BSc Chemistry
-
UCAS code
F100 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
This BSc Chemistry degree offers you a broad education in chemistry and provides you with the skills to succeed in a range of professions.
This degree provides solid training in chemistry and equips you with key transferable skills. You will spend your first two years learning the core subjects that all chemists need to know. Topics include trends in the periodic table, carbonyl group chemistry and chemical kinetics. You will be taught by internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, lab classes, workshops and tutorials.
If you do not have an A level in Maths, you will take our first year Maths for Chemists module which covers all the topics you will need for Chemistry. Depending on your level of maths, you may have the opportunity to take an option from outside the Department.
In your final year you will study more advanced topics influenced by the cutting-edge chemistry taking place around you. The Department's staff specialise in a number of areas including nanotechnology, synthesis, polymers and advanced materials, surface science and forensic analysis, providing a wide range of options for your final year research project. You will also have the opportunity to participate in academic research. and can work alongside our world-class researchers.
Additionally, if you are interested in teaching as a career, we offer a school-based project in your final year. Students spend one day a week for two terms working alongside both teachers and pupils on an individual project. This project gives you the necessary experience for teacher training applications and helps develop your professional skills for careers which involve working with people.
All our chemistry courses are very flexible and, depending on your grades, you can transfer between them at the end of your first or second year. All our courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Placement
We have a dedicated placements officer who is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of application, as well as to help you find a placement. We have previously sent students to companies such as Coty (Rimmel), Dow Corning and GSK. Students have also been placed at foreign research institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, Aarhus University, the University of South Australia and NASA.
Overview
This BSc Chemistry degree offers you a broad education in chemistry and provides you with the skills to succeed in a range of professions.
This degree provides solid training in chemistry and equips you with key transferable skills. You will spend your first two years learning the core subjects that all chemists need to know. Topics include trends in the periodic table, carbonyl group chemistry and chemical kinetics. You will be taught by internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, lab classes, workshops and tutorials.
If you do not have an A level in Maths, you will take our first year Maths for Chemists module which covers all the topics you will need for Chemistry. Depending on your level of maths, you may have the opportunity to take an option from outside the Department.
In your final year you will study more advanced topics influenced by the cutting-edge chemistry taking place around you. The Department's staff specialise in a number of areas including nanotechnology, synthesis, polymers and advanced materials, surface science and forensic analysis, providing a wide range of options for your final year research project. You will also have the opportunity to participate in academic research. and can work alongside our world-class researchers.
Additionally, if you are interested in teaching as a career, we offer a school-based project in your final year. Students spend one day a week for two terms working alongside both teachers and pupils on an individual project. This project gives you the necessary experience for teacher training applications and helps develop your professional skills for careers which involve working with people.
All our chemistry courses are very flexible and, depending on your grades, you can transfer between them at the end of your first or second year. All our courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Placement
We have a dedicated placements officer who is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of application, as well as to help you find a placement. We have previously sent students to companies such as Coty (Rimmel), Dow Corning and GSK. Students have also been placed at foreign research institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, Aarhus University, the University of South Australia and NASA.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB, including grade B in A level Chemistry
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall including at least 5 in Chemistry at higher level
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
GCSE
Maths at grade B (6)
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 1 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1IN1 | Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | DR Michael Piperakis |
CH1OR1 | Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH1PH1 | Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1PRA | Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Jessica Gusthart |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1M | Chemistry M | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH1M2 | Mathematics M2 | PROF Ann Chippindale |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Ceri Falys |
BI1BEA2 | Current Topics in Zoology and Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2AN3 | Analytical Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH2CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 2 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2IN1 | Further Inorganic Chemistry | PROF Anthony Powell |
CH2OR1 | Further Organic Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
CH2PH1 | Further Physical Chemistry | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2PRAC | Extended Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Michael Piperakis |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2CCS1 | Core Cosmetic Science 1 | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH2MC2 | Medicinal Chemistry 2 for Chemists | DR John McKendrick |
CH2MIM | The Uses of Metals in Medicine | DR Katja Strohfeldt-Venables |
CH2PC2 | Aspects of chemical biology | DR John McKendrick |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3AN1 | X-ray Techniques & Databases in Analytical Chemistry | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH3AN2 | Advanced Analytical Techniques for Inorganic Structure Determination | PROF Frantisek Hartl |
CH3I1 | d and f block chemistry | PROF Christine Cardin |
CH3I2 | Clusters, Extended Arrays and Solid-State Chemistry | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH3O1 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Synthesis of Complex Targets | DR John McKendrick |
CH3O2 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Contemporary Synthetic Methodology | DR Chris Smith |
CH3P1 | Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry 1 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH3P2 | Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry 2 | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3PR | BSc Chemistry Project | DR Roger Bennett |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
We incorporate skills development into each year of the degree, giving you a better chance of securing work when you leave university. Upon graduation you will have a range of skills which are essential for chemists but also make you highly desirable in all areas of employment. These include skills such as planning and organisation, handling information, communication, scientific and practical skills, ICT, problem solving, critical analysis, time management and business awareness. The Department also holds a careers fair at which University alumni discuss their careers and advise you on the different options available.
Other graduates go into a range of professions, including becoming analytical scientists, chemical sales reps, organic synthetic chemists, peptide chemists, research chemists and senior analysts.
Past students have found work for a range of companies and organisations, including Evotec, Pharmaterials, Intertek, Reed, Police Service, Pfizer, CEM Analytical Services and Thames Water.