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Chemistry, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at UEA
Find out more about studying Chemistry, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Chemistry
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F100
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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85%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Why BSc Chemistry at UEA?
Our Royal Society of Chemistry-accredited BSc Chemistry degree builds highly valued analytical and problem-solving skills. Study core chemistry while exploring optional topics including medicinal, analytical and biophysical chemistry, programming, and climate change.
Why choose UEA
- Excellent prospects: Ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in Chemistry (Complete University Guide 2025)
- State-of-the-art facilities: Study in cutting-edge laboratories, using industrially standard instrumentation
- Flexible degree: Select modules to support your passions, and transfer to an MChem degree if desired
What is BSc Chemistry?
Chemistry is often called the central science because it connects and shapes many scientific fields. From sub-atomic particles to the molecules that sustain life, chemistry helps explain the world around us.
On this course, you’ll cover the core areas and select optional modules that match your interests. Choices range from synthetic and medicinal chemistry, materials and catalysis, analytical, biological and physical chemistry, or programming. Topics are brought together to introduce modern-day challenges that chemists are addressing, such as green and clean chemistry, sustainability, data processing and analytics, food fraud and health.
Choosing between our four-year MChem or our three-year BSc course can be a difficult decision. The structure of our courses is the same in years one to three, allowing you to transfer between courses until the final year.
BSc Chemistry graduates are equipped with both advanced theoretical and experimental skills, which are seamlessly integrated throughout the course. Concepts learned in lectures, workshops, and tutorials are brought to life in the laboratory, ensuring a hands-on and immersive learning experience.
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Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BSc Chemistry degree, you could develop a career as a:
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Agrochemical Scientist
- Green Chemistry or Catalysis Scientist
- Scientific Editor
- Chemistry Teacher
Career Support
At UEA, Career Central supports you with finding job opportunities, including internships. You can access online resources and receive support and guidance from teh very start of your studies. In our school, the Director of Employability also coordinates internal and external employability events. Employability relevant transferable skills are embedded in our curriculum. You’ll benefit from careers drop-in sessions and one-to-one guidance, plus employer events and fairs. We offer a wide range of internships during the summer break (6-12 weeks) supported by various funders. We also encourage you to participate in the UEA Award.
After the Course
Our chemistry degree equips you with the skills to succeed in the workplace and compete in the job market. Alongside advanced subject knowledge, you’ll develop project management, teamwork, problem-solving, and independent thinking skills. You’ll also build confidence in presentations and scientific writing. UEA’s Career Central supports you with jobs and employability opportunities for three years after graduation. Support includes one-to-one advice tailored to your goals and connections with employers. Your academic adviser can also provide references to support your job applications.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll study subjects related to organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. You’ll also study the core mathematics that will help you in your chemistry course; this is especially beneficial in building confidence for those who didn’t study mathematics at A-level. There’ll be an emphasis on practical work, and you’ll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your degree.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Building on your first year, in year two, you’ll study subjects relating to organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, and you’ll gain knowledge of material science and characterisation, and programming. These modules will develop your knowledge in these core areas and hone your practical skills. You’ll also be supported while choosing optional, specialist modules that align with your scientific interests, such as medicinal, analytical and biophysical chemistry, or quantum theory.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
During your third year, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of more advanced organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. You’ll choose from a diverse range of optional modules covering topics such as the theoretical, material, and biophysical aspects of chemistry. You’ll also complete advanced practical courses, through which you’ll enhance your core research skills and gain further transferable skills. A major component of year three will be a hands-on experience of open-ended research in diverse areas of chemistry including inorganic, organic, medicinal, analytical and computational chemistry.
Throughout your three years, our modules will help you develop transferable skills in the areas of communication, teamwork and problem solving. Such skills are vital to professional scientists and prized by employers.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Our course combines a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops and practical laboratory classes, designed to help you make the most of your learning. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for supported independent study, which will take advantage of our 24/7 library at the heart of the campus. Lecturers, tutors, and postgraduate associate tutors (labs) will always be on hand to help.
In your first year, teaching will incorporate a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions. Some of these sessions will engage you in active learning, encouraging you to interact with your peers. There will be an emphasis on practical work, and you’ll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your chemistry degree and subsequent careers.
In your second year, you’ll continue to hone your scientific skills through lectures, small group seminars, workshops, and practical sessions covering all core areas of chemistry. This will be the first year when you’ll be able to select optional modules reflecting your developing interests.
In your third year, you’ll continue to be taught in a range of formats including lectures, small group seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of optional modules and will also undertake a research project in a chemistry area of your interests.
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, project reports, laboratory reports, presentations, oral examinations, practical assessment, and multiple-choice and short-answer tests. In every instance, before counting (summative) assessments take place, we give you (formative) opportunities to practice the assessment. Our modules are assessed either by a combination of coursework and exam, or through 100% coursework.
In year one, both formative (practice) and summative (counting) assessments will be undertaken across all modules in your first year. During your first year, you’ll have the opportunity to further practice for your assessment attending tutorials, which are formative small group teaching sessions in which we guide you in how to approach questions and problems, and in how to formulate clear answers through systematic logical reasoning.
Tutorials, formative and summative assessments will continue throughout your second year building on your experience and confidence from year one and equipping you for research-level studies in later years.
In year three, you’ll benefit from your assessment experience in year two. Additionally, you’ll complete advanced practical courses, offering exciting research experiences across different topics. These will be assessed by a combination of your practical work and a more in-depth report on your research, while formative and summative oral assessments are added to the mix.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Chemistry
Contextual offer: BBC including Chemistry
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below OR DDM plus B in A level Chemistry
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below OR DMM plus B in A level Chemistry
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry, unless the following modules have been studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry AND Practical Chemical Analysis.BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE DiplomaNot accepted
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
Accepted Subjects: Health, Healthcare Science and Science
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Chemistry with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2 plus 3 subjects at H3 including Chemistry
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A in Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Chemistry
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started. (opens in a new window)
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: