BSc Chemistry with Foundation

BSc Chemistry with Foundation is a four-year course offering you a broad education in chemistry and providing you with the skills to succeed in a range of professions.

Our BSc Chemistry with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

Following the foundation year, you will spend the next 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.

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 analytical chemistry, synthesis, polymers and advanced materials, surface science and computational drug design, providing a wide range of options for your final year research project.

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.

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

BSc Chemistry with Foundation is a four-year course offering you a broad education in chemistry and providing you with the skills to succeed in a range of professions.

Our BSc Chemistry with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

You will be taught by internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, lab classes, workshops and tutorials.

Placement

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

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.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB - for applicants without Chemistry

CCC - for applicants with Chemistry

International Baccalaureate

30 - for applicants without Chemistry

24 - for applicants with Chemistry at higher level

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC

DMM

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.

GCSE

Grade 4 (C) in Science if not studying sciences at A level.

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.

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

Compulsory modules

Chemistry

Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen. You’ll also gain practical experience and develop skills by applying what you’ve learnt in a laboratory setting.

Mathematics

Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of basic mathematics in biological and chemical sciences.

Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Mathematics for Chemists

Learn the mathematical tools that will underpin and support all years of your chemistry degree programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience by practicing your new skills in the supportive environment of weekly workshops, and by using the additional online resources.

Chemistry Practicals 1

Develop your basic skills in practical chemistry and study the principles described in the accompanying first-year chemistry modules. You’ll learn to use fundamental software packages that are required for chemical report writing.

Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Understand the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry by learning the core aspects of atomic structure, key bonding theories, and principles of solid-state chemistry. You’ll also learn about trends in chemical and physical properties of elements, and key concepts of solution chemistry. You’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge in core inorganic chemistry.

Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry

Learn the basic concepts of organic chemistry, such as the structure of organic compounds and their isomerism, the concept of a functional group and their predictable reactivity, and the unifying concept of mechanisms. You’ll build a foundation for studying organic chemistry in greater depth in later modules.

Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation

Develop your knowledge of the fundamental principles of physical chemistry by studying core concepts of physical processes and molecular organisation. You’ll learn the key concepts during lectures and develop your skills by applying knowledge during workshops.

Contemporary Problems in Chemistry

Explore the role of green chemistry in reducing the impact of chemistry, both in research and industry, on the environment. You’ll also explore the role of societal issues and their application to the chemistry context.

Compulsory modules

Further Inorganic Chemistry

Develop your understanding of key aspects of inorganic chemistry. You’ll learn the core aspects of transition-metal chemistry and its application to properties of inorganic complexes. You’ll also explore trends in inorganic and organometallic chemistry, and ideas and concepts of symmetry.

Further Organic Chemistry

Learn the chemistry necessary to make key bonds and structural motifs in some of the most important molecules that you encounter every day, including in medicines, household products and cosmetics. You’ll learn the core concepts of organic chemistry and develop your ability to manipulate starting materials and make new C-C bonds.

Further Physical Chemistry

Develop your understanding of key aspects of physical chemistry related to equilibrium and molecular structure. You’ll examine questions raised in tutorials and workshops, and analyse numerical problems on relevant material.

Chemistry Practicals 2

Apply and further develop the skills you acquired in the Part 1 practical module and consolidate your Part 2 learning. You’ll learn new experimental techniques, develop your science writing and communication skills, and build a foundation for the research project that you will undertake in your final year.

Optional modules

Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1

Discover the concepts and general principles relating to chemical biology. You’ll learn about bioinorganic chemistry, aspects of pharmacology, pharmacy practice related to drug discovery, drug design and metal-based diagnostic agents, and develop your knowledge of the drug discovery process.

Core Cosmetic Science 1

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the science behind cosmetic products. You’ll learn about the chemistry of key cosmetic ingredients, consumer perception, and the ethics of the cosmetics industry, and formulate your cosmetic items.

Compulsory modules

Chemistry Project 3

Gain experience of working on an extended project, as you research a topic using the tools of modern chemistry. You’ll develop your academic skills in chemistry techniques, computation, independent thought and practice, and express those ideas in written and oral presentations.

Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic)

Explore advanced topics in organic, coordination and organometallic chemistry, and build your knowledge to better understand the primary chemical literature.

Chemistry Core 2 (Physical and Analytical)

Develop your knowledge of both physical and analytical chemistry by studying the core topics in depth. You’ll learn key concepts, explore your understanding in workshops and have the opportunity to gain skills by applying the knowledge you’ve acquired.

Optional modules

Further Cosmetic Science

Deepen your understanding of the scientific principles that underpin the development and production of cosmetic products. You’ll critically analyse a range of products available in the market today, gain insight into how col our is formulated in products, and discuss the practicalities of preservation. You’ll also learn about the complex regulatory landscape surrounding cosmetic products.

Further Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Learn the causes and pathology of several common diseases and understand the development of chemotherapeutic strategies to treat them. You’ll gain an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of the subject by drawing on the relevant aspects of pharmacology and biochemistry.

Chemistry in the Natural World

Enhance your knowledge of chemical processes in the natural world and increase your awareness of contemporary environmental issues. You’ll study key chemical reactions and examine the source, transport, and effect of pollutants on the environment and in living systems, as well as relevant mitigation measures, gaining a valuable insight into role of chemistry in nature and society.

Polymers in Nature and Industry

Learn about bio- and man-made polymeric materials, their synthesis, biology and chemistry. You’ll explore how amino acids and carbohydrates can be oligomerised to form a variety of materials with a myriad of functions. You’ll also study the basics of synthesis, physical characterisation and functional applications of synthetic polymers.

Further Analytical Techniques

Explore a range of modern analytical chemistry techniques relevant to the molecular sciences. You’ll master these techniques in lectures and workshops delivered by renowned field specialists. Techniques include mass spectrometry, multi-nuclear magnetic resonance and voltammetry.

Solid State Chemistry

Learn about important aspects of solid-state chemistry, including applications in energy and sensor technologies. You’ll also learn how X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques are employed to determine the crystal structures of solids. You’ll be engaged in learning through lectures, workshops, quizzes and hands-on experience.

School Education Project

Inspire the next generation of chemists whilst gaining teaching experience in a secondary school. Working as a mentor alongside specialist teachers, you will learn about the needs of individual pupils and staff responsibilities and can research, design, and implement a chemistry-based work project. Placement is subject to a selection process and DBS check.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: the University of Reading will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit as set by the UK government for the relevant academic year. The fee cap for 2026/27 hasn't been confirmed yet. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information. The annual fee for 2025/26 is £9,535.

New international students: £23,000 for 2026/27 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For 2026/27, the standard fee is £30,650. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

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. Overall, 92% of graduates from Chemistry are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes First Degree Chemistry responders).

Some of our graduates continue into further studies, working towards an MSc, initial teacher training or a PhD. Other graduates go into a range of professions, across numerous sectors including science, the environment, health and safety, forensics, food technology, pharmaceuticals and water analysis.

Past UG graduates from the department of Chemistry at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as AstraZeneca, Campden BRI, Grant Thirton, Unilever, Deloitte, Pfize, PwC, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thames Water, FDM Group, and RSSL (Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes department of Chemistry responders).

BSc Chemistry with Foundation

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

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