Develop your understanding of chemical concepts through practical laboratory sessions, gaining hands-on experience of cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and modern synthesis methods.
Acquire core chemistry concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios, mirroring the demands of post-graduate careers.
Get hands-on experience with our extensive range of industry-standard scientific instruments.
Build your skills and use them to problem solve current issues like climate change and infectious disease.
Gain invaluable experience by undertaking an optional placement year in a real-world industrial setting.

Chemistry is not only the study of matter but also the study of change – a discipline that permeates everything around us. Chemistry is known as the ‘central science’, so a solid understanding in chemistry allows you to work in lots of other areas of science such as biology, pharmaceuticals, materials and environmental science.

You’ll gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to actively participate in thrilling scientific developments that leave a lasting impact on all aspects of life.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

Work placements

You have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement between your second and third year – either in the UK or abroad. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. In previous years students have obtained placements in  pharmaceutical and materials chemical industries, scientific recruitment agencies and in education. By securing a placement with one of our industry partners, you will enter the jobs market with a CV that attracts employer attention.

Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.

Research Project

During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.

Field trips

Students have benefited from a European field trip to world renowned chemical research facilities. The trip included tours of the facilities, seminars and discussions with leading chemists, as well as exposure to the culture of the region. The majority of the cost for this trip was covered by the university. 

Networking opportunities

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) will help you to connect with the wider chemistry community. Representatives and staff from Sheffield Hallam’s Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) sit on the committee for the local section of the RSC – so they will keep you up to date with the latest local and national chemistry events.

Competitions

Each year students have the opportunity to showcase their project work to the department of Biosciences and Chemistry, and in the final year at a national chemistry conference gaining invaluable skills in presenting to the scientific community.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Throughout the course you will develop practical skills in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You will learn underlying theories that support chemistry – alongside the data analysis, project design and management skills required to be an independent scientist. 

In years 1 and 2 you will gain a breadth of knowledge in physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry. In your final year you have a choice of modules which will allow you to specialise in a specific area of chemistry. 

The foundation course content is delivered and assessed in a variety of innovative and exciting ways, helping you to gain skills required for success on your chosen degree route. You will study 6 modules designed to prepare you for future success while studying one of our bioscience or chemistry degrees. Attending and participating in the laboratory activities is central to your course, as it is where you develop not only practical skills, but also learn to keep effective records and analyse data, as well as working both independently and with others.

You learn through

• core lectures and workshops
• practical lab sessions 
• small group academic tutorials
• field trips
• project work

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:

• analytical science
• academic chemistry research 
• pharmaceutical and drug development
• polymer and materials chemistry
• regulatory affairs and chemical patent law
• teaching and education
• scientific sales and recruitment

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for world-leading companies such as:

• analytical chemists at AstraZeneca
• biological monitors for the Health and Safety Laboratory
• validation chemists for Waters Ltd
• polymer scientists at Reckitt Benckiser
• communications account manager at Notch Scientific Communications

Many graduates also progress to specialist Masters courses or carry out research for a PhD to enhance their scientific careers.

 

UCAS points

• 64

From A levels to include at least 24 points in any one A level or BTEC National qualification. Also need to have at least 16 points from a science subject (biology/chemistry/physics or maths). We do not accept general studies.For example:

• CC at A Level
• MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Science at grade C or 4

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

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

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Concepts In Biology And Chemistry	40	Practical
Developing Skills For Science	20	Coursework
Foundation Skills For Science	20	Coursework
Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry	40	Practical

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Applied Topics In Chemistry	20	Practical
Core Concepts In Chemistry	40	Coursework Practial
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Principles Of Chemical Analysis	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Applications Of Analytical Science	20	Coursework
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Inorganic, Physical And Materials Chemistry	40	Coursework Practical
Organic And Biosynthetic Chemistry	20	Practical

 

Year 4 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry		Coursework

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Chemical Synthesis	20	Coursework
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Chemistry For Future Global Challenges	20	Practical
Research Project	40	Coursework Practical

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Analytical Science	20	Practical
Applications Of Data Science	20	Coursework
Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery	20	Coursework