Chemistry BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

Northumbria’s BSc (Hons) Chemistry gives you a strong scientific foundation while letting you explore the parts of chemistry that genuinely excite you — from medicines and materials to analytical techniques and computational tools. It’s perfect for students who enjoy problem-solving, hands-on lab work, and want a degree that opens doors across science and industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

Your first year is all about building confidence in the lab and understanding the core principles that hold chemistry together. You’ll study modules like Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, Principles of Chemical Structure, and Elements of Physical Chemistry, learning how molecules behave and how chemists measure and analyse them. On top of that, Practical and Professional Skills for Chemists helps you develop essential lab techniques, while Academic Skills for Chemistry supports you in scientific writing, data handling, and safe laboratory practice — skills you’ll rely on throughout your degree.

Year Two

In second year, everything becomes richer and more connected. Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry push your understanding further as you explore reactions, thermodynamics, coordination chemistry and more. You’ll also tackle Analytical Methods, gaining hands-on experience with real industry techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy, and Chemical Information Science, where you learn to use chemical databases and computational tools to make smart scientific decisions.

Year Three (Optional Placement Year)

This is your chance to step into the real world. You can choose to spend the year on an Industrial Placement or Study Abroad, both of which give you real experience in labs, companies, or international universities — a huge boost for your confidence and CV.

Year Four

Your final year is where you specialise. You’ll study advanced modules such as Advanced Organic and Inorganic Chemistry or Advanced Physical and Polymer Chemistry, and can dive deeper through options like Natural Product & Medicinal Chemistry, Advanced Instrumental & Structural Methods, or Theoretical & Computational Methods. Everything leads up to your Research Project, where you work one-to-one with academic experts and carry out a real piece of chemistry research of your own.

Focus Areas

Analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, polymer science, instrumentation and research practice.

Learning Outcomes

Strong lab and analytical skills, scientific problem-solving, confident data interpretation, effective communication, and the ability to carry out independent research like a real chemist.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meeting the academic requirements needed on the path toward gaining Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Northumbria places a strong emphasis on employability, with modern labs, industry-relevant training, and the option for a full placement year — helping graduates progress into roles across pharmaceuticals, materials science, research labs, and more.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you study Chemistry at Northumbria, you don’t just sit in lectures — a large part of your experience happens hands-on, in real laboratories where you’ll work with professional-grade instruments alongside people who are actively doing research. You'll also step into IT suites to run complex simulations using advanced software, and by your final year, you’ll lead your own research project with staff who guide you closely. Plus, there’s a built-in pathway to gain real-world experience through a year in industry, giving you a taste of working in a chemical business or lab environment.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Modern, well-equipped labs: You’ll conduct experiments across organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry using up-to-date equipment.
Professional software for computational chemistry: Through the Theoretical & Computational Methods module, you’ll use tools for quantum-chemistry (Hartree-Fock, DFT), molecular docking, and more.
Independent final-year research project: You design and run your own experiments or simulations, guided by a supervisor from the research-active faculty.
Year in industry: The optional placement year gives you hands-on work experience in a real industrial or commercial chemistry setting.
Research-led teaching & seminars: Throughout the course, you attend seminars and engage with staff whose own research shapes what you learn.
Digital learning support: You’ll use Northumbria’s Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) platform to access lecture notes, assessments, and other resources via the eLearning Portal (eLP).
Library & study spaces: The University Library offers spaces for quiet study, collaborative work, and access to key chemistry resources and journals.
Department of Applied Sciences labs: As part of Northumbria’s Applied Sciences Department, you’ll benefit from multipurpose research and teaching labs as well as equipment used in high-level industry and academic research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Chemistry degree from Northumbria gives you the confidence, practical skills, and research experience to step straight into the workforce or continue your studies. Many of our graduates go on to exciting roles such as process chemist, analytical scientist, R&D chemist in pharmaceuticals, or quality control chemist. With options like a year in industry and a final-year research project, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience that employers value.

Here’s how Northumbria helps you make the most of your degree and plan your career:

Careers & Employment Support: Northumbria’s Careers Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to a wide range of jobs and internships via the JobsOnline portal.
Graduate Employability: A high proportion of Northumbria Chemistry graduates are employed or pursuing further study within six months, with many stepping into professional roles that offer competitive starting salaries.
Industry Partnerships: You’ll benefit from links with companies through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), such as work with Sterling Pharma Solutions, giving students exposure to real R&D projects.
Sustainability & Innovation: The University leads initiatives like the TransFIRe hub, helping the chemical industry develop greener, more sustainable processes — opportunities that Chemistry students can get involved with.
Professional Accreditation: This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), helping you move toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Reputation & Outcomes: Northumbria’s Applied Sciences department has an excellent track record, with around 86% of graduates employed or continuing their studies within six months.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you could continue your studies in the MChem Chemistry program at Northumbria or pursue a Master’s or PhD in fields like medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, or materials science — opening doors to advanced research or specialist careers.