Triangle

Course overview

  • Study in an inspirational school that has 95% of its research judged as internationally excellent or world leading*
  • Take optional modules to complement your core chemistry modules 
  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry

* Research Excellence Framework, 2014.

Transfer between the BSc Chemistry, MSci Chemistry, MSci Chemistry with an International Study Year or MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry courses is possible up to the end of semester two in year one.*

Research in the School of Chemistry

Our success as teachers of chemistry owes much to our ability to include ground-breaking research results in our teaching curriculum. The School of Chemistry maintains a vigorous, competitive research portfolio and sustains international excellence within the core-chemistry areas and in the interdisciplinary research environment at the interfaces with biomedical science, physics, and engineering. 

Find out more

* Progression requirements

In order to remain on the MSci Chemistry, BSc Chemistry, MSci Chemistry with an International Study Year or MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry degrees students must meet the progression requirements shown below at the end of year two.

  • 60% in first and second years to progress to year abroad
  • 55% in second year to progress to the placement year
  • 55% in second year to progress to the MSci

In addition, students must have secured a year-long placement at a partner university overseas for year three of MSci Chemistry with an International Study Year or a year-long industrial placement for year three of MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry.


Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level AAB-ABB

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Required subjects A in chemistry at A level, plus GCSE maths at 4 (C) or above
IB score 34-32 (including 6 in chemistry at Higher Level) plus GCSE maths and English at 4 (C) or above

A levels and GCSEs

AAB-ABB at A level including chemistry at grade A. Typical offers will vary depending on the A level subjects offered in addition to chemistry.

Applicants taking A level biology, chemistry and/or physics are also required to pass the practical element of assessment (where it is assessed separately).

GCSEs: mathematics at grade 4 (C) (or equivalent)

Understand how we show GCSE grades

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.

If you require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education, which is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. 

Students who successfully complete the presessional course to the required level can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking IELTS or equivalent.

Science Foundation Certificate

International students only

International students (non-EU) who do not have the required qualifications or grades to go directly onto an undergraduate degree course, may be interested in the Science Foundation Certificate delivered through the University of Nottingham International College. You are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met. 

Science with Foundation Year

Home, EU and international students

If you have achieved high grades in your A levels (or equivalent qualifications) but do not meet the current subject entry requirements for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course, you may be interested in our one-year science foundation programme.

Applicants must also demonstrate good grades in previous relevant science subjects to apply. You are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met

Flexible admissions policy

In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, The University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We consider applicants’ circumstances and broader achievements as part of the assessment process but do not vary the offer from the grades advertised as a result of these. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity.

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

How you will be assessed

Your degree course is designed to feed your curiosity for chemistry, to encourage you to express your ideas clearly and logically and to develop your approach towards independent learning. We achieve this through a series of modules that broaden your previous knowledge, and introduce you to new topics. The academic year is divided into two semesters and you will complete 120 credits of study per year. There are typically 10 lectures in addition to 8 to 10 hours of laboratory classes per week.

  • lectures - these introduce the key principles, concepts and knowledge base of a topic
  • small-group tutorials - these provide an opportunity for you to analyse and use the materials presented in lectures and laboratory classes. These meetings also ensure that you have grasped the key points of the lectures and that you fully understand the course material.
  • laboratory classes - you'll gain laboratory experience in hands-on practical modules. These modules introduce you to current synthetic and analytical approaches in chemistry and the operation of modern instrumentation. Practical sessions are held in modern laboratories housed within the School of Chemistry.

Assessment varies on the module that is being studied. Assessment methods can include:

  • computing assignments
  • examinations
  • essays
  • dissertations
  • laboratory reports

The majority of theory-based modules are assessed by examinations.

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

Building on your pre-university studies, you will spend three quarters of your first year gaining core chemical knowledge and understanding. If you do not have A level mathematics (or equivalent) then you will take an additional in-house module to prepare you for this aspect of the chemistry course. Optional modules are available and account for the remainder of your study time.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry

This module builds on your previous studies in chemistry and provides a firm foundation in topics including:

  • atomic and molecular structure
  • the shapes of molecules
  • chemical bonding
  • Lewis structures
  • molecular shape and symmetry
  • Intermolecular interactions and periodic trends in the properties of the elements of the s- and p-blocks
  • the chemistry of the transition metal elements and their coordination complexes.

You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.

Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry

In this module you will learn about the development of quantum theory and the spectroscopy of the hydrogen atom. You will examine the theories used to describe the bonding in molecules and will develop an understanding of microwave and infra-red spectroscopies.

The module also introduces you to some of the key concepts in thermodynamics including enthalpy, entropy and free energy and their application in describing equilibria and electrochemical processes. You will develop an understanding of the key concepts in reaction kinetics. 

You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.

Calculations in Chemistry

This module is for those who already with A level maths will teach you the essential mathematic skills required for chemists. You will learn how to use your maths skills to solve a variety of problems in chemistry.

There will be two hours of lectures per week with a one hour workshop.

Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity

You’ll examine the fundamental principles of organic chemistry. This will include nomenclature, bonding concepts, orbitals and the shape, stereochemistry and acid-base properties of organic molecules.

Later the module will focus on reactivity and important reactions and transformations in organic chemistry.

You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.

Foundation Laboratory Work

This module introduces you to the essential laboratory skills that are required in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

You’ll spend around eight hours per week in laboratory practicals performing experiments, and collecting and analysing data.

You’ll present written reports of your experimental work that will form part of the assessment for this module.

Chemistry Study Skills

You’ll follow this introductory module right at the start of your course. It is designed to develop your study skills so that you can work effectively at University.

The module will also introduce you to first-year undergraduate laboratory chemistry.

You’ll spend around four hours in your first week in practical sessions studying this module.

Mathematical Toolkit

You’ll gain a firm understanding of the use of mathematical equations in a chemical context through the study of topics including: scientific notation and significant figures; common chemical units and conversions between them; the rearrangement of chemical expressions and their graphical representation; trigonometry, differentiation and integration, and differential equations for chemical problems.

This module is compulsory for students not offering A level mathematics (or equivalent); optional for students offering A level mathematics or equivalent.

Optional modules

Molecules of Life

You’ll learn about Nature's building blocks including the structure and functions of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleotides. You'll also learn about the reactivity of these molecules and their biological roles through case studies.

Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing

In this module you’ll look at green chemistry in its broadest sense, covering the fundamental concepts and chemistry involved in making chemical processes cleaner and more environmentally benign.

You’ll spend one hour per week in lectures, seminars and workshops over the whole year studying this module.

Frontiers in Chemistry

This module will introduce you to selected topics at the forefront of current research in chemistry from a physical chemistry perspective.

Example topics include:

  • nanochemistry and its applications
  • energy generation and storage technologies
  • chemistry in the digital age
  • the chemistry of ions
  • the application of advanced photon sources
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 16 August 2019.

In the second year, theoretical and practical modules further develop the knowledge and understanding gained in the first year. The core material accounts for approximately 100 credits of your study with a further 20 credits taken as optional modules.

Compulsory modules

Core Laboratory Work

This module builds on the practical, analytical and communication skills developed in the first year and introduces experiments across the range of chemistry, based on your second year theory modules.

You’ll spend around 10 hours per week in practicals for this module. 

General Inorganic Chemistry

You’ll spend two hours per week in lectures studying topics including the synthesis, bonding and reactivity of organometallic compounds, the use of symmetry and group theory to interpret infra-red spectra and NMR spectroscopy in inorganic chemistry.

Further support is provided by tutorials every third week.

Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry

In this module you'll study  the physical principles underlying chemical phenomena, with emphasis on energy, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. You'll also be introduced to solid-state chemistry, including the structure, characterisation, energetics and the band theory of solids.  

You’ll attend two hours of lectures each week in this module. 

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

In this module, you’ll discuss the reactivity of, suggest synthetic routes for and interpret the spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds including some natural products.

Topics studied include:

  • modern spectroscopic techniques
  • carbon-carbon bond forming reactions
  • the influence of heteroatoms on reactivity

You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module and tutorials every third week.

Principles of Analytical Chemistry

You’ll be introduced to the principles of analytical chemistry, including the principal types of instrumentation used and the statistical treatment of analytical results.

You’ll attend two lectures each week studying this module.

Optional modules

Atmospheric Chemistry

You’ll study topics such as the physical properties of the atmosphere, chemistry of ozone in the stratosphere, global warming, and analytical methods in atmospheric chemistry in two lectures each week.

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology

The fundamental building blocks of life are essential for life as we know it but what exactly are they and how can this aid us in the development of medicinal drugs? This module will provide you with the fundamental concepts in molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, enabling you to understand the mode of action of anti-cancer agents, antibiotics and toxins.  

You’ll study: 

  • Molecular Processes in Cells, including Cell Signalling, DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Protein Folding, Protein Transport and Protein Degradation
  • Analysis of Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Data 
  • Cell Cycle, Cancer and Apoptosis
  • Microbiology, including anatomy of bacterial cells and action of antibiotics 
  • Viruses and viral diseases, as well as anti-viral agents studied in case studies 

 You’ll attend two lectures each week for this module. 

Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques

You will be introduced to the differential calculus of functions and vector operators. You’ll consider the development of techniques for the solution of boundary and initial value problems for ordinary differential equations. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

You’ll study 90 credits that covers core chemistry in increasing depth and advanced practical work.You will also have a choice of specialist optional modules to provide a further 30 credits.

Core modules

Advanced Laboratory Techniques

This course aims to teach advanced experimental techniques in chemistry.

To provide experience in the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data.

To put into practice the methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising the chemical literature.

Bioinorganic and Metal Coordination Chemistry

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of coordination chemistry in the context of macrocyclic, supramolecular and bioinorganic chemistry and its applications in metal extraction and synthesis.

You will gain an appreciation of the importance of metals in biological systems, and be able to explain the relationship between the structure of the active centres of metallo-proteins and enzymes and their biological functions.

The module is assessed by a two-hour written exam.

Catalysis
This module aims to provide a framework for understanding the action of heterogeneous catalysts in terms of adsorption/desorption processes and for understanding catalyst promotion in terms of chemical and structural phenomenon and also describes a wide variety of homogeneous catalytic processes based on organo-transition metal chemistry.
Chemical Bonding and Reactivity

To provide a fundamental understanding of molecular structure and of the requirements for reactivity.

To introduce modern electronic structure theory and demonstrate how it can be applied to determine properties such as molecular structure, spectroscopy and reactivity.

Organometallic and Asymmetric Synthesis

This module will introduce you to a range of reagents and synthetic methodology. You will learn how to describe how it is applied to the synthesis of organic target molecules.

By the end of the module you will know how the use of protecting groups can be used to enable complex molecule synthesis and how modern palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions can be used to synthesise useful organic molecules.

Your problem-solving and written communication skills will be developed.

Pericyclics and Reactive Intermediates

Use of frontier molecular orbital analysis to explain and predict stereochemical and regiochemical outcomes of pericyclic reactions (Woodward-Hoffmann rules etc).

Examples will be drawn from Diels-Alder reactions, cycloadditions [4+2] and [2+2], [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements (eg Claisen and Cope), [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements (eg Wittig and Mislow-Evans).

Generation and use of reactive intermediates in synthesis (ie radicals, carbenes, nitrenes).

Solids, Interfaces and Surfaces

This course aims to teach the relationship between structure and properties of solids, structure of Solids and characterisation.

It aims to teach a general introduction to Interfaces and Surfaces.

Optional modules

Communicating Chemistry

A classroom-based module for learning key skills including communication, presentation, team-working, active listening, time management and prioritisation. Increased transferable skills which will enhance employability and confidence.

Provision of classroom experience if considering teaching as a potential career.

Chemical Biology and Enzymes

Students should gain a good appreciation of the applications for a range of enzymological, chemical and molecular biological techniques to probe cellular processes and catalysis at the forefront in chemical biology research.

This module represents a culmination of principles and techniques from a biophysical, molecular, biochemical and genetic perspective.

Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry
Structure Determination Methods

A general introduction to lasers, including laser radiation and its properties will be given.

A number of current laser spectroscopic methods will be reviewed, which allow the determination of vibrational frequencies and structures.

Examples will cover ground and excited state neutral molecules, radicals and complexes, as well as cations of these.

An introduction to modern diffraction methods will be given, involving neutrons, electrons and X-rays.

Applications will cover solids (crystalline and amorphous), liquids and gases.

Throughout, there will be extensive examples from the research literature.

Protein Folding and Biospectroscopy

This module will develop an understanding of protein structure, stability, design and methods of structural analysis. In addition you will understand the protein folding problem and experimental approaches to the analysis of protein folding kinetics and the application of site-directed mutagenesis.

You will also be expected to develop a number of spectroscopic experimental techniques to probe protein structures.

There will be two hours of lectures a week.

Contemporary Drug Discovery

What influence does a chemist have in the modern drug discovery process? And how can chemists use their knowledge to aid the development of new therapeutics? In this module you will apply knowledge of how chemical structures influence drug potency, pharmacokinetics, and their safety. You will gain insight onto the developmental process of designing a drug and their action once they have reached their desired target.

You’ll study: 

  • Drug Targets and How They Bind 
  • Measuring Drug Activity 
  • Lead Compounds and Strategies for Improving Drug Potency and Selectivity 
  • Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination) 
  • Drug Design in a Safe Manner  
  • Desired Drug Properties  
Drug discovery: the development of new medicines

You’ll explore the vital role of chemistry in drug discovery, involving discussions of the way chemical structure influences the molecular properties, biological activity, and toxicity of drugs.

Many examples from case histories of successful medicines will be used to illustrate the underlying chemical principles.

This module is taught through nine interactive workshops presented by experienced medicinal chemists from GlaxoSmithKline and staff in the School of Chemistry.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Fees and funding

UK students

£9250
Per year

International students

£22620*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help.

For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

You will gain exceptional training in modern conceptual and practical chemistry, and you will develop your critical thinking, problem-solving and time-management skills. If you opt for the MSci Chemistry degree, part of your final year will involve you joining a research group in the School to work on a project at the cutting edge of research in chemistry.

You will develop into a self-motivated and independent researcher; attributes that are essential for a research career in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries or for postgraduate research in the chemical sciences. Our graduates are also employed in professions outside the chemical industry including those in finance, education, marketing and the media.

Average starting salary and career progression

86% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,121.*

  • Data from UoN graduates, 2017-2019. HESA Graduate Outcomes. Sample sizes vary.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.