Course summary

Tackle global challenges such as developing renewable energy and biomaterials, and combating chemical warfare. Whether you're looking for a change of career, or may not have the scientific background or entry requirements for a degree in Chemistry, our Foundation Year offers the opportunity to fill any knowledge gaps and build your confidence. This programme is designed for students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to Stage 1 of our degree courses, and is an excellent conversion course for applicants who have shown academic ability in non-science subjects. Our distinctive programme includes a set of ‘chemistry in context’ modules where you can apply your knowledge to specific case studies, as well as the opportunity to work with our leading research teams on your own project. Reasons to study Chemistry with a Foundation Year at Kent

• Our foundation year offers you the flexibility to progress to degrees across our Division of Natural Sciences. You may choose a degree in Chemistry, but equally you could opt for a degree within Forensic Science, Biosciences or Sport and Exercise Sciences.

• There may also be an opportunity to progress to a four-year MChem programme that includes a final-year research project.

• Fantastic industry-standard facilities, including a Raman spectrometer, two scanning electron microscopes (SEM), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system.

• 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.

• Discover opportunities to spend a year on a professional placement, gaining valuable work experience, or spend a year studying abroad.

• Take a final-year research project which can help prepare you for further study including PhD.

• Benefit from our expert careers advice to give you the best possible start with a strong focus on your future career and how to get you there.

• Join ChemSoc, the Chemistry Society for all budding chemists, and take part in a range of social and career-focused talks and activities.

• In your foundation year, you study compulsory modules in biology, chemistry and scientific methods, plus a choice of optional modules. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will have reached a standard above A level and so be fully equipped to tackle a BSc degree course.

• In the first year of your degree, you’ll develop a broad base on which chemistry is founded, before further developing your knowledge of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and your practical laboratory skills in year two.

• In your final year, alongside advanced modules in organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, you complete an individual research project with one of our research groups.