Chemistry (with Foundation Year)

This Royal Society of Chemistry-accredited chemistry degree was developed by experts from industry and academia to give you the chemistry-related skills that future employers need.

There are core modules in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry over all three years of the course.

Extensive laboratory training and transferable skills, including logical reasoning, communication, presentation, and research skills, ensure you are career-ready, whatever you decide to do with your chemistry degree.

Optional modules include environmental and green chemistry to address issues such as climate change and sustainability; the application of computational chemistry and Artificial Intelligence; the use of medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery techniques to develop new medicines for unmet medical needs.

A foundation year at the University of East London (UEL) is more than just an extra year—it’s your pathway to success. It helps you adjust to university life, build confidence, and develop essential skills for levels 4-6 of your chosen degree. With dedicated support, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to thrive in your studies and future career while becoming part of a supportive community.

Foundation Year: Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness (Core Module): Health and Education Study Skills (Core Module): Health and Education Analytical Skills (Core Module): Media and Communication Skills (Core Module): Fundamental Chemistry and Biology (Core Module).

Year 1: Professional Practice in Science (Mental Wealth) (Core Module): Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Core Module): Mathematics for Scientists (Core Module): Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core Module): Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry (Core Module): Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (Core Module): Level 4 Short Work Placement (Optional Module).

Year 2: Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry (Core Module): Topics in Environmental and Green Chemistry (Core Module): Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (Core Module): Research & Career Development - Mental Wealth (Core Module): Organic Mechanisms of Synthesis (Core Module): Topics in Physical Chemistry (Core Module): Level 5 Short Work Placement (Optional Module): Optional Placement Year Long Placement (Sandwich Year) (Optional Module).

Year 3: Natural Products and Discovery (Core Module): Application of Analytical Techniques in Pharmaceutical Quality Control (Core Module): Research Project and Career Enhancement Portfolio (Mental Wealth) (Core Module): Physical, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (Core Module): Bioinorganic Chemistry (Core Module): Protein Biochemistry and Proteomics (Optional Module): Medicinal Chemistry (Optional Module): Level 6 Short Work Placement (Optional Module).

For more information about individual modules, please visit our course pages via the link below.

You will be assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules the module mark is derived from both coursework (e.g. laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations) and from written theory examination at the end of the year. Some modules also include laboratory practical exams.

Year 1 - 50% Portfolio/Coursework, 33% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 17% Case Study/PBL
Year 2 - 50% Portfolio/Coursework, 30% Case Study/PBL, 20% Written Exam/Timed Assessment
Year 3 - 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 33% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 17% Portfolio/Coursework, 8% Case Study/PBL

You'll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 14 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face to face assessments.