Chemistry (with foundation year) BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Chemistry with a foundation year at NTU is perfect if you’re passionate about chemistry but need a little extra preparation before diving into a full honours degree. You’ll start with a foundation year to build your knowledge and confidence, then move on to explore the fascinating world of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, with opportunities to specialise in areas like Medicinal or Forensic Chemistry.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

Your first year gives you a strong grounding in science and maths. You’ll explore Foundation Science to understand the basics of chemistry and physics, strengthen your skills with Introductory Mathematics, and get hands-on experience in the lab through Foundation Chemistry I & II, covering chemical reactivity and organic analysis. You’ll also develop key skills in Practical & Professional Skills, from scientific communication to lab techniques, preparing you for the years ahead.

Year One

Once on the main degree, Year One introduces you to the core areas of chemistry. In Structure and Function, you’ll learn about chemical bonding and reactions, while Inorganic Bonding & Solid-State Materials gives insight into molecular structures and acid-base chemistry. You’ll also study Physical States of Matter and Spectroscopic & Chromatographic Analysis, gaining essential skills in thermodynamics, kinetics, and analytical techniques. Alongside this, Professional Development and Introduction to Specialist Areas of Chemistry help you connect theory to real-world challenges, from sustainability to environmental issues.

Year Two

Year Two is about building depth. You’ll take Organic Chemistry to understand advanced synthesis and spectroscopy, Inorganic Chemistry to explore complex reactions, and Physical Chemistry for industrial and environmental applications. Analytical Chemistry sharpens your lab and data-handling skills, while Professional Practice gives you real-world experience through projects on ethics, commercialisation, or problem-solving. Optional modules like Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Applied Instrumental Analysis let you tailor the year to your interests.

Final Year

In your final year, you’ll tackle Advanced Chemistry topics, from polymers to nanomaterials. The Project gives you a chance to design and carry out your own research, demonstrating independence and creativity. Optional modules, including Advanced Inorganic, Advanced Organic, Chemotherapeutics, or Communicating Science & Technology, let you specialise and even practice mentoring others, preparing you for a career in chemistry or further study.

Focus Areas

Materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, environmental chemistry, green chemistry, analytical techniques, and professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

By graduation, you’ll have a deep understanding of organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, hands-on experience with modern instruments, and strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills that employers value.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), ensuring it meets high professional standards and supports your path to becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

NTU is 1st in the UK for Employability (Uni Compare 2024).
Ranked 25th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting strong overall performance.
Chemistry graduates report an average salary of around £29,000 15 months after graduation (DiscoverUni).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At NTU, studying Chemistry isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on from the very start. You’ll spend plenty of time in modern labs, exploring real chemical reactions, analysing materials with advanced instruments, and working on projects that mirror what professional chemists do in the industry. The facilities are designed to give you independence while still having expert support, so you can really develop confidence in your practical skills. You’ll also collaborate with classmates on group projects, tackle problem-based tasks, and even carry out your own research during your final-year project.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Work with mass spectrometry, NMR, HPLC, GC, and X-ray crystallography, using the same tools professional chemists use.
Carry out experiments in ISTeC “pod” labs, each with your own bench space, fume hood, and full lab setup.
Use the Rosalind Franklin Building labs with 25 double-occupancy fume hoods, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectrometers, pH/conductivity meters, analytical balances, and automated melting point machines.
Access the X-ray Imaging & NMR Suite for advanced structural studies.
Participate in group design projects and industry-linked tasks where you solve real-world chemistry challenges.
Conduct your final-year independent research project, often contributing to ongoing studies or even publishable work.
Explore materials and nanostructures in the Imaging Suite with atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman microscopy.
Take advantage of the Natural Sciences Research Facility for collaborative research in chemistry, materials, and bioscience.
Receive hands-on guidance from NTU’s technical team, who support experiments and help you master lab techniques.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this course opens up a wide range of exciting career paths. You’ll leave NTU ready to work in research labs, the pharmaceutical industry, or quality control, with the practical and analytical skills employers are looking for. Typical roles include Analytical Chemist, Research Chemist, Pharmaceutical Chemist, and Quality Control / Technical Chemist.

Here’s how NTU helps you get there:

Dedicated career support: NTU’s Employability Team provides one-to-one guidance, CV and application workshops, mock interviews, and access to job and placement opportunities through FutureHub.
Strong graduate outcomes: 95% of NTU Chemistry graduates are working or studying 15 months after finishing, with typical salaries around £29,000.
Industry connections: You can gain placement experience with companies like Scott Bader, Alpha Analytical Laboratory, AkzoNobel, or the Institute of Medical Research, building real-world skills and a professional network.
Professional accreditation: The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving your degree strong long-term value and supporting your path to becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Diverse career opportunities: Graduates go on to roles in research and development, environmental science, teaching, forensic science, bioscience, or even management and industry leadership.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with a master’s (MSc), MPhil, or PhD, building on the research skills developed during your final-year project. Some students also progress to the MChem (Hons) at NTU, adding an extra year to deepen their chemistry knowledge and strengthen their research profile.