BSc Chemistry

at University of Leicester

Year 1

You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and basic practical elements of chemistry, all of which will give you the solid chemistry foundation required to complete your degree.

 

Modules

• General Chemistry
• Introductory Organic Chemistry
• Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
• Introductory Physical Chemistry
• Introductory Practical Chemistry
• Chemistry Key Skills and Maths
• Scientific Method and Principles of Analytical Chemistry
• Chemistry of the Real World

This is the same as the first year of the MChem.

 

NB. It is possible to switch at the end of the first year from a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to this regular Chemistry degree, but transferring in the other direction is not possible because of the specialised modules taught on that course. So if you like the sound of Pharmaceutical Chemistry but you're not completely certain that's where you want to go, you should apply for the specialised degree and then consider your options at the end of Year 1.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 2

During this year you will extend the foundation knowledge from your first year and begin to gain more advanced and specialised practical skills. You will also consider how chemistry and scientific advancements are communicated to wider audiences, a vital skill when applying for a job or research funding.

Modules

• Spectroscopy Theory and Practice
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Practical Chemistry and Key Skills (double module)
• Analytical Chemistry in Practice
• Polymer and Materials Chemistry

This is the same as the second year of the MChem.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year in Industry (optional)

If you want to, you can spend your third year working in an industrial placement (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.

 

NB. A year spent on an industrial placement still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See our Fees and Funding section for details.

 

You will carry out a year long project in the research and development section of your host company, such as developing new drugs or exploring new analytical techniques for testing the purity of petroleum products.

 

In addition to getting paid, throughout your industrial placement you will have all the same entitlements as other employees in the company. Salaries vary but the average is around £15,000-17,000 per year.

 

Recent host employers include: GlaxoSmithKline, Astra Zeneca, 3M, BASF, the Ministry of Defence, Lubrizol and Reckitt Benckiser.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Final Year

You will spend your final year honing your practical skills and gaining a more complex understanding of chemistry. You will have acquired all the necessary skills and information to be able to pursue a research project of your own.

 

Core modules

• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• BSc General Paper and Key Skills
• BSc Project Practical
• BSc Project Report

Option modules
Choose three option modules from:

• Advanced Physical Chemistry
• Biological Chemistry
• Metals in Synthesis
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry
• Advanced Materials Chemistry

You must take either Advanced Physical Chemistry or Advanced Analytical Chemistry.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

• A/AS-levels: AAB-ABB including Chemistry. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level
• EPQ with A-levels: ABB-BBB + EPQ at grade B
• GCSE: Grade B/5 Maths (if Maths or Physics not held at A/AS-level)
• Access to HE Diploma (Science): Pass Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include 15 credits at Distinction in Chemistry Level 3 modules. If you don't have A-level Chemistry you will need to take an entrance exam - please contact Admissions
• International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30-32 points (with grade 5 in Higher Level Chemistry)
• BTEC Nationals: BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with D*DD. If you don't have A-level Chemistry you will need to take an entrance exam - please contact Admissions
   

Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

 

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the department.

 

English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

 

International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

UK Students

Starting in 2022

• £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
• Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

International Students

Starting in 2022

• £21,750 per year
• Year in Industry: £3,262.50, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

 

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

Our chemistry graduates have demonstrated an ability to be excellent problem solvers, work effectively within teams or individually and to be outstanding communicators. This lends them to employment in a variety of sectors. Most often this is the chemical research and manufacturing industry, both of which are major employers in the UK.

 

Our degrees include activities that were co-developed with experts from industry to help you gain experience and develop skills that will give you a competitive edge when applying for graduate roles.

 

Each of our degrees includes a specialist module with guidance on searching and applying for jobs, and on writing CVs and application letters. Plus we have a dedicated Careers Tutor organising careers events throughout the academic year.