BSc (Hons) Chemistry
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F100
- Typical Offer
- BBB including Chemistry
- Contextual Offer
- BCC including Chemistry
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
From the materials we make to the medicines we take; chemistry shapes our relationship with the world around us. Understanding how chemicals interact at a molecular level is not only fascinating, but also of critical importance in solving some of greatest challenges facing humanity, such as climate change and eradicating disease.
Choosing between an MChem or BSc course can be difficult. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, don’t worry. You’ll be given advice before you begin studying and while you’re here. Our course structure is common to both programmes, meaning you can transfer between the MChem and BSc in your first or second year.
Our cutting-edge research in chemical sciences underpins our teaching – through lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical laboratory sessions – ensuring your learning is at the forefront of scientific thought. In the final two years of your chemistry degree, you’ll tailor your study to specialise in the areas that reflect your interests and career aspirations. You’ll also undertake an exciting individual research project.
From the very beginning, you’ll be hands-on in our modern teaching laboratory. The laboratory is light, spacious, and fully equipped with a range of analytical and spectroscopic instrumentation. Later in your degree, you’ll have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment such as our X-Ray and NMR suites and imaging facilities.
Our three-year degree programme will give you a solid grounding in all aspects of chemistry. Many of our graduates secure positions in emerging chemistry industries, leading pharmaceutical companies, research, teaching, and other diverse fields.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Study and Modules
Structure
This degree programme will develop your existing knowledge and give you a detailed understanding of chemistry across a broad range of specialisms.
Throughout your three years, our modules will help you to develop transferable skills in areas of communication, team working and problem solving. Such skills are vital to professional scientists and prized by employers.
In your first year of study, you’ll develop your core scientific skills, building upon your existing knowledge. There will be an emphasis on practical work, and you’ll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your degree. You'll also study the mathematics that you’ll require for a chemistry degree, which will prove particularly beneficial if you’ve not studied mathematics at A-level.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll have plenty of opportunity for independent study throughout this chemistry degree programme as you complete your coursework and prepare for exams. However, working alongside a research group in your final year will truly exemplify your independent work, allowing you to get to grips with an active research topic.
In your first year, teaching will incorporate a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. Some of these sessions will actively involve you in learning and will encourage you to interact with your peers. There will be an emphasis on practical work, and you’ll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your chemistry degree.
Assessment
We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.
In your first year, you’ll complete the core modules and assessment methods will include literature reviews, exams, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll continue to develop your knowledge and hone your practical skills. You’ll also select optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year, you’ll continue to hone your scientific skills through lectures, small group seminars, workshops and practical sessions. You’ll also be able to select optional modules.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to select optional modules and assessment methods will continue in the previous format.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll be given the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of optional modules. Your knowledge will become more specialised as you work alongside a research group on active research topics.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your third year, you’ll continue to be taught through lectures, small group seminars, workshops and practical sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of optional modules. You’ll also undertake an exciting research project, which can be literature, computational or laboratory-based.
Assessment
In year three, you’ll choose from a diverse range of optional modules, and undertake a research project. The emphasis on assessment will continue, balanced between examinations and coursework.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB including Chemistry
Contextual offer: BCC including Chemistry
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science)
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science)
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry, unless the following modules have been studied in the BTEC: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry AND Practical Chemical Analysis.Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below, OR DDM plus grade B in A Level Chemistry.
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below plus B at A level, OR DD plus B at A Level in Chemistry.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below plus C at A level, OR DD plus C at A Level in Chemistry.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level to include Chemistry.
Contextual offer: Extended Certificate: D plus BC at A level to include Chemistry.
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry, unless the following modules have been studied in the BTEC: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry AND Practical Chemical Analysis.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. We accept Health, Healthcare Science and Science.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Chemistry with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry.
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2 plus 4 subjects at H3 including Chemistry
Scottish Highers
AABBB including grade A in Chemistry
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB including Chemistry
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Our chemistry degrees provide the skills that employers are looking for – high level subject knowledge combined with problem solving, IT, analytical skills, instrumentation, time management, organisation, and team and individual work.
Many of our graduates secure positions in emerging chemistry industries, such as Iceni Diagnostics (a UEA spin off company developing lateral flow test technology, including for Covid-19), and leading pharmaceutical companies (Glaxo SmithKline, AkzoNobel or Sanofi), chemical and advanced technology companies (Johnson Matthey, Dell or British Airways) with roles in research, management, product development and quality control.
Others have used their chemistry degree to pursue more diverse career options. These range from further research degrees (MSc or PhD) towards academic positions, to teaching training (PGCE) to become schoolteachers, through to careers in publishing (RSC and Wiley editors), computing (ANDigital) and even banking (Barclays), insurance (Aviva), and almost everything in between.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist
- Healthcare
- Government
- Data analyst
- Academic
- Teacher
Discover more on our Careers webpages.