
Get published
During your project you’ll be working on real research projects often alongside our chemistry researchers. Our research papers are frequently published in international scientific journals with our students named as one of the contributing authors – a great start to your career.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- Practical assessments - Because there is a lot of practical work in this course, the majority of assessments will involve reviews of your coursework and practical experience.
- Group and Lab assessments - We will be assessing group projects and laboratory work, as well as the portfolio that you’ll develop throughout the course.
- Exams and dissertation - You'll also give oral presentations and produce a final year dissertation. Some assessments will be in the form of written exams and in-class written tests.
Careers and employability
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Accreditations are the seal of approval from professional bodies and are our assurance to you that our courses are relevant to and valued by industry.
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent Chemistry students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Scott Bader, Alpha Analytical Laboratory, AkzoNobel and Institute Medical Research. They secured varied roles such as Research Assistant, Trainee Ink Chemist and Logistics Analyst.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
"I was excited to have the opportunity of a year’s placement, to experience work in industry, make some money, and see if it was something I wanted to do in the future. The academic staff were very supportive in helping me find a placement. This included a mock interview session and CV writing tips.
After the experience of working in industry and working with developing areas of chemistry in the final year, I have begun to pursue a career in analytical chemistry."
Charlotte Boughton
BSc (Hons) Chemistry
Your future career
Our Chemistry graduates have excellent employment prospects because they possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills that are suited to a broad range of roles and industries. Over the years we have developed strong links with some of the biggest names in the industry and many of our students have secured work placements and careers with these companies.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- AstraZeneca
- NHS
- Birds Eye
- Pirelli Tyres
- Boots
- British Standards Institute
- Infineum
- Novartis
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Analytical Chemist
- Chemist
- Laboratory Assistant
- Product Development Technologist
- Technical Chemist
- Research Chemist
Many graduates also choose to go on to further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You cannot fail to be impressed with the Chemistry facilities on-campus. We have worked hard to create a stimulating and creative environment that will give you the knowledge and skills to put you ahead of the graduate crowd. Take our virtual tour and see our facilities for yourself.
Take a virtual tour of our Chemistry facilities
Our first-class facilities support our high quality teaching and world-leading research across subjects and disciplines. As a Chemistry student you will have access to the:
- Rosalind Franklin laboratory facility
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research facility
- Natural Sciences Research facility
- on-campus crime scene training facility
- British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber.
Outside of our science facilities, we have a dedicated teaching and learning building which is home to lecture theatres and innovative teaching spaces. The Clifton Pavilion sits at the heart of the campus and provides a contemporary study and social space, where you can relax, grab a coffee, and work on projects independently or in groups.
Entry requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
- Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)
How to apply
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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