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Environmental Chemistry

Course details
  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Environmental chemists tackle global challenges in sustainability, health and green energy. This course builds a strong foundation with environmental science expertise to meet future sustainability needs through a unique, career-ready skillset.

Top lab facilities
Sharpen your problem-solving skills in newly refurbished labs equipped with advanced analytical instruments.

Expert teaching and support
Learn in small groups led by approachable, world-leading researchers. Benefit from personalised guidance and a teaching approach that prioritises your success and development.

Career focus
Graduate career-ready with practical skills gained through fieldwork, placements and work-based projects. Collaborate with PhD and postdoctoral researchers in high-spec labs and apply chemistry in real-world contexts.

This course is for you if...

  • you want to learn how chemical processes impact air, water, soil and ecosystems

  • you are seeking to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills by interpreting complex chemical data

  • you are looking for a friendly and supportive teaching environment with hands-on career support

  • you are excited to boost your employability through placements, work-based projects, or research experience.

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1: Ignite your chemical curiosity
From the moment you step into our labs in the first week, you'll embark on a journey of chemical discovery. Forget passive learning – dive into dynamic workshops, engaging lectures, interactive tutorials, and hands-on practical sessions that will ignite your passion for chemistry. We'll equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to not just understand, but master core chemical principles and problem-solving. You'll become adept with IT and a maestro of cutting-edge laboratory techniques. More than just academic, we'll empower you to cultivate the personal and professional skills that will make you a sought-after innovator in the scientific world. Prepare to be transformed from a student into a budding chemist, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow!

Year 2: Unleash your chemical potential
Building upon the foundation you've forged, you'll delve into the captivating depths of organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. This isn't just about memorising theories; it's about understanding how chemistry shapes the world around us. You'll become a master of advanced instrumentation, wielding the tools that drive scientific breakthroughs. You'll learn to tackle real-world chemical problems, building the confidence and expertise to lead ground-breaking projects. More than just a student, you'll become a collaborative problem-solver, honing the teamwork skills essential for success in any scientific environment. You'll start designing your own future, preparing to take the next step towards your professional dreams.

Optional placement year
You can take an optional placement year before completing your degree, an invaluable opportunity to gain workplace experience from research institutes, companies and government organisations. Placements can include Fiberlean Technology, Imerys, the Marine Biological Association, the National Trust and the Eden Project.

Final year: Become a chemical innovator
This is your year to shine! You'll transcend the boundaries of traditional learning, exploring contemporary chemical issues at an advanced level. This isn't just about studying chemistry; it's about living it. You'll refine your practical skills and master project management as you plan and execute an exciting research project with a chemical specialist. You'll wield the latest instrumentation, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and paving your way for a successful career. And for those seeking real-world experiences, an exciting work-based learning placement in the industry awaits. This is your chance to become the chemical innovator you were meant to be, leaving your mark on the world of science!

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
P60

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

104 UCAS Points. A typical offer will be 104 UCAS points from 2 A Levels to include a Grade D in A level Chemistry

T Level

Please contact the institution on an individual basis

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 104

A typical offer will be 104 UCAS points from 2 A Levels to include a Grade D in A level Chemistry

Scottish Higher

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma
Merit: 33 Pass: 12

Pass a Science-based Access to include 33 credits at Merit or Distinction with 15 Credits in Chemistry with Merit.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

All applicants are required to have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above

Scottish Advanced Higher

104 UCAS Points. A typical offer will be 104 UCAS points including Grade D Advanced Highers in Chemistry

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 26

26 overall to include 4 in HL Chemistry

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
C

This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

To include Chemistry Units. Applicants may be invited to attend an interview

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

104 points including H5 in Chemistry

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

Points considered in combination

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
C

This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications

NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life (Core Maths)

Points considered in combination

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With 5.5 in all elements.

Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At the University of Plymouth, we believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community that supports every student to achieve their full potential.

With our contextual offer scheme, we may extend offers below our standard entry criteria to those applicants whose circumstances and experiences could have impacted their education and academic performance. You can check your eligibility for a contextual offer using our online postcode checker.

Learn more on the University of Plymouth website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees

  • Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
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