Chemistry BSc (Hons)
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
International
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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Are you passionate about chemistry? Do you have an intellectual curiosity and a thirst for knowledge?
A Chemistry degree at Northumbria provides you with a required foundation in core chemistry. It supplies a range of options including:
A final year research project will cement your learning, giving you the knowledge, independent critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to become a well-rounded chemist. Alongside the opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories, you will learn from our research-active team of academic staff comprising leaders in a range of research fields.
This degree will provide you with the knowledge, independent critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to become a well-rounded chemist. The degree will thoroughly prepare you for a career in the chemical industry or academia and will equip you with skills applicable in a wide range of fields.
This course is accredited by the RSC. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).
See other similar courses you may be interested in: Biomedical Science BSc, Forensic Science BSc
• Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Chemistry studies (Times Good University Guide, 2025).
• Small class sizes: get to know your tutors and academic staff.
• Guaranteed lab-based research project.
• Hands on use of modern analytical and research equipment to enhance your employability.
• Option for industrial placement with help to apply.
• Get involved in real cutting-edge chemistry research during your research project.
• Diverse subject coverage including analytical chemistry, recyclable plastics and materials, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and more...
• City centre location.
Are you passionate about chemistry? Do you have an intellectual curiosity and a thirst for knowledge?
A Chemistry degree at Northumbria provides you with a required foundation in core chemistry. It supplies a range of options including:
A final year research project will cement your learning, giving you the knowledge, independent critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to become a well-rounded chemist. Alongside the opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories, you will learn from our research-active team of academic staff comprising leaders in a range of research fields.
This degree will provide you with the knowledge, independent critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to become a well-rounded chemist. The degree will thoroughly prepare you for a career in the chemical industry or academia and will equip you with skills applicable in a wide range of fields.
This course is accredited by the RSC. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).
See other similar courses you may be interested in: Biomedical Science BSc, Forensic Science BSc
• Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Chemistry studies (Times Good University Guide, 2025).
• Small class sizes: get to know your tutors and academic staff.
• Guaranteed lab-based research project.
• Hands on use of modern analytical and research equipment to enhance your employability.
• Option for industrial placement with help to apply.
• Get involved in real cutting-edge chemistry research during your research project.
• Diverse subject coverage including analytical chemistry, recyclable plastics and materials, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and more...
• City centre location.
UCAS Code
F110
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Applied Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025 or September 2026
Fees
Fee Information
The Department of Applied Sciences has an exciting and extensive portfolio of subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, food and nutritional sciences.
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Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Chemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
We believe in the benefits of hands-on study which is why a large proportion of your time will be spent in our state-of-the-art laboratories, developing a wide range of practical skills. These practical sessions are complemented by seminars, lectures, tutorials and IT sessions to cement your theoretical knowledge of the subject. You will also take part in problem-solving workshops which will develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.
There is the opportunity to spend a year in industry where you can develop your knowledge and gain valuable work experience to give you a head start in your chosen career.
Regular formative assessment enables you to develop your knowledge and skills and to continually reflect on your performance. By the end of your degree you will have developed the ability to study independently and mastered both research and practical skills, culminating in a major laboratory-based research project in the final year.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Chemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
You will learn from experienced staff at the forefront of their fields, with all teaching staff in the Department of Applied Sciences educated to PhD level. Most academic staff are research active and this knowledge is reflected in their teaching. Staff have an open-door policy meaning they are on hand to provide any guidance that you might need.
Many of our teaching team have previously worked in higher education, research and industry, including at organisations such as Unilever, the John Innes Centre, Roche Products Ltd, and are able to draw on real world experience to keep their teaching current and industry relevant. As members of professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the chemistry team have excellent international links, collaborating with others across the globe in pursuit of ground-breaking advances in chemistry.
Our students learn from the best inspirational academic staff with a genuine passion for their subject. Our courses are at the forefront of current knowledge and practice and are shaped by world-leading and internationally excellent research.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Chemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
Working in our modern laboratories, complete with industry standard equipment, you will learn and develop a range of practical skills in an authentic research environment. You will also develop specific computational chemistry skills, working with sophisticated professional software in our IT suites.
All Northumbria students also benefit from Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) which provides online access to module information, key texts, assessment briefs and a range of teaching-related materials.
A complete list of facilities can be found here.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Chemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
At Northumbria we take a research-led approach to education. As practicing researchers, the majority of our lecturers’ research interests link chemistry to the real world. Learning from those at the cutting-edge of the subject will help you put what you have learnt into context both in the laboratory and the lecture theatre.
We will also support you to develop your own research skills. The final year research project will enable you to develop your own area of specialism. You will be matched with a staff member who has experience in your chosen subject and together you will work closely on a substantial piece of research. For some of our previous students, this has led to publication in national and international scientific journals.
The project will also enhance your skills in areas such as decision-making, team-working, critical analysis, communication, and the ability to study independently, all of which are in demand by employers or are an excellent foundation for continuing on to a PhD.
A programme of regular Chemistry seminars delivered by researchers at the University is open to all of our undergraduate students, providing an opportunity to hear about ongoing research within the department.
Find out what our Applied Sciences students and staff are taking part in and achieving.
Chemistry Research and Innovation
Exploring and Exploiting Microbial Diversity
Forensic Science Research Group
Nutrition and Food
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Chemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
At Northumbria, our degrees are designed to make you as employable as possible. As well as graduating with a respected degree, this course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem). This Chemistry course also provides the opportunity to spend a year in industry where you can gain first-hand experience of the world of work.
Not only will this enable you to ‘test’ your chosen career, but you will develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and time-management. The practical experience gained through your placement year will complement the learning theory and strengthen your CV. You can boost your employability with short work placements, study abroad, STEM ambassador activities or volunteering.
You will graduate from the BSc Chemistry course with the applied knowledge, strong practical laboratory skills and research skills needed to enter a career in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries or continue on to PhD study.
Throughout the course you will also develop transferable skills appreciated by employers in general, not only in traditional chemistry roles. You will cultivate the ability to think analytically, develop excellent problem-solving, logic and critical thinking skills, and an eye for detail. Previous Northumbria graduates have found employment in areas as diverse as teaching, business and management, finance, law and marketing.
There is also the opportunity to transfer onto the Chemistry MChem course at Northumbria.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Chemistry. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need Grade B in A-level Chemistry, or a recognised equivalent.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
96 to 112 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need Grade B in A-level Chemistry, or a recognised equivalent.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535
* This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) * Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Laboratory equipment such as spatula, lab book, marker pens and a scientific calculator are required and should cost no more than £25. You may be required to print some documents but this should be no more than £10 per academic year. Textbooks: copies of mandatory texts are available in the University Library, and many are electronic access free to students. If a student wishes to buy a personal copy, we advise on one general Chemistry textbook to supplement the entire course, approximate cost £60.
UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC
* Government has yet to announce 26/27 tuition fee levels.
International Fee in Year 1:
TBC
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
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If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
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