How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. 

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

Alex Hamilton

Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry

My teaching covers all aspects of Physical Chemistry. My research group apply state-of-the-art computational simulations to understand reaction mechanisms and design … 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 before your final 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 Department 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.

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.

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 | Keeping safe on Campus

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

Important notice: The structure for this course is currently being reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment are all likely to change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Once the changes have been confirmed, 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.

Fees and funding

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.