Course summary
Chemists tackle global challenges in health, energy, and sustainability. This course blends problem-solving, communication, and lab skills — taught by top researchers — to prepare you for diverse, impactful careers in chemistry. Top for student satisfaction Number one in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching and for feedback in the Guardian Best Universities Guide 2025. Practical experience With hands-on experience in our modern laboratories from week one, our course is designed to enhance your skills and make you workplace ready. Connected to Industry Experience chemistry in the real world with a placement. Many students take placements and gain employment with global industries. This course is for you if...
- you are passionate about Chemistry and want to make a difference in the world
- you enjoy hands-on practical experience
- you thrive in a friendly and supportive teaching environment
- you are keen to experience working with the latest analytical instrumentation.
Modules
Year 1: Ignite your chemical curiosity From the moment you step into our labs in the first week, you'll embark on a journey of chemical discovery. Forget passive learning – dive into dynamic workshops, engaging lectures, interactive tutorials, and hands-on practical sessions that will ignite your passion for chemistry. We'll equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to not just understand, but master core chemical principles and problem-solving. You'll become adept with IT and a maestro of cutting-edge laboratory techniques. More than just academic, we'll empower you to cultivate the personal and professional skills that will make you a sought-after innovator in the scientific world. Prepare to be transformed from a student into a budding chemist, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow! Year 2: Unleash your chemical potential Building upon the foundation you've forged, you'll delve into the captivating depths of organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. This isn't just about memorising theories; it's about understanding how chemistry shapes the world around us. You'll become a master of advanced instrumentation, wielding the tools that drive scientific breakthroughs. You'll learn to tackle real-world chemical problems, building the confidence and expertise to lead ground-breaking projects. More than just a student, you'll become a collaborative problem-solver, honing the teamwork skills essential for success in any scientific environment. You'll start designing your own future, preparing to take the next step towards your professional dreams. Optional placement year Enrich your course-based learning by undertaking a year in industry, putting your learning into practice in real-world situations, or use a placement to support your chemistry research project. Chemistry permeates many aspects of business and society and, as a result, our students have secured placements in diverse companies and organisation, both in the UK and further afield. Examples of previous placements include: GlaxoSmithKline; Diageo R&D, Scotland; University of Rennes, France; CSIRO, Perth, Australia; Eden Project, Cornwall; Plymouth Marine Laboratory; University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Shepherd University, USA. Final year: Become a chemical innovator This is your year to shine! You'll transcend the boundaries of traditional learning, exploring contemporary chemical issues at an advanced level. This isn't just about studying chemistry; it's about living it. You'll refine your practical skills and master project management as you plan and execute an exciting research project with a chemical specialist. You'll wield the latest instrumentation, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and paving your way for a successful career. And for those seeking real-world experiences, an exciting work-based learning placement in the industry awaits. This is your chance to become the chemical innovator you were meant to be, leaving your mark on the world of science!
Assessment method
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Chemistry, Royal Society of
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 4
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - C
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - C
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths)
T Level - M
Must have GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
