Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Chemistry
Choose chemistry to change the world and your future.
Choose chemistry to change the world and your future.
Interested in developing chemical compounds? Curious about the structure of chemicals and the reactions they have with one another? Enter the fascinating world of Chemistry at Kent to gain the knowledge and practical skills to help tackle the challenges of the 21st century. From combating climate change and creating energy storage devices, to developing new pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Our distinctive course includes a set of ‘chemistry in context’ modules where you can apply your knowledge to specific case studies. You'll also gain skills and knowledge that you can apply to solve real-world problems in areas such as chemistry and the environment.
It is possible to select modules which lead to the Forensic Science pathway course Chemistry (Forensic Science) BSc
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Your Chemistry degree opens the door to lots of exciting careers; taking a Year in Industry helps you discover some of those options.
Study a wide range of modules from core chemistry concepts to how it can help build a better world with an introduction to chemistry and the environment.
Our lecturers are innovative teachers and active researchers: Professor Jennifer Hiscock is in a team that created a material that can stop supersonic impacts.
Spend a year studying abroad at one of our partner universities. We currently have links with institutions in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia.
You'll use industry-standard equipment from the start of your degree.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
BBC including Chemistry, Biology or Physics at grade B
The University will consider applicants holding/studying BTEC Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) in Applied Science at DMM.
112 Tariff points, Typically H5, H5, H6 at HL including HL Chemistry, Biology or Physics at 5
Mathematics grade C or 4
N/A
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates. for consideration. A typical offer may require you to obtain a proportion of Level 3 credits in relevant subjects at merit grade or above. A typical offer for stage 1 would be: Access to HE Diploma 45 at level 3 Credits with 18 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit and contain at least 12 Level 3 credits in Chemistry. A science programme including Chemistry Level 3 credits would be required.
Please contact the School for more information at studynats@kent.ac.uk.
The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.
You’ll focus on the broad base on which chemistry is founded and start to build your practical lab skills.
Embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of matter with our Fundamentals of Chemistry module, designed to ignite your curiosity and lay the foundations for your understanding of the chemical world. Delve into the fundamental principles that govern the behaviour of atoms and molecules, explore the mysteries of chemical reactions, and investigate the endless possibilities that chemistry offers in shaping our world. From understanding atomic structure to unraveling the complexities of bonding and reactivity, this course serves as a vital gateway, equipping you with indispensable knowledge essential for both forensic analysis and broader chemistry applications.
How do chemical and technological processes shape and influence the natural world? What can we as chemists do to tackle environmental challenges? As a burgeoning chemist, you will explore how chemical processes shape and influence the world around us. By fostering an understanding of environmental chemistry alongside essential skills in scientific communication, data analysis, and ethical conduct, this module equips you with the tools you need to tackle pressing environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
Why do we make molecules? Why does nature make molecules? What do these molecules do? What makes carbon so vital to life? What makes one molecule a medicine and another a poison? You'll start your journey in organic chemistry by answering some of these questions.
We'll introduce you to the basics of fundamental organic chemistry, looking at the structures of carbon-based molecules and how they can be put together in millions of different ways. We'll see how they bond with other elements to give complex compounds and how they can be made, synthetically and biologically. This module equips you with all you need to know about organic chemistry leading into your later studies in Chemistry or Forensic Science, laying the foundations for your degree and your career.
How do the elements vary across the periodic table? How can we utilise these variation to optimise the reactivity of compounds and their physical properties as is required by modern society? This module gives you an understanding of how the variation in bonding across the periodic table leads to predictable and useful trends in structure and properties.
The key properties of the transition metals are explored; this will enable you to understand how their fascinating and versatile properties arise, laying the groundwork for their application in diverse and distinctive settings. You'll develop your ability to understand and apply the key underpinning principles of inorganic chemistry supported by associated mathematical methods. This is key to the mastery of chemical structure, reactivity and functional properties required by chemists.
What drives a chemical reaction? How can we control chemical reactions? And why is it important to control chemical reactions? We discuss the key ideas of thermodynamics and kinetics in a chemical context. It shows how the universe may be understood in terms of the flow of energy, allowing us to understand what transformations are possible and how fast they will occur. These essential physical principles are then applied to real world phenomena, showing that even the most fundamental theories have direct and important applications in the modern world. This understanding is key to you not only become a successful chemist, but an ethical and responsible one, which is crucial when looking for a professional role following graduation.
Practising chemists are respected for their ability to understand complex theory, and test it experimentally. This module guides you through the introductory stages of your journey to competency in applied experimental chemistry. Comprising a rigorous set of practical experiences, you'll gain a robust understanding of core practical chemistry skills, from working hands-on skillfully in the wet laboratory, to venturing into the modern world of coding and computation. Along the way you'll explore organic and inorganic synthesis, physical and analytical chemistry, and the use of computational techniques in experimental chemistry, while developing key skills in data manipulation, data presentation and scientific report writing. This sets up up for an exciting and successful career as a chemist, or in a wider range of fields, putting you in the driving seat of your career.
You’ll further develop your knowledge of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and continue to develop your lab skills.
Why is analytical chemistry important within the chemical and forensic industries? What approaches should we take when considering the chemical analysis of an unknown sample? Analytical chemistry is essential throughout the chemical and forensic world - covering not only how we design experiments to understand the composition of unknown samples, but also how we confirm and quantify results and assign a level of confidence to our findings. This module takes a pragmatic, application-driven approach to sample preparation, analysis, and data validation, providing key foundations for the modern analytical chemist - and the key skills needed for a number of careers in chemical and forensic industries.
Do you want to know more about the structure of DNA and how its structure has evolved to provide the building blocks of life? Have you wondered why different drugs behave in different ways inside our bodies? How do we create new treatments and therapies to tackle disease? This module introduces you to the key ideas and fundamental molecular components of biochemistry. You'll look at simple biomolecules and non-covalent interactions, building up to biological oligomers before you are introduced to key concepts in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, illustrated with medicinal chemistry case studies. This application of theory into practice through examining case studies prepares you for a career where you can get hands-on and make a real difference.
Organic Chemistry is the science of making molecules. Understanding organic reactions helps scientists invent new drugs, discover eco-friendly materials, and decode the language of life. This module builds upon your knowledge of structure and reactivity and applies it in the context organic synthesis, molecular design, reaction mechanisms. You'll dive deeper into learning about creating more challenging target molecules from simple ones; along with industry-standard techniques to identify and follow the progress of any organic reaction. Upon completion, you'll be able to identify the most important concepts in the rational design of synthetic routes for useful complex organic molecules such as drugs, pesticides, dyestuffs, and perfumes. So you have the knowledge to launch a career in chemistry in a industry you are passionate about.
Explore the fascinating interplay between transition metals, organic molecules, and main group elements, unlocking the secrets behind some of the most pivotal chemical transformations shaping our world. From unraveling the intricate mechanisms of catalysis to harnessing the catalytic power of transition metal complexes, you'll delve deep into the frontiers of chemical innovation. You'll also gain an understanding of the rich structural and chemical diversity of inorganic solid-state compounds that enable their applications as functional materials. This further builds on your knowledge of inorganic chemistry and gives you the tools you need for a successful and exciting career as a chemist.
Why do atoms and molecules behave the way they do? How can we understand the intricate dance of electrons and nuclei at the quantum level? What impact do these insights have on shaping the molecules of the future? In this module, you'll explore the core principles of quantum chemistry and molecular spectroscopy, two pillars of modern chemistry that illuminate the intricacies of matter at its most fundamental level. Starting with the foundational postulates of quantum mechanics and the wavefunction, you'll explore how these principles govern the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. You'll discover how spectroscopy reveals the identity and properties of molecules.
Mastering these concepts will equip you with the tools to design the molecular systems of tomorrow. Whether it is developing new catalysts, or discovering novel pharmaceutical compounds, you'll be positioned at the forefront of innovation through the far-reaching applications of these disciplines.
The modern practical chemist must operate successfully across the range of chemical disciplines, applying core chemical knowledge to a range of unfamiliar problems. You'll venture through a diverse and challenging range of practical and theoretical experiences, conducting experiments across many disciplines to illustrate the multi-faceted, versatile, and employable characteristics of a practising chemist. By the end of this module you'll be more confident working alone and in groups to carry out, understand, analyse, evaluate, improve, and report on your chemistry. The range of skills you'll develop will critically underpin success in the remainder of your studies and beyond.
You have the option to add a year in industry to this course. We already know you have the confidence and commitment to thrive in the workplace and kick-start your career. This is your chance to prove it, to yourself and to employers.
When should I start looking? In the summer of your first year; placements must be secured by 31 August in your second year.
Where can I get help finding a placement? Book an appointment with a placement adviser via the careers service.
Will I get paid? Most of our placements are paid.
Do I have to pay tuition fees? Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee, currently £1,850, which for UK students is covered by Student Finance.
Where can I get visa advice if I’m an international student? Kent Union can help with any visa queries for your Year in Industry.
Does the University keep in touch? You receive four-weekly check-in emails, a visit from the team every three months and you can reach out to us any time by email or phone.
Do I work for a full year? The minimum requirement for an industrial placement is 44 weeks.
What could you do in a year?
My year in industry couldn’t have gone better. I secured a role at IBM, working in their sports and entertainment department – it was perfect for meTom Tillin Find out more
Taking a year abroad – whether you study at one of our prestigious partner universities or do an internship – is an amazing opportunity.
Is there any additional funding for the year abroad? You may be able to apply for funding; check with our Go abroad team.
Do I have to pay tuition fees for the year abroad? Yes, you pay a substantially reduced fee, currently £1,385, which for UK students is covered by Student Finance. You don’t pay anything to the host uni.
Will I still get my maintenance loan? Yes.
When does the year abroad take place? Between your second and final year.
Do I have to learn a foreign language? You’re taught in English in many destinations, but you’ll get more out of your year if you learn the local language.
Does the University keep in touch? You have full access to all Kent’s support services as well as our dedicated Go abroad team.
Where could you go in a year?
My ‘You only live once’ decision to study in Japan is one of the best I’ve ever made. I had a fantastic year.Cheyenne Nolan Find out more
In your final year, alongside your modules, you complete an independent research project.
Modern Chemistry and Forensic Science rely heavily on a suite of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. But which of these should we apply for our particular cutting-edge chemical research, or to obtain the specific, precise and robust forensic evidence we require?
This module builds upon your knowledge of fundamental concepts and methods to understand the specificity, advantages and limitations of these more advanced techniques, and explore approaches to best apply them across a broad range of applications. Using this knowledge, you'll strategically choose and expertly apply advanced analytical methods across a range of scenarios explored elsewhere within your course.
Beyond this course, you can apply these interdisciplinary skills and technologies to pioneering research and in support of impacting real world issues in fields including environmental chemistry, forensic trace analysis and pharmaceutical development and detection.
What types of functional properties do solids exhibit? How can these be harnessed to address key global challenges, such as enabling the ongoing data revolution and reducing our dependance on polluting energy sources in the future? Gain an understanding of how such functional properties work, the types of inorganic materials that can be used for them and how these can be made and characterised. We'll give you the knowledge needed to synthesise and optimise new functional materials for a wide range of useful applications through a systematic understanding of key classes of functional solids, this knowledge will be the basis for any career in chemistry where you want to tackle challenges and answer pressing questions.
What’s the importance of organic synthesis? Why should we learn about different organic processes? Organic synthesis is key to the success of multiple industries such as medical and pharmaceutical. In this module, we'll explore advanced complex methods for different organic transformations bringing together the beauty and complexity of organic chemistry. You'll also broaden and extend your knowledge of organic chemistry to standards used in modern chemistry research, academia, pharmaceutical science, and other related industries. You'll study the principles to master various bond formations and functional group transformations at an advanced level, gaining the essential skills you need to pursue a career in organic chemistry.
Why have rare elements become such a valuable commodity in recent years? What makes them unique for underpinning the latest chemical processes on which our modern society relies? This module offers a comprehensive journey through the principles governing the behaviour of both main group elements and transition metals, unlocking the secrets behind their diverse reactivity and profound impact on the world of chemistry.
You'll explore the deeper mechanistic explanations for their unique reactivity and electronic properties that enables the efficient synthesis of the wide variety of compounds needed to address global challenges across areas as diverse as healthcare, the green economy and quantum technologies.
How is computational modelling used in modern society and industry? Can computer modelling replace experimental work? Computational modelling and simulations are increasingly used by industry to complement experimental work and can be used to provide unique insight, especially when experiments are expensive, dangerous or prohibited. In this module you'll be introduced to a range of cutting-edge modelling and simulation approaches that chemistry practitioners may encounter through their career in aid of solving complex chemical problems and in driving the design processes for new biomolecules, photovoltaic cells and bio-degradable polymers, supporting a range of topical global challenges.
How can we apply our chemical knowledge and problem solving techniques to original chemistry challenges? How can we innovate within the chemical sciences to build on the knowledge base within our scientific and global communities?
You'll undertake a comprehensive research project, selected from a range of chemical disciplines. You will also gain skills in conducting and directing scientific research, data analysis and interpretation, problem solving and communication of results, culminating in the writing of your dissertation. This isn't just your chance to hone you skills and develop as a chemist, your dissertation itself is a real piece of scientific research you can use to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers following graduation.
With an employability-led approach at the heart of chemistry teaching at Kent, this course will provide a supportive and exciting journey through core chemical principles and applied chemical disciplines to our diverse community of students. Our passionate and experienced scientists will deliver the course through a wide range of teaching modes to equip students with the skillset to become outstanding chemical practitioners, or to take on numerous roles in the wider sciences.
Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and other assignments.
Coursework assessments include practical laboratory skills, presentation skills as well as essay and report writing.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.
Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
You'll graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience, as well as a toolbox of transferable skills highly sought after by employers. These include excellent communication and problem-solving skills; the ability to work independently or as part of a team; analytical thinking; and effective time management. Typical graduate destinations include:
Within our first few weeks of being in the lab, we were able to use cutting-edge equipment.
*The Government announced on 4 November 2024 that tuition fees in England for Home students will increase to £9,535 from £9,250 for the academic year 2025/26. This increase requires Parliamentary approval, which is expected to be given in early/mid 2025.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.
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.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,900.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,430.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Students will require regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. Please see information about the minimum computer requirements for study.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
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