Chemistry with Foundation Year

Foundation courses
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:

• You don’t have the grades for a full degree course

• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience

• You’re starting university after some time away from education

• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Life as a foundation year student
During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Why choose this course

• Our accredited chemistry degrees combine modern, practical chemistry with core theory. You'll have the opportunity to explore topics including computer modelling, forensic chemistry, environmental chemistry and topics in energy.

• Take the opportunity to get industry-ready with our award-winning Professional Training placements.

• Choose our integrated masters pathway where you’ll spend a year conducting independent research.

• Learn from lecturers who are active researchers, whose work is used by governments, health professionals and industry.

• Become part of a supportive community with one of the best staff-to-student ratios in the country.

What you will study
During your first two years, you’ll develop a broad understanding of chemistry, its methodology and some of its most intriguing applications. You’ll study a range of modules in topics such as computer modelling, materials, data analysis and visualisation alongside four fundamental core chemistry topics.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to specialise in a range of optional modules such as polymers or medicinal chemistry. You'll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical and presentation skills you’ve developed.

If you choose to complete an integrated masters degree your placement year will be lab-based and research-focused while you also complete distance learning. You will experience advanced techniques in chemistry and you’ll enhance your scientific communication skills. During your final year of both bachelor's and master's degrees, you'll be embedded in a research group, working alongside an academic to carry out independent research. Example topics include drug design, materials for pollution control, catalysis, biodegradable polymers, monitoring microplastics and investigating novel data storage devices.