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Chemistry is the science of everyday life – allowing us to explain properties of substances, their structures and the changes they undergo. Consequently, the chemical industry is central to the modern world economy and chemistry graduates have a wide range of employment options open to them in oil, gas, energy and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in consumer products.
Overview
At the School of Physical Sciences we have a strong teaching record in analytical chemistry and we are proud to link our world-leading research on materials chemistry to our undergraduate programmes. All practical classes take place in our newly refurbished laboratories, where you use the latest equipment.
This programme is for students who have previously studied science subjects but who lack the qualifications needed for direct entry into Stage 1 of the BSc.
Our four-year, year in industry programme offers you the opportunity to further enhance your employability by spending a year working on a placement. Alternatively, on our four-year MChem chemistry programme you work as part of a research group conducting cutting-edge research.
Please note - this programme follows the same Course Structure as Forensic Science with a Foundation Year (F412) in Stage 0, and then Chemistry (F107) for Stages 1-3.
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2016, Chemistry at Kent was ranked 3rd for overall satisfaction. Of those graduating in 2015 with a degree in chemistry, Kent students were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities, according to the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey*.
*conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Foundation year
This programme is for students who have previously studied science subjects but who lack the qualifications needed for direct entry into Stage 1 of the BSc. It includes lectures in chemistry and mathematics, together with practical classes, and is taught entirely on the Canterbury campus.
Teaching and assessment
There are approximately eight one-hour lectures each week, laboratory classes, project work and problem-solving seminars.
Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and other assignments. You must pass the Stage 1 examinations in order to go on to Stage 2. Coursework assessments include practical laboratory skills, presentation skills as well as essay and report writing.
Please note that you must pass all modules of the foundation year in order to progress onto stage 1.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- instil a sense of enthusiasm for chemistry, an appreciation of its application in different contexts and involve students in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying
- provide a broad and balanced foundation of chemical knowledge and practical skills
- provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable
- develop in students the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to the solution of chemical science problems and to be able to solve theoretical and practical problems in chemistry
- impart practical skills including the knowledge, understanding and ability to assess safety in the laboratory environment
- develop a range of generic skills, of value in chemical and non-chemical employment
- provide a stimulating, research-active environment in which students are supported and motivated to achieve their academic and personal potential
- enable students to graduate with an understanding of scientific methodology, the ability to use this in the solution of problems in and outside of a laboratory environment, and the ability to undertake and report on an experimental investigation using such methodology
- foster an appreciation of the importance and sustainability of the chemical sciences in an industrial, academic, economic, environmental and social context
- provide students with the knowledge and skills to gain graduate-level employment or to pursue further studies.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- core and foundation scientific physical, biological, and chemical concepts, terminology, theory, units, conventions, and laboratory practise and methods in relation to the chemical sciences
- areas of chemistry including properties of chemical elements, states of matter, organic functional groups, physiochemical principles, organic and inorganic materials, synthetic pathways, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, fires and explosions
- developments at the forefront of some areas of chemical sciences.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- the ability to understand essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject and to apply this knowledge to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems
- the ability to recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution by the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of scientific information and data
- the ability to use computational methods for the practical application of theory and to use information technology and data-processing skills to search for, assess and interpret chemical information and data
- a knowledge of essay writing and presenting scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences and the ability to communicate complex scientific argument to a lay audience.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- the safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including specific hazards associated with their use and risk-assessment of such hazards
- the ability to carry out documented standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work in relation to organic and inorganic systems. Skills in observational and instrumental monitoring of physiochemical events and changes and the systematic and reliable documentation of the above. Operation of standard analytical instruments employed in the chemical sciences
- the ability to collate, interpret and explain the significance and underlying theory of experimental data, including an assessment of limits of accuracy
- the ability to implement research projects including competence in the design and execution of experiments.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- communication, both written and oral
- to be able to undertake further training of a professional nature
- problem-solving in relation to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have to be made on the basis of limited information
- numeracy and computational skills, including such aspects as error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation
- information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including online computer searches
- knowledge of IT such as word-processing and spreadsheet use, data-logging and storage, internet communication
- interpersonal skills, relating to the ability to interact with other people and to engage in team working within a professional environment
- time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. Self-management and organisational skills with the capacity to support life-long learning
- study skills required continuing professional development and professional employment.
Careers
Kent science graduates have an excellent employment record, in part because we ensure they have the transferable skills necessary for success in today’s employment market. We teach you how to communicate your ideas effectively and write technical information in an accessible way, you learn how to work independently and as part of a team.
Recent graduates have gone into areas including research and development, contract laboratories, material and pharmaceutical industries as well as the oil industry.
Entry requirements
All applications for the Foundation Year will be considered individually, however evidence of previous level 3 (i.e. A level, BTEC, etc.) relevant scientific study is required.
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) at 120 credits or more, on a case by case basis. Please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.