Alongsidecore chemistry concepts, you will learn how chemists design new materials for energy storage and conversion, develop alternative fuel sources and meet the challenges of recycling a diverse range of materials, from lithium-ion batteries through to plastics. Over the course of your studies, you will develop multidisciplinary and problem-solving skills.
You can experience the pioneering teaching and research offered here for more than 100 years, producing several Nobel Prize-winners along the way. Coupled with the use of some of the best facilities in the country we are regularly placed among the top chemistry departments in UK for student satisfaction.
Our 'Year in Computer Science' offers students from non-computing disciplines the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of computing and enhance their work-based skills through the study of Computer Science.
Core modules (60 credits in Years 1-3) are taken by all students enrolled on both single honours and major/minor degree programmes and cover the essential fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
The remaining 60 credits in Years 1-3 comprise maths and data analysis modules in Year 1 and sustainability-based material in later years, along with laboratory modules (with embedded communications and employability skills), allowing you to develop your practical skills and techniques as well as consolidate the associated theory from your lectures.
There is significant flexibility in your fourth and final year as, in addition to 30 credits of taught sustainability modules, you choose 30 credits of taught modules from a range of courses pitched at the cutting edge of the discipline. A major research project, working with a leading research group and focused on an aspect of sustainability, makes up the remaining 60 credits. For many students, their final-year project is the most exciting and enjoyable part of their degree and often influences the career pathway they choose to follow after graduating.
In Year 1, you will take core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, all of which are supported by two additional modules comprising an extensive laboratory work programme. Your remaining 20 credits will give you a solid grounding in the maths and data analysis techniques you will need during your degree.
The Fundamental Maths for Chemists module allows you to learn at your own pace, supported by lectures and workshops to bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry. All students take this module, whether they have A-level maths or not, since not all A-level maths syllabuses cover the same material.
Additional mathematics is embedded in the physical chemistry module, as you begin to apply your mathematical skills to chemical problems. All of the maths material is delivered by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you are equipped with those skills you need to tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.
In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals, to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, you will also take specialised courses within the two chemistry options modules that will introduce you to the fundamental principles of sustainable chemistry.
In Year 3, core chemistry modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are accompanied by further choice in optional subjects, which focus on some of the most exciting aspects of current chemistry research. Two modules of advanced laboratory work and project skills training will prepare you for the major research project that you will undertake in your fourth year.
Significant flexibility in this, your final year, means that, aside from your specialised sustainability modules, you have a free choice from a range of courses that reflect the state-of-the-art of the discipline, which not only allows us to showcase the cutting-edge research interests of the School, but also ensures that you are aware of the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject.
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.
There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.
We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Baccalaurat de l'Enseignement Secondaire (School Certificate) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.
You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.
We may accept your English language grade from the Austrian Matura/Reifeprfung if you achieved 2/5 (gut) in English (both written and oral examinations). Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.
The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.
We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Al-Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto an undergraduate course without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways.
Higher Secondary Certificate students will be required to take an approved Foundation Programme before they can be considered for entry to the first year of our Bachelor degree programmes (see Birmingham Foundation Pathways).
Holders of a Bachelor of Science, Arts or Commerce degree (with honours) of two, three, or four years in duration from a recognised institution in Bangladesh with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or 65% or higher may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.
The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.
For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C/6 or above in the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.
For Postgraduate programmes, Botswanan nationals with a degree from Botswana or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.
The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Students from Brunei will usually undertake Brunei/Cambridge GCE A level examinations or Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Educational Council (BDTVEC). Both qualifications allow students to apply for undergraduate degree courses.
Holders of the "Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie, Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie, or Diploma za Sredno Spetzialno Obrazovanie" (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:
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