...

Huddersfield University Campus

Chemistry BSc(Hons)

Select the year

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

104-112


Recent Awards For Excellence

Find out more about these awards
About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Learn from expert academics at a TEF Gold-rated university, ranked top three in England for staff doctorates.
  • Network with potential employers, and explore working in a real-world environment on an optional supervised placement year.
  • This course will prepare you for future careers in chemical analysis, chemical manufacturing, healthcare or pharmaceutics.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Known as the central science, chemistry provides a fundamental understanding of how the world works at a chemical level. Since the 1840s, Huddersfield has provided a strong chemistry education to its students, supporting the local textile and dyeing industries as a result. Today, you’re not limited just to these industries. A Chemistry BSc(Hons) degree at Huddersfield can take you far as you make contributions to a wide variety of fields, including chemical analysis and manufacturing, pharmaceutics, environmental consultancy, healthcare and teaching.

Why study Chemistry BSc(Hons)

At Huddersfield, you’ll be joining a chemistry department with a long and illustrious history. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this course will prepare you with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry, with a focus on the following core areas of chemistry; organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry.

You’ll gain relevant real-world experience throughout this course. You’ll be taught by leading academics through lectures, seminars, and sessions, which will be supplemented by modern industry instruments in our specialist chemical science labs. Following your first two years on the course, you’ll put your knowledge and skills to the test in an optional supervised work placement.

Career opportunities after the course *

Data Analysts

Graduate Managers

Health and Safety Officers

Environmental Consultants

Operations Coordinators

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBC-BCC at A Level including a grade C in Chemistry. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.
DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a grade C in Chemistry at A Level.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above to include 21 credits in Chemistry.
Merit at T Level in Science
112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications, including Higher Level Chemistry at grade 5.


If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module introduces you to the chemistry of the elements. Starting with the earliest known chemical events in the universe, this module discusses the elements, their origin, structure and properties before looking at the structure and bonding in and reactions of chemical compounds and encompasses a number of areas of (mostly) main group chemistry including, but not limited to, the constituents of the earth's crust and the chemistry of the atmosphere.

This module teaches you to recognise a range of functional groups and to name systematically compounds that contain them. Structure and bonding in organic compounds are discussed, as are the concepts of the octet rule, orbital hybridisation, formal charge, bond polarisation and resonance. The importance of molecular geometry is introduced and the basic principles of molecular conformation and of stereochemistry are covered. In preparation for the chemistry to follow, an integrated treatment of the 'language of chemical change' is presented. The ideas of mechanism and reaction intermediates are met, together with the curly arrow symbolism which chemists use to represent the electron movement inherent in chemical reactions. In the second half of the module, the chemistry of the principal functional groups is considered, using the ideas developed earlier. The lecture programme is reinforced by regular tutorials in which problems are worked. Running parallel to the lecture programme is a continuously assessed practical course that introduces you to the basic techniques of preparative organic chemistry.

This module covers four areas of physical chemistry: Units, Conversions and the Properties of ideal and non-ideal Gases, Solution Chemistry of Acids, Bases and Salts, Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis, and Introductory Thermodynamics

This module aims to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the range of skills required in modern analytical science and illustrate how analytical methodology underpins scientific investigation across the conventional discipline boundaries. The module will build on and develop your prior knowledge of analysis whilst not assuming any particular area of expertise and will also endeavour to improve your numerical, IT and communication skills by illustrating analytical methodology in the context of these key skill areas. This module also aims to develop your ability to obtain and interpret a wide range of spectroscopic data in a systematic and logical fashion. In this way you'll be taught to apply your knowledge to a wide range of new problems and in so doing develop your general problem solving skills. The module will be taught primarily by lectures and tutorials with illustrative practical work to highlight salient points from the lecture material.

This module provides an introduction to the use of computers in the chemical sciences for word processing, data handling and chemical drawing. The module also gives an introduction to the use of molecular modelling software for the understanding of chemical and physical properties of molecules. It will also consolidate the mathematical ability of students entering the course from a variety of backgrounds and provides the essential groundwork in this subject area.

The module provides an introduction to practical chemistry in the major branches of the subject through structured practical exercises. It will be taught in the laboratory and sessions will usually begin with some formal teaching from staff in charge, followed by students carrying out practical and other exercises either alone, or in pairs. Laboratory safety, basic laboratory techniques, data recording and the use of routine equipment will be taught. Research skills and ethics will be included. As the module proceeds the experiments will illustrate the principles taught in lectures.

This module will build on the theory covered in the module Inorganic Chemistry 1, looking primarily at the chemistry of transition metal (d-block) elements. The concepts of coordination chemistry and the bonding in complexes will be introduced, and how the optical and magnetic properties demonstrated by complexes can be explained by Crystal Field Theory. More advanced aspects of coordination chemistry will be introduced, including chelates, macrocycles, organometallic and supramolecular species. The behaviour of solid materials will also be discussed, focussing on band theory to explain semiconductor properties, the effect of defects on properties, and basic crystal structures. The practical component of the module incorporates techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of metal complexes.

This module provides coverage of the more important methods of forming carbon-carbon single and double bonds. Following on from year 1 carbonyl chemistry, some more advanced aspects of carbonyl chemistry will be discussed. Main-group elements and their role in synthesis will also be considered. Retrosynthetic analysis will be introduced in the context of carbonyl chemistry and will be developed to enable you to plan some complex multistep syntheses. The synthesis and reactions of the main classes of simple heterocyclic compounds will be covered. The chemistry of other biologically-important compounds such as carbohydrates amino acids will also be detailed. More advanced aspects of stereochemistry are covered, and the relationship between conformation and reactivity is explored. The module has a practical component which focuses on the use of more advanced techniques for the preparation, isolation and analysis (IR and NMR) of target molecules. A part of the practical session is devoted to the isolation of stereochemically pure products.

This module covers six topics: equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, phase equilibria, colloids and colloidal suspensions, colligative properties, kinetics of composite reactions and quantum theory – basic principles and simple applications. With the exception of quantum theory, material in the other areas builds on that presented in year 1.

In this module you'll have the opportunity to consolidate the interpretative skills learnt in the module Analytical Science 1 and extend these to the analysis of spectra from more complex organic molecules. The majority of samples encountered in analytical science are mixtures, you'll be introduced to the basics of the most widely used forms of chromatography and a number of application areas of each will be described including the application of combined separation and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally you'll be introduced to a selection of instrumental analyses including atomic spectroscopy, thermal methods and electrochemical techniques, and statistical methodology which provide solutions to many of the analytical problems which are encountered in modern society. This module aims to develop your abilities in these directions to enable you to design an analytical process whilst further developing your IT, communication and numerical skills.

This module builds on the practical experience gained in the first year and is closely linked to the associated lecture material in modules Inorganic Chemistry 2, Organic Chemistry 2, Physical Chemistry 2 and Analytical Science 2. You'll have the opportunity to use more advanced experimental techniques and instrumentation. Exercises will involve an information search, recording, and interpretation of results. Each exercise may involve more than a single week of practical work and draw on different subject areas. The exercises will involve synthesis, investigation, and characterization and appropriate literature searches. Research skills and record keeping will be included. You'll also have the opportunity to carry out a mini-project and will be given an outline scheme from which you must produce your own detailed experimental plan in a workshop environment which will be vetted before you begin practical work. A permanent record will be kept of observations and data measurements made as the project proceeds. Weekly planning meetings will be held to assess the progress of the work. At the end of the project another workshop session will be held in which to analyse and interpret the results by discussion with peers before resorting to seeking advice from the lecturer.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module introduces you to the industrial manufacture of important chemicals and to core chemical engineering skills of formulating and solving material and energy balances on chemical systems. It introduces the principles of operation and analysis of operations in chemical processes. It develops skills in manipulating laws of conservation of mass and energy, in order to understand individual operations and their interactions within chemical processes. It also introduces the use of computer software packages including chemical engineering simulation software.

This module provides an introduction to selected topics in modern biology, suitable for students of forensic science and chemistry, and provides a basis for further study for those whose interests lie at the interface of the biological and chemical sciences. The module starts with an introduction to the structure and function of biological macromolecules and includes a basic account of the covalent and non-covalent aspects of protein structure. Subsequently an introduction to enzyme structure and function is given followed by an outline of basic metabolism. The module covers the elements of cellular and molecular biology including sufficient to understand such techniques as gene cloning, PCR and DNA fingerprinting. The concluding part of the module provides coverage of the systems of the human body most relevant to students of forensic science and medicinal chemistry, namely; blood and the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the kidney.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

The supervised work experience (SWE) is normally a 48 week placement in a suitable organisation. The actual content of the placement will vary depending on the specific background and demands of individual students and the opportunities available within differing employing organisations. Placements are available both within the UK and abroad and assistance is provided to help find a suitable position. You'll be visited up to twice a year by your University tutor. The SWE provides an opportunity for you to experience employment within organisations related to your chosen pathway and at the same time improve your technical and social skills.

A chemically-based independent research programme. Supervisors will outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Before undertaking experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project. You'll have the opportunity to plan your project in light of the current state of the field of research. You'll be given advice from your supervisor on research methods. Your projects will involve advanced laboratory and instrumental techniques. It will be open ended and you'll be expected to review progress regularly and modify research plans accordingly. You'll then be required to present your results in a thesis and in a talk at the end of your project

This module is designed to develop advanced practical skills across the main core disciplines of chemical sciences and to demonstrate the combination of skills needed to undertake research projects, from initial conception and planning, to undertaking practical work, reviewing results and reporting results. The practical classes will provide an opportunity to use sophisticated experimental techniques in organic, physical, inorganic and analytical science. The module is constructed to provide you with experience of extended exercises, working both individually and in small groups. The sessions will involve experimental design, evaluation and interpretation of results, presenting and reporting results.

This module draws together the basic concepts of synthesis and reaction mechanisms in the context of providing methods for designing suitable synthetic routes to target compounds and also extends the range of reaction types to include pericyclic reactions. The module introduces contemporary preparative methods for the synthesis of organic compounds. Further aspects relating to designing a synthesis and the connection between design and retrosynthetic principles are covered. The selectivity of reactions and the concepts of regio-, chemo-, stereo- and enantioselectivity are developed as are the rules governing pericyclic reactions. The reaction mechanism component draws together concepts in both physical and mechanistic organic chemistry. This section provides techniques that can be used to differentiate between mechanistic types. The use of product analysis, activation parameters, linear free energy relationships and isotope effects to determine reaction mechanisms are described.

The module will build upon previously encountered material on structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry and will include transition metal organometallic chemistry, electron deficiency and clusters. Reaction mechanisms at transition metal sites will be covered with an emphasis on how these apply in industrially relevant catalytic processes. The module will also cover NMR spectroscopy methods for the characterisation and dynamic study of inorganic systems. The module will also cover the photophysical and photochemical properties of transition metal complexes as well as bioinorganic chemistry and the pharmaceutical applications of metal complexes. An emphasis will be placed on recent cutting-edge developments in the literature.

This module covers various aspects of advanced physical chemistry. The properties of surfaces and the interaction of gas molecules with surfaces will be discussed. Different theories of adsorption will be compared. The kinetics of surface reactions will be related to the mechanism of the reaction. The application of surface science type measurements in developing an understanding of how atoms and molecules adsorb on surfaces will be covered. Central to chemistry is being able to relate observation made in the laboratory to behaviour at the atomistic level and equally to use the interaction of atoms and molecules to derive quantities that can be measured at the macro-level. Thus statistical thermodynamics will be introduced and used to derive fundamental properties. Atomistic modelling also provides a view into the molecular world and after reviewing the fundamentals of quantum mechanics the methods for approximating multi electron systems will be introduced and the applications in computational chemistry explored. One important application of quantum mechanics which is used routinely throughout chemistry is spectroscopy. We will therefore show how the quantum definitions of the allowed vibrational and rotational energy levels of a simple harmonic oscillator and a rigid-rotor can be used to derive the observed IR and microwave spectra of diatomic molecules and introduce other related aspects of the theory relating to atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

In this module the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course will be expanded and extended. Recent developments in the subject will be discussed in terms of basic chromatographic theory. The application of separation methods to the identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites in toxicological samples will be discussed. The metabolism of drugs, in so far as this process impinges upon the analytical methodology employed in toxicological analysis, together with the effects of sample type and their storage will be highlighted.

This module provides an introduction to separation processes based on the principles of mass transfer with or without chemical reactions, method of operation, phase equilibria and separating agents used in these operations. It also provides the basis for the building of simple mathematical models to represent the operation of the mass transfer-based separation processes, such as distillation, gas absorption, liquid-liquid extraction.

The relationship between the forensic scientist and the justice system will be explored with a view to addressing aspects of criminal and civil law. Aspects of presentation of evidence as well as the role and responsibility of the expert witness will also be explored. The requirements of quality systems will be considered within context of presenting robust evidence; as well as the considerations of ethical practice. Quality Assurance procedures and importance of standard operating procedures in relation to accreditation will be explored (i.e. ISO17020 and ISO17025).

This module covers the forensic investigation of evidence building on material delivered in the second year modules. The material covered will also include general forensic science principles and how they are applied to investigations. Such principles include Bayesian Inference and these will also be applied to biological and non-biological evidence types such as forensic genetics, body fluid identification, taphonomy, impressions, drugs and toxicology.

In this module you'll be provided with an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application. In mass spectrometry you'll be introduced to the range of ionisation and scanning techniques and the ways in which the coupling of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry can enhance and extend the capabilities of both methods. In NMR you'll have the opportunity to consider a range of advanced experimental methods to enhance the quality of the analytical information which can be obtained. Modern electroanalysis is a powerful and versatile analytical tool for investigating a wide range of analytical problems. This module will introduce you to a selection of these methods and will illustrate the practicalities, uses and limitations of these techniques. Sensor technologies represent a rapidly expanding area of analytical science. The module aims to familiarise you with the wide range of fields, which contribute to sensor developments, and then to reinforce this knowledge with pertinent examples such as glucose monitoring systems for diabetics.

This module will cover the molecular and cellular targets of medicines and will focus on the biological macromolecules that they interact with. Key classes of biological macromolecules will be covered including: proteins (enzymes and receptors); nuclei acids (DNA, RNA and their biosynthetic machinery). The main focus of the lectures and tutorials will be to provide a comprehensive analysis of the general principles of drug action for students with a chemical and biological background. It is of interest to those wanting to learn about drug design and the molecular mechanisms by which drugs act.

This module encourages you to develop your knowledge and understanding of sustainable development in industrial systems and to provide approaches to design and assess for sustainability. The module also encompasses large scale experimental work relevant to industrial practice in relation to sustainability. It aims to introduce the concepts of sustainability and carbon and water footprints and provide an overview renewable energy processes and carbon capture technologies. It also examines selected examples in detail, looks at process integration methodologies in design for sustainability and introduces techno-economic and life cycle assessments. The module also enables you to gain experience in experimental group work involving large scale equipment relevant to the technologies, industries and methodologies introduced in the module.

This module focuses on understanding soil properties and their importance in ecological processes. We look at how nutrients and contaminants are held in or are transmitted through the soil for plant uptake and transfer through the ecosystem ultimately impacting on human health. Examples of soil contamination are used to illustrate the challenges that soil pollutants represent to ecosystems and how such locations can be restored. Remediation and restoration of damaged land is a complex task which draws on a variety of different techniques. This module covers soil contaminants, their environmental behaviour and what risk they pose to humans and ecosystems. You'll learn a variety of techniques which can be used to determine concentrations of contaminants within the soil matrix and be able to identify the most appropriate remediation and restoration techniques. You will be introduced to the process of site risk assessment (Phase 1 and Phase 2 site investigation) and ecological field surveys. It is expected that you'll be able to analyse soil properties, determine contamination levels and implement a planting strategy to restore ecological diversity. This module will appeal to anyone interested in understanding environmental pollution and its ecological impacts. It is designed to ensure that you are capable of pursuing the numerous career opportunities available with local authorities and environmental consultancies who both deal with restoration of contaminated/degraded sites.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working for an organisation related to your areas of interest. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up invaluable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Chemistry subject area have undertaken placements with Arxada, Barentz, Chemfix, Thornton & Ross and University of Huddersfield.

My placement year has helped me gain an extensive amount of experience and knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry by completing different types of analysis. In addition to this I have also had the chance to develop my personal skills such as communication, time management and team work.

- James Matthews
Chemistry BSc(Hons), placement with Thornton & Ross Ltd

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

As a graduate of this course, you may consider a career in a wide range of scientific areas, including chemical analysis, chemical manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceutics, environmental consultancy, oil and gas, food and drink, petrochemicals, research (in academia and industry), teaching (at all levels), science journalism and patent law.

Previous graduates from courses in the subject area of Chemistry have gone on to roles such as Analyst at ALS Environmental, Analytical Scientist at Sequani, Microbiological Analyst at Microsearch Laboratories Ltd, QC Analyst at Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd and Operations and Technical Support Assistant at National Nuclear Laboratory.**

**LinkedIn

95%
95% of students were employed or in further study within 15 months after graduation.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22, UK Domiciled

5th
In Chemistry, we ranked fifth in the country for academic support.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

Top 10
In Chemistry, we ranked in the top 10 for assessment and feedback and teaching on my course.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

What I enjoy most about my current career is the ability to work in a laboratory with chemicals that have unique properties. I was readily prepared for this by the teaching labs at the University of Huddersfield.

- Dylan Watmough
Chemistry MChem graduate, now Operations & Technical Support Assistant at National Nuclear Laboratory.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Explore More

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Need more details?

More Info

Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

Find out more about careers support

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

See our support services

Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

Find out more

Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Physical and Life Sciences may teach you on this course.

Find out more about our staff

Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

Find out more

Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

Discover postgraduate courses
Ask us a question