Chemistry with Foundation Year

Why choose this course

Our accredited chemistry degrees combine core theory with the latest practical chemistry techniques. You'll explore topics including analytical, forensic and environmental chemistry, computer modelling, reactivity and instrumentation.

• Get hands on in our Joseph Kenyon Laboratory, our main organic chemistry lab, and advance your skills in our recently refurbished analytical chemistry labs.

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

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

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

Our award-winning Professional Training placements have given students work valuable experience opportunities with leading organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, the British Geological Survey and Atomic Weapons Establishment. Our students have also placed overseas in Germany, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Canada and New Zealand.

We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.

What you will study
During the first two years of your chemistry degree, 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.

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. Foundation courses are 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.

Course Modules

To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website – the link is under the Course contact details. You will also find full details of the programme, including programme structure, assessment methods, contact hours and Graduate prospects.