Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
3 / 4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
F100
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
Course summary
- Acquire core chemistry concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios, mirroring the demands of post-graduate careers.
- Get hands-on experience with our extensive range of industry-standard scientific instruments.
- Build your skills and use them to problem solve current issues like climate change and infectious disease.
- Gain invaluable experience by undertaking an optional placement year in a real-world industrial setting.
Chemistry is not only the study of matter but also the study of change – a discipline that permeates everything around us. Chemistry is known as the ‘central science’, so a solid understanding in chemistry allows you to work in lots of other areas of science such as biology, pharmaceuticals, materials and environmental science.
You’ll gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to actively participate in thrilling scientific developments that leave a lasting impact on all aspects of life.
Teaching quality
How you learn
At Sheffield Hallam, we embrace the practicality of chemistry. There's no substitute for experiencing it firsthand, and that's precisely what your course will offer – a hands-on approach both in and out of the classroom, with a combination of practical work and real-world work placement opportunities.
Our academic staff are internationally-renowned researchers but are also enthusiastic about supporting the training and advancement of young scientists. By the time you graduate, you’ll be a skilled and independent scientist, ready to make a difference in the world.
You learn through:
- In-person teaching in face-to-face workshops and tutorials
- Practical hands-on laboratory experience
- Industry-standard facilities and equipment
- Online videos, interactive materials and practice quizzes
- Small group teaching sessions
- Online support tutorials
- An optional industrial placement year
- Capstone independent research project
Throughout your studies, you will be assessed on various skills, including problem-solving, explaining scientific concepts using appropriate terminology, professional communication of science through written reports, presentations, and viva voce examinations, data analysis and interpretation, and reflection on your learning via portfolios.
Key themes
Our curriculum emphasises contemporary challenges, focusing on problem-solving and transferable skills that enable you to tackle pressing issues like climate change and infectious disease.
You’ll begin your journey with us by learning core concepts and building your problem-solving and communication skills. You’ll then apply your understanding to real-world laboratory-based scenarios – ultimately completing independent laboratory projects where you plan, conduct and analyse the results of your experiments.
In semester 2 of your third year, you’ll conduct an extended independent research project, working on a real problem in modern chemistry, supervised by one of our experts. You’re also able to choose a module based on your preferred area of study. All the options are highly applied and interdisciplinary, exploring the boundaries between chemistry and other areas of science – as well as the impact chemistry can have on the future of our planet.
Course support
All of our chemistry degrees are designed and led by research-active staff. As you progress, we’ll gradually develop your independence, encouraging you to tackle complex problems with confidence.
By the time you complete the programme, you'll emerge as a proficient and autonomous scientist, equipped to make a significant impact on the world. These problem-solving and transferable skills will enable you to address pressing issues, contributing to meaningful change in society.
Course leaders and tutors

Daniel Allwood
Senior Lecturer in Organic ChemistryI joined Sheffield Hallam University from the University of Cambridge, where I undertook a PhD (2008-2012) and post-doctoral research (2012-2015) with Professor Stev … Read more
Applied learning
Field trips
You’ll get to experience residential field trips during your course. Both chemists and biologists will help to teach and learn from one another on these trips, discovering how different disciplines influence one another. You’ll learn practical skills which demonstrate how chemistry is not only conducted in the laboratory, but also out in the field.
You’ll tackle environmental concerns like pollution and exploring the connections between chemistry and sustainability. You’ll venture beyond classrooms to scenic UK landscapes.
Experiential learning
Experiential Learning will allow you to grasp core chemistry concepts and apply them to real-world problem-solving scenarios, including those resembling post-graduate careers such as a medicinal chemist or environmental scientist. Your course will provide you with hands-on experience using a wide range of scientific instruments, such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, Infra-Red spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
You can access various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities from your Careers & Employability Team to ensure you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree.
Well-known organisations students have worked with in the past include:
- Airbus
- AstraZeneca
- GSK
- Pfizer
- Tata Steel
- Molson Coors
- Sheffield Assay Office
- Cyprotex
Networking opportunities
Each year students have the opportunity to showcase their project work to our School of Biosciences and Chemistry – and in the final year at a national chemistry conference. These are great opportunities to gain invaluable skills in presenting to the scientific community.
Representatives and staff from Sheffield Hallam’s Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) sit on the committee for the local section of the Royal Society of Chemistry – so they will keep you up to date with the latest local and national chemistry events.
Throughout the Professional Skills for Scientists modules, we’ll support you to build, reflect on and evidence your skillsets to potential employers. The second-year modules in particular focus on helping you to secure a placement year if you choose to do one.

Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Scientific research
- Chemical analysis
- Pharmaceuticals
- Scientific instrumentation
- Materials
- Chemical manufacturing
- Petrochemicals
- Flavours and fragrances
- Quality control
- Recycling and waste processing
- Scientific sales
- Healthcare science
- Scientific marketing
- Scientific recruitment
- Scientific communication
- Academia
- Science education
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- AstraZeneca
- GSK
- Unilever
- Johnson-Matthey
- Dr Reddy’s
- Reckitt
- Agilent
- Infineum
- Lubrizol
- Waters
- The NHS
As well as a range of UK and international universities, a range of public and state schools.
Student View
Watch student Joe Anslow describe his experience on placement at Tata Steel.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Equipment and facilities
The School of Biosciences and Chemistry features state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories and facilities, which you will be supported to get hands-on experience with throughout your degree. You’ll benefit from:
- Modern, industry-standard laboratory spaces
- Our Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging
- Our Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy
- Mass Spectrometry
- Infra-red spectroscopy
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography
- Gas Chromatography
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
- Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
- Computational chemistry facilities
360 tour - biosciences and chemistry facilities
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112-120
From A levels including 32 points in Chemistry or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (including suitable Chemistry modules). We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with relevant chemistry modules (please include units on application).
- BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant chemistry modules alongside other level 3 study.
- Merit overall including a grade B from the Core,- T level Science: Laboratory Technician Pathway ONLY
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels or EPQ.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*.
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.
* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent.
• Equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff and explore any issues you may have.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module explores the fundamental principles of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry which underpin our understanding of molecules and chemical reactions. You’ll consider these aspects of chemistry alongside theoretical concepts and industrial applications.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Phase diagrams and thermodynamics of phase transitions
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Quantum theory, wavelengths, Schrodinger equation and orbitals
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Polymer synthesis, manufacture, processing and applications
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Metals and alloys: Structure and classifications, band theory, metallic conduction, semi-conduction, electron/phonon interactions, thermal effects.
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Inorganic solids, the ionic model, stoichiometry and defects
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Coordination chemistry, bonding and oxidation states
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Electrophilic aromatic substitution
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Oxidation level and redox
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Basic carbonyl chemistry
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Nucleophilic aromatic substitution
This module builds on your prior studies to understand fundamental chemical concepts across the breadth of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. It feeds directly into Applied Topics in Chemistry in semester 2, which further extends and deepens understanding of specific areas.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Basic kinetics and thermodynamics
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Chemical equilibria
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Gas laws
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Conductivity and electrochemistry
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Acids and bases
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The periodic table and chemistry of the elements
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Skeletal structures
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Stereochemistry
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Intermolecular interactions
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Biomolecules
This module develops the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist. You’ll learn through seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Identifying and using appropriate information sources and technologies
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The application of mathematics to scientific data
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Effective communication
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Consideration of ethical issues around the mini project
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Awareness and development of employability
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Fundamental practical training
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Creativity and problem solving
This module introduces the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist, within a programme of seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Appropriate information sources and technologies
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The application of mathematics to scientific data
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Introduction to professional ethics
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Introduction to global science issues
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Introduction to sustainability and the UN Sustainability Goals
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Effective communication
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Awareness and development of employability
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Fundamental practical training
This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of analytical science. You’ll learn through lectures and problem-solving tutorials, further developing these topics throughout your course.
You’ll study topics such as:
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The analytical approach including problem definition and strategy planning
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Sample preparation, experiment calibration and quantification
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Common separation (HPLC, GLC) and spectroscopic/spectrometric techniques
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Data handling, back-calculations from laboratory data and spectral analysis
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Analysis in industry
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This module explores the principles and practice of commonly used analytical techniques and methods, within the context of measurements in biochemistry, forensic science, chemical-related industries and toxicology.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Method optimisation in chromatography
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Derivatisation and chiral chromatography
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Further sample prep: SPME, digestion
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Mass spec MALDI, ESI
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Proteomics
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NMR assignment, elucidation, 2D
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Further spectroscopy: Advances in UV/Vis, IR + Raman
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Further ICP OES/MS/LA
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Inorganic MS
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XRD
This module enables you to apply your lab, practical and professional skills – demonstrating strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate. Through
course-focused lab-based projects, you’ll incorporate work-integrated learning using real problems and scenarios seen within the scientific industry.
You’ll apply learning and skills to:
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Technical activities, experimental design and project management
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Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design
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The use of appropriate information sources and technologies
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Effective communication, presenting and written communications
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Processes in accountability, time management and decision making
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Applications of mathematical and statistical techniques
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Usage of information technology for the range of scientific activities
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Data handling and manipulation of large and complex data sets
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Data application to bioinformatics
This module enables you to apply your practical and professional skills to demonstrate strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate. You’ll undertake
lab-based work-integrated underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
You’ll apply skills and learning such as:
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Ethical considerations and technical activities
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Experimental design and project management
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Use of appropriate information sources and technologies
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Effective communication, presenting and written communications
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Processes in accountability, time management and decision making
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Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design
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Mathematical and statistical techniques
This module furthers your physical and inorganic chemistry understanding, deepening previously taught content and covering more advanced topics in the field. The module will be delivered as a series of lectures and workshops, including specific lab components.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Statistical thermodynamics
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Kinetics and reaction mechanisms
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Computational chemistry and electrochemistry
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Symmetry and group theory
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Clays, zeolites and transition metals
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Coordination, organometallic and bioinorganic complexes
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Crystal field theory
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Lanthanides/actinides
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Catalysis (homogenous/heterogeneous)
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Nanomaterials
This module explores the important materials in the world – natural and synthetic organic compounds – and the continuing need for new materials, drugs, polymers and biomolecules. To have the ability to synthesise these, we must understand how organic compounds react and can be used to prepare important new compounds.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Natural product chemistry
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Chemistry of carbonyl compounds
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Reactions of nucleophiles with aldehydes and ketones
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Reactions of nucleophiles
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Nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions and their mechanisms
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Biosynthesis of natural products
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Synthesis and reactions of pyridine, quinoline and pyrrole
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting.
The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module explores modern academic and industrial synthetic approaches to high-value fine chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, metal complexes, agrochemicals, flavourings and fragrances. The module is heavily based on problem-solving – planning creative and viable synthetic routes to complex target molecules of industrial relevance.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Synthetic routeplanning
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Protecting group strategies
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Asymmetric synthesis
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Diastereoselective synthesis
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Synthesis of transition metal complexes
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Homogeneous catalysis
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Transition metal catalysed cross-coupling
This module takes concepts learned at level 4 and level 5 and uses them to build higher-order, highly sought-after transferrable skills. These skills are invaluable for capstone research projects, which take place the following semester, as well as for graduate employers.
Module Aim:
To support students to develop, evidence, reflect on and improve their employment skills within the context of their career aspirations, the work-place and their own scientific discipline.
Indicative content:
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Employment and further study opportunities for Biosciences & Chemistry graduates both in scientific and non-scientific settings
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Oral and written communication of employability skills
Delivered through a programme of workshops and tutorials covering employment opportunities and skills.
Development and articulation of employability is embedded within all courses through the Professional & Scientific Practice modules that run from level 4 to level 6.
This module deepens your understanding of a range of advanced topics which present challenges to modern society on a global scale, and to which chemistry can play an integral role.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Atmospheric chemistry
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Environmental chemistry
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Polymer chemistry
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Green chemistry
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Industrial chemistry
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Sustainability
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Chemistry for biotechnology
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Toxicology
This module is highly applied and aims to contextualise and extend students prior learning with a range of real-world scenarios.
Module Aim:
The module aims to expand students’ ability to independently follow a research strategy, undertake critical assessment of data obtained and to extend and apply professional and personal skills required for the planning and implementation of a research activity. The student will develop their communication skills following scientific standards. Teaching is delivered through multiple activities, lab- and non-based, online, in person, both in groups and individually.
Indicative content:
Projects will be allocated a project from a pool of topics related to academic staff’s research and professional interests.
Topics will be course relevant and can span across chemistry, biochemistry, analytical science, pedagogy, biomedical sciences, biology and bioinformatics, with each grouping containing several sub-topics.
Elective modules
This module provides theoretical principles of modern analytical science, bioinformatics and chemometrics tools. You’ll expand your critical thinking and informed decision-making processes in the selection of techniques and methods – critically applying your knowledge to solve problems of chemical, biochemical, biotechnological and forensic interest.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Advanced mass spectrometry (MS)
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Ionisation techniques
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Advanced mass analysers
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Peptide sequencing via MS/MS
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Protein nuclear magnetic resonance
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Chemometrics
This module introduces big data and how data sets can be exploited to extract meaningful insights, delivered through taught sessions (on campus and online) and practical workshops. You’ll explore the concepts and theories that underpin data science, gaining an understanding of how big data is generated, and hands-on experience with analysing and presenting data effectively using coding platforms.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Application of coding to biosciences and chemistry
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Bioinformatics tools
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Analysis of data from systems biology
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Statistical analysis of large data
This module develops your understanding of the development and discovery of drugs and the structure and role of the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll explore fundamental concepts of drug action and how manipulations of structure achieve optimum pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles for drugs – while gaining an awareness of the impact of new technologies on the discovery and development of pharmacological agents.
You’ll study topics such as:
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The structure of the pharmaceutical industry
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Drug development, from discovery to market
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Influence of physical properties on drug action
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Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs
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Chemical structure and biological activity
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Therapeutic uses of drugs
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Drugs used to treat human diseases
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.