To take Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering in Year 3 you must have taken Biological Chemistry in Year 2.
To take Biological Chemistry in Year 2 you must have taken Building Blocks of Life in Year 1.
University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK
View courses in Clearing to start in September 2025.
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAB-ABB | September 2026 | F100 | 3 Years full-time | £9,535* |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAB-ABB | September 2026 | F100 | 3 Years full-time | £9,535* |
Royal Society of Chemistry
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Royal Society of Chemistry
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
32 points including HL 6 Chemistry. Alternative conditions HL Certificates 6,6,5 including HL 6 in Chemistry.
30 points including HL 6 Chemistry. Alternative conditions HL Certificates 6,5,5 including HL 6 in Chemistry.
Typical offers will vary depending on the HL subjects offered in addition to chemistry
6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each.
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
Chemistry
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Science and Society, Leisure Studies.
A levels
GCSEs
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD Applied Science case by case
Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF + 1 A-Level = DD + A
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF + 2 A-Levels- D + AB (A in Chem)
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D + AB (A level Chemistry)
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3D30M15P0. Access course modules assessed case by case typically Distinctions in Inorganic Chemistry, Core Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in an A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the Chemistry BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Chemistry
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Science and Society, Leisure Studies.
32 points including HL 6 Chemistry. Alternative conditions HL Certificates 6,6,5 including HL 6 in Chemistry.
30 points including HL 6 Chemistry. Alternative conditions HL Certificates 6,5,5 including HL 6 in Chemistry.
Typical offers will vary depending on the HL subjects offered in addition to chemistry
A levels
GCSEs
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD Applied Science case by case
Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF + 1 A-Level = DD + A
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF + 2 A-Levels- D + AB (A in Chem)
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D + AB (A level Chemistry)
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3D30M15P0. Access course modules assessed case by case typically Distinctions in Inorganic Chemistry, Core Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in an A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the Chemistry BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.
Please note: In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
Books
You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.
Printing
Due to our commitment to sustainability, we do not print lecture notes, but these are available digitally.
Study abroad
If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.
Equipment
To support your studies, the university recommends you have a suitable laptop to work on when on or off campus. If you already have a device, it is unlikely you will need a new one in the short term. If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows. Other equipment will include an examination approved calculator and a molecular modelling kit (optional).
Although you will not need a powerful computer, it is wise to choose one that will last. The University has prepared a set of recommended specifications to help you choose a suitable laptop.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are struggling to manage your costs, the Hardship Funds may be able to assist you.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help.
International students
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.
For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
Books
You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.
Printing
Due to our commitment to sustainability, we do not print lecture notes, but these are available digitally.
Study abroad
If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.
Equipment
To support your studies, the university recommends you have a suitable laptop to work on when on or off campus. If you already have a device, it is unlikely you will need a new one in the short term. If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows. Other equipment will include an examination approved calculator and a molecular modelling kit (optional).
Although you will not need a powerful computer, it is wise to choose one that will last. The University has prepared a set of recommended specifications to help you choose a suitable laptop.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are struggling to manage your costs, the Hardship Funds may be able to assist you.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Chemistry is central to solving the world’s most pressing challenges – from clean energy and climate change to food security and new medicines. At Nottingham, you’ll examine these global issues through the lens of sustainable chemistry, gaining the practical, digital, and professional skills needed to make a real-world impact.
You’ll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, including pioneers in green chemistry and AI-driven discovery. Our curriculum is designed with industry input and student collaboration, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.
The School of Chemistry at Nottingham is one of the largest in the UK and is ranked 9th nationally and in the top 100 globally for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Our award-winning Carbon Neutral Laboratory enables world-leading research in sustainable chemistry, supporting our mission to develop innovative solutions for a greener future.
You’ll build a strong foundation in core chemistry, including organic molecules and mechanisms, inorganic materials using metals, and analytical and physical chemistry, while developing future-ready skills in data analysis, digital tools, and ethical leadership.
A unique stream of sustainability modules runs throughout the course, highlighting how chemistry drives innovation in areas like renewable energy, low-impact manufacturing, and greener pharmaceuticals.
You’ll also have the flexibility to shape your degree. Transfer between Chemistry and Medicinal and Biological Chemistry in your first or second year (subject to optional module selections) or switch between BSc and MSci routes. You can also choose to add an industry placement to your degree.
Green and sustainable chemistry is a key research interest here. Our expert teaching staff use chemistry as a method to tackle global challenges. Modules ensure you are well-prepared with the tools used by chemists in today’s workplace. From molecules and mechanisms to a unique sustainable module stream, you will gain hands-on experience to apply your learning.
Sustainability at the core – Understand how chemistry addresses global challenges through a dedicated sustainability module stream.
Award-winning teaching – Study in a school recognised for innovation in chemistry education and research excellence.
Designed with you, for you – Our courses are co-created with students and industry to ensure they’re relevant, flexible, and future-focused.
Career-ready skills – Gain hands-on lab experience, work on group projects, and develop transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, and data literacy.
Flexible pathways – Transfer between chemistry courses or add a placement or international study.
Be inspired – Our professors feature on the popular YouTube channel Periodic Videos, such as Sir Martyn Poliakoff.
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 1
Chemistry Study Skills
Mandatory
Year 1
Exploring the Periodic Table
Mandatory
Year 1
Organic Molecules and Mechanisms
Mandatory
Year 1
Energy and Chemical Change
Mandatory
Year 1
Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 1
Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Innovation
Mandatory
Year 1
Analytical and Mathematical Methods in Chemistry
Optional
Year 1
Chemistry in Action
Optional
Year 1
Building Blocks of Life
Optional
Year 1
Mathematics for Chemistry 1
Mandatory
Year 2
Structure, Bonding and Reactivity
Mandatory
Year 2
Synthesis and Spectroscopy
Mandatory
Year 2
From Atoms to Solids
Mandatory
Year 2
Applying Skills in Practical Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 2
Sustainable Products and Processes
Optional
Year 2
Mathematics for Chemistry 2
Optional
Year 2
Biological Chemistry
Optional
Year 2
Atmospheric Chemistry
Optional
Year 2
Medicinal Chemistry and Biomedical Imaging
Optional
Year 2
Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Optional
Year 2
Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques
Mandatory
Year 3
Metal Catalysis and Supramolecular Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 3
Selectivity and Control in Synthesis
Mandatory
Year 3
Quantum Chemistry and Matter
Mandatory
Year 3
Investigative Project Skills in Practical Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 3
Frontiers of Sustainability and Innovation
Optional
Year 3
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
Optional
Year 3
Protein Characterisation and Bioinformatics
Optional
Year 3
Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering
Optional
Year 3
Small Molecule Drug Discovery
Optional
Year 3
Structural Analysis in Chemistry
Optional
Year 3
Communicating Science
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
To take Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering in Year 3 you must have taken Biological Chemistry in Year 2.
To take Biological Chemistry in Year 2 you must have taken Building Blocks of Life in Year 1.
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
You’ll follow this introductory module right at the start of your course. It is designed to develop your study skills so that you can work effectively at University.
The module will also introduce you to first-year undergraduate laboratory chemistry.
You’ll spend around four hours in your first week in practical sessions studying this module.
In this module, you will be introduced to the periodic table and key concepts in atomic and molecular structure. You will explore molecular and ionic species in terms of their structure, bonding, and properties, as well as their practical applications. The module also includes an introduction to the coordination chemistry of metals, highlighting their roles in a variety of chemical contexts.
Through this foundation, you will develop a deeper understanding of how the periodic table informs the behaviour and interactions of elements and compounds.
This module provides a comprehensive foundation in organic chemistry, focusing on the structure, reactivity, and analysis of organic molecules. You will develop skills to name and draw molecules, understand bonding and reaction mechanisms, and predict the outcome of organic reactions. Emphasis is placed on the broader significance of molecules and chemical reactions in life and society.
Uncover the fundamental principles that drive chemistry at a molecular level. You’ll learn about key principles in energy and chemical changes, such as how atoms combine to form molecules, how energy is quantised, ho molecules store energy, the ways in which molecules interact with light and with one another, and why molecules react.
You will alsoThis module will also allow you to develop vital skills and apply basic concepts to understand chemical processes including electrochemistry, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics and the rates of chemical reactions.
In this module, you will be introduced to key chemical techniques and gain the essential skills needed for safe and effective laboratory work. You will develop hands-on experience with fundamental synthetic, computational, and analytical procedures, and explore the use of spectroscopy in chemical analysis.
The module also focuses on building your time management, scientific report writing, and professional competencies. These foundational skills will prepare you for more advanced studies and practical work in chemistry.
In this module, you will be introduced to the core concepts of green chemistry, sustainability, and innovation. Through real-world examples, you will explore how chemistry supports the achievement of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and drives progress toward a more sustainable future.
You will learn how to perform chemistry in a greener, more responsible manner, understand what this entails and develop the skills to critically evaluate environmental impact. The module also examines how novel technical ideas are transformed into successful commercial ventures, highlighting the role of chemical innovation in benefiting global society.
In this module, you will learn the mathematical techniques essential for modern chemistry and develop the confidence to apply them across a wide range of chemical problems and data analyses. You will also explore modern analytical instrumentation used to separate, identify, and quantify the properties of atoms, molecules and materials.
By integrating mathematical understanding with practical analytical skills, you will be equipped to tackle complex challenges in both theoretical and experimental chemistry.
The Chemistry in Action module allows you to discover a range of topics at the forefront of modern chemical research.
By the end of the module, you will understand the importance of these key topics and gain knowledge of the fundamental concepts supporting their development, using the skills you’ve gained from other compulsory modules.
This module will allow you to explore basics of chemistry that form the building blocks necessary for life. It provides an overview of the structure and functions of cells, including the molecules that control cellular functions.
You will be given then foundational knowledge needed for the Medicinal and Biological Chemistry course. Building on fundamentals of organic chemistry such as stereochemistry, functional group reactivity, and covalent and non-covalent interactions, you will build your understanding of the chemical nature of life, bridging the gap between molecular chemistry and biological function.
This module provides definition, manipulation and graphical representation of important mathematical functions. The calculus of one variable is reviewed and then extended to develop techniques of differential and integral calculus together with solution of first-order differential equations. Basic elements of probability and statistics are introduced. Examples in the context of chemistry are used throughout to aid in real-world application.
Topics include functions of single variable, differential calculus of a single variable, integral calculus of a single variable, first-order ordinary differential equations and elementary probability and statistics.
In this module, you will explore the central role of metals in catalytic and biological processes. You will study the reactions, mechanisms and spectroscopic behaviour of a wide range of metal-containing compounds, gaining insight into their structure and reactivity. MainContentHere#10;You will delve into organometallic chemistry, metal-ligand bonding and the diverse chemical applications of metals. The module also introduces the significance of weak interactions in templating supramolecular structures, helping you understand how these subtle forces influence molecular properties and behaviour.
In this module, you’ll discuss the reactivity of, suggest synthetic routes for and interpret the spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds including some natural products.
Topics studied include:
You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module and tutorials every third week.
Discover how quantum mechanics governs the atomic and molecular building blocks of matter. You’ll learn how diffraction and spectroscopy enable chemists to study molecules and solid-state materials Explore how the relationship between matter and energy is captured by thermodynamics and kinetics, in terms of physical quantities relevant to chemical change.
Through this module, you’ll learn how to apply quantum mechanics to systems that are central to the theoretical description of chemistry. You’ll be able to explain and apply concepts of reaction dynamics to chemistry, and calculate thermodynamic properties of single-component and multi-component materials in different states.
Building on the skills developed in the Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry module, you will further enhance your experimental techniques and learn how to integrate a range of skills to conduct laboratory work safely and effectively. You will apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, deepening your understanding of chemistry through hands-on experience.
You will continue to develop key professional competencies, including accurate recording of experimental observations and communicating your findings through various formats. This module provides a solid foundation for further studies and helps you build the transferable skills needed for collaborative research and team-based mini-projects.
In this module, you will examine key challenges and opportunities related to sustainability, energy use and supply chain resilience. You will learn a broad range of chemical strategies designed to address global environmental and societal issues.
Additionally, you will explore how businesses identify and solve problems, manage projects and protect innovative ideas and products. The module will also guide you in developing and pitching successful business cases, equipping you with practical skills to drive sustainable innovation.
Thi module is a continuation from Mathematics for Chemistry 1 in year 1. It provides additional mathematics knowledge and skills for students majoring in chemistry-based courses.
Complex numbers are introduced and used with a study of solutions of linear second-order differential equations. Matrix algebra is developed to solve systems of equations and to study eigenvalue problems. The differential calculus of several variables is introduced. You will also discover algebra of matrices and their applications in chemistry.
This module will introduce you to the concepts underpinning biological chemistry from a chemical perspective. It will explore basic cell biology and how this can give rise to disease. You will be introduced to molecular biology techniques and how these can be applied to understand and manipulate cells.
You will be able to confidently observe and describe the molecular workings of the cell in both healthy and diseased states. And yYou will be able to discuss how small molecules can be used to alter cell behaviour, and propose molecular biology techniques to understand and manipulate cells.
You’ll study topics such as the physical properties of the atmosphere, chemistry of ozone in the stratosphere, global warming, and analytical methods in atmospheric chemistry in two lectures each week.
This module will explore fundamental concepts in medicinal chemistry including the use of molecules to effect biological systems. You will explore a range of different therapies, including antibiotics, antivirals and anticancer agents, and the features which impact their application, such as metabolism and bioavailability. The mechanisms of action of biopharmaceuticals including antibody-drug conjugates and vaccines will be explained. Through this module you will gain an appreciation for how small molecules interact with cells and enzymes in the treatment, monitoring, and diagnosis of disease. You will also be introduced to the chemistry behind biomedical imaging. Nottingham is the home of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and you will explore how chemistry can be used to enhance the images of the technique that was famously discovered here.
Content to be confirmed.
You will be introduced to the differential calculus of functions and vector operators. You’ll consider the development of techniques for the solution of boundary and initial value problems for ordinary differential equations.
Within this module, we explain the importance of metals in catalysis, with applications in industrial and biological processes. You will explore the roles that metal centres play in controlling the structure and function of supramolecular systems and metal-organic frameworks.
Completing this module will allow you to accurately explain structural and functional properties of hard and soft materials, and analyse their applications in various scientific and technological contexts, including catalysis. You will also be able to evaluate the reactivity or stability of transition metal complexes by determination of their electronic arrangements.
In this module, you will explore fundamental concepts in medicinal chemistry – the use of molecules to influence biological systems. You will examine a variety of therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, antivirals and anticancer drugs, and consider how factors such as metabolism and bioavailability affect their effectiveness.
You will also study the mechanisms of action of biopharmaceuticals, such as antibody-drug conjugates and vaccines. In addition, you will be introduced to the chemistry behind biomedical imaging. With Nottingham as the birthplace of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), you will learn how chemistry is used to enhance the images produced by this groundbreaking technique.
Through this module, you will gain a deeper understanding of how small molecules interact with cells and enzymes in the treatment, monitoring and diagnosis of disease.
Through this module you’ll gain an understanding o how the quantum mechanical behaviour of molecules and materials determines their properties and chemical reactivity. You’ll use advanced concepts from quantum and statistical mechanics to describe molecular structure, reactivity and dynamics. The module aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand key elements of quantum chemistry, including the ability to explain how the quantum nature of matter can be harnessed in a wide variety of real-world devices, and how to use photoelectric effect as a spectroscopic tool. You’ll also explore the chemistry of surfaces and interfaces that connects molecular-scale and bulk phenomena.
Develop essential transferable research skills while enhancing proficiency in synthetic and analytical techniques. Emphasising safety, precision, and critical evaluation, you will continue to develop skills to identify and reduce hazards, plan and conduct experiments collaboratively, and maintain accurate records to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
The module also involves conducting comprehensive literature reviews to inform experimental design and contextualise findings. Additionally, it fosters teamwork and communication skills, with a strong focus on producing high-quality laboratory reports and effectively presenting scientific findings in various formats.
Reflective practice is embedded throughout the module, encouraging you to critically assess your own learning, laboratory techniques, and decision-making processes. This approach supports continuous improvement and prepares you for independent research and professional practice in chemistry.
This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry
In this module, you will focus on characterising proteins and enzymes to understand their roles in biochemical processes and real-world applications. You will explore physical and chemical methods for analysing protein structure and behaviour, drawing on techniques from both analytical chemistry and bioinformatics.
You will also learn how to interpret structural data and compare it across expanding datasets to uncover functional insights, gaining a deeper understanding of how proteins contribute to complex biological systems.
In this module, you will explore the structure and function of enzymes, focusing on how they can be harnessed and engineered for catalysis and the production of valuable compounds. You will learn to understand enzyme-catalysed reactions from a chemical perspective and appreciate the role of enzymes as biocatalysts in synthesis.
Building on your knowledge of protein structure and reaction mechanisms, you will be introduced to bioengineering tools that demonstrate how simple organisms can be modified to create new and useful products.
This module explores modern strategies for designing small organic molecules that target specific biological sites to treat diseases. Throughout the module you will develop an understanding of the important terminologies of drug discovery, and the different stages taken when conducting the drug discovery process.
You will learn how chemical structure influences drug-like properties, including potency, selectivity, and the ability to reach the site of action. Topics include drug-target interactions, lead optimisation, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity.
You will also have the opportunity to review case studies of successful and failed drugs to illustrate key medicinal chemistry principles. You will understand and evaluate biological data to inform small molecule design, and use medicinal chemistry insights to justify decision making.
This module aims to explai how to determine the structures of materials and surfaces.
You’ll compare and contrast methods for obtaining structural information and Summarise diffraction and microscopy-based techniques for measuring the structure of surfaces and materials. You’ll also be able to describe and explain the state-of-the-art techniques that yield structural information, including X-ray, neutron and electron-based methods.
This module provides an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience being involved with science education and communication. You will undertake a placement alongside qualified science educators in a local classroom environment and, through involvement in a range of teaching activities, will improve your transferrable skills in addition to learning about teaching practices in science. Throughout the module, you will be required to apply reflective practice on your learning, and directly utilise this to identify, demonstrate and enhance your communication skills.
This is a classroom-based module for learning, actioning and reflecting upon key skills including communication, presentation, team-working, active-listening, time management and prioritisation. Enhanced transferrable skills can aid in confidence with strong links to employability, with the provision of classroom experience being vital if you are considering teaching as a potential future career.
Chemistry is a hands-on subject, and our teaching reflects that. You’ll learn through:
You’ll also benefit from a supportive academic community, with staff tutors guiding your development throughout your degree.
Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world skills. You’ll be assessed through:
You’ll receive clear marking criteria and regular feedback to help you improve. Your final degree classification is based on your performance in years two and three.
There are typically 8-10 one-hour lectures per week. In addition, you will spend 8 to 10 hours in laboratory classes per week. A typical week will also include an academic tutorial covering one of the core modules.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you through your studies and help you make the most of the opportunities available at Nottingham. Your personal tutor will guide your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.
Core modules are typically delivered by Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, or Professors. Lab classes will also include demonstrators and technicians.
Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.
Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.
Average starting salary and career progression
89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Faculty of Science
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
F101
Duration
4 years full-time
Start date
Sep 2026
Faculty of Science
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
AAB - ABB
UCAS code
FC17
Duration
3 years full-time
Start date
Sep 2026
Faculty of Science
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
F103
Duration
4 Years full-time
Start date
Sep 2026
Faculty of Science
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
FC1R
Duration
4 years full-time
Start date
Sep 2026
Faculty of Science
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
BBC (or ACC or ABD or A*BE or A*CD)
UCAS code
CF71
Duration
4 years full-time
Start date
Sep 2025
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
AAB
UCAS code
C700
Duration
3 years full-time
Start date
Sep 2026
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAB
UCAS code
C703
Duration
4 Years full-time
Start date
Sep 2026
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.