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Your life in the Department

We offer a supportive environment and give you an individual experience.

Before you arrive at Reading, you’ll be allocated:

  • a student mentor to help you settle in to university life
  • an academic tutor who will be available throughout your time at Reading to give you advice about your studies.
Group of students chatting in a science lab

ChemSoc

ChemSoc, our student-led chemistry society, is open to everyone in the Department.

We have an active social programme throughout the year. The society organises a variety of events, from pub crawls to career fairs.

Active alumni network

We have a strong global network of alumni who maintain links with each other and the University.

Our alumni support our undergraduates through the Thrive mentoring scheme, by offering placement opportunities, and as visiting lecturers.
Kate Spear, MChem Chemistry graduate

Kate's story

The Department has a really nice feel to it. I immediately got the sense that I could be part of the community, but, more importantly, that I could contribute to it.

Kate Spear, MChem Chemistry graduate

Student using machinery in the Chemical Analysis Facility

Our facilities

Gain hands-on experience by using industry standard equipment in our Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF).

This will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the instruments and give you the edge over other chemistry graduates.
Close-up of scientist's hands on a microscope

Our staff

Learn about the academics in our Department and find out about their research interests.

Choose Reading


Third year Chemistry students, Ella, Bradley and Ollie, share why they chose Reading, what they enjoy most about their studies, and where they hope their degrees will take them.

"My students are trained to use an expensive instrument that is normally only run by a technician, so it's quite a unique opportunity. On graduating, they’re able to show that they can apply analytical techniques to solve real chemical problems.”

Dr Geoff Brown, Associate Professor in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Read Geoff's story

How we support you

The welfare of our students is extremely important to us. That's why the University offers a dedicated range of support services for your personal and professional development.

For our international students, the University provides academic English support if English is not your first language, as well as specialised guidance on immigration and visas.

The Disability Advisory Service offers bespoke support for students with any disability, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty who require assistance during their studies.

The University also offers Maths Support, a drop-in service designed to help with any areas of maths you find difficult during your studies.
A student using her laptop outside a cafe

Life on campus

Whiteknights campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. The campus is a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.
Visit our campus
Learn about the campus facilities
Two students chatting in Reading town centre

Life in Reading

Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train. 
Athena SWAN Silver Award