Everything you need to know...
International: £13,650 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Student satisfaction
This course scored 88% for overall satisfaction in the 2019 National Student Survey.
Course summary
- Learn the knowledge to solve real-world chemistry problems in the context of biological, environmental, materials and pharmaceutical science.
- Gain experience of industrially relevant analytical instrumentation and modern synthetic methodologies.
- Achieve an appreciation of the importance of risk assessment protocols and development of project management skills.
- Choose to transfer onto the MChem qualification.
- Have the opportunity to work abroad — Erasmus funding is available for European placements.
Develop the skills to achieve in a wide variety of employment, including industrial and academic research and development.
Optional transfer to the MChem qualification is aimed at students wanting to pursue a career in research and is suitable for students who achieve good results during years one and two of the BSc route.
Student View
Watch student Gemma Portlock talk about what it’s like to study this course
How you learn
You learn not only practical skills, but also to keep effective records, analyse data, design and plan procedures. You work both independently and with others.
You learn through
- core lectures
- laboratory work
- small group academic tutorials
There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus programme.
Course leaders and tutors

Vikki Carolan
Principal Lecturer and Undergraduate Delivery ManagerVikki is a lecturer in analytical science at Sheffield Hallam. She is also the Academic Placement Tutor for the department of Biosciences and Chemistry

Alex Hamilton
Senior Lecturer in Physical ChemistryMy 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
Work placements
You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.
Networking opportunities
This course benefits from accreditation by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), which helps you to connect with the wider chemistry community.

Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- analytical science
- research and pharmaceutical development
- regulatory affairs
- teaching
- IT
- accountancy
- marketing
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work as
- biological monitors for the Health and Safety Laboratory
- validation chemists for Waters Ltd
- external manufacturer quality leaders at Reckitt Benckiser
- operations managers at Pure Melt Ltd
- quality and technical graduates at Tesco PLC
Many graduates also choose to progress to specialist postgraduate courses or carry out research for a PhD to enhance their scientific careers.
Accreditation
The BSc (Hons) Chemistry is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- new specialist laboratories, part of the £10 million STEM development, that use the same type of equipment found in industry
- state-of-the-art instrumentation in all aspects of chemistry
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112
From three 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:
- BBC at A Level including Chemistry.
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject(s).
- 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*
- Science 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.
• Successful completion of our University Preparatory Year, Extended Degree Programme in Biosciences and Chemistry.
• 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.
You need to demonstrate an ability to
• study academic subjects at degree level
• debate topics and issues
• draw on conclusions from written material
• study independently as well as a member of a group
• use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
• successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations
This is normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
* GCSE English, mathematics and science 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 on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
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. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
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.
You can take an optional placement in year three.
Year 1
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Concepts In Physical Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Fundamentals Of Organic Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Introduction To Inorganic And Materials Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Principles Of Chemistry And Analytical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Labs | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Skills | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Analytical And Bioanalytical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Chemistry And Society | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Organic And Biological Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Physical And Inorganic Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
Module | Credits |
---|---|
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Final year
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Advanced Analytical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Advanced Inorganic, Physical & Materials Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Advanced Organic Synthesis And Spectroscopy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Pharmacology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Fees and funding
Home/EU students
Our tuition fee for UK/EU students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2020/21 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† 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 students starting full-time study in 2020/21 is £13,650 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
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.
Additional costs for Biosciences and chemistry courses (PDF)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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