Chemistry BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

If you’re curious about what makes up the world around you – from new medicines to sustainable materials – this Chemistry degree at Queen Mary University of London is the perfect fit. You’ll explore how chemistry connects with biology, medicine, and physics, gaining both hands-on lab skills and deep scientific understanding to prepare you for an exciting career in science or industry.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your first year is all about building a solid foundation in the “central science.” You’ll explore Fundamentals of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, along with Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry. Modules like Essential Skills for Chemists and Foundations of Practical Chemistry will help you become confident in the lab and teach you how to think like a scientist from day one.

Year 2:
In second year, you’ll dive deeper into real chemical systems and reactions. You’ll study Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry, Solid State and Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical & Quantum Chemistry. You’ll also gain valuable computational and programming experience with Introductory Programming for Chemists – skills that employers really value.

Year 3:
By your final year, you’ll start shaping your degree around your interests. Core topics include Organic Synthesis and Professional Skills in Chemistry, while optional modules like Bioorganic Chemistry, Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy, or Computational Chemistry let you explore new directions. You’ll also complete a Research or Investigative Project, where you’ll work on a real scientific problem and put your skills to the test.

Focus areas: Analytical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy and computational chemistry, materials and nanoscience

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate ready to design experiments, analyse and communicate complex data, and apply chemistry to real-world challenges – whether in the lab, industry, or research.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The degree is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving you professional recognition as an Associate Member when you graduate.

Reputation (employability rankings): Queen Mary ranks 11th in the UK for graduate employability (University Compare 2026), and an impressive 93% of Chemistry graduates are in work or further study within six months.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, you won’t just study chemistry — you’ll live it. From your very first year, you’ll spend a huge amount of time in the lab, learning by doing. You’ll work in professional-standard teaching laboratories, use the same analytical instruments found in industry, and get real experience tackling chemical challenges that matter in the real world. The course blends practical lab work, teamwork, and research-style projects, giving you the confidence and technical skills that employers and researchers value.

Here’s what that hands-on experience looks like:

State-of-the-art teaching labs: You’ll work in the newly upgraded Joseph Priestley Building, which features 30 new fume cupboards, modern workstations, and a layout that mirrors real industrial chemistry labs.
Advanced research tools: Use professional-grade equipment including mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, and X-ray diffraction instruments to analyse compounds and materials.
Independent research projects: In your final year, you’ll design and run your own investigative or research project, working in the Chemistry Research Laboratory alongside academic staff.
Group work and collaboration: Many lab sessions and projects are completed in small teams — giving you experience in communication, planning, and scientific reporting, just like in a real research environment.
Real analytical experience: Modules like Applied Spectroscopy, Organic Synthesis, and Analytical Chemistry give you extensive time on modern instrumentation and digital data analysis.
Access to world-class facilities: You’ll also benefit from the Chemical Physics Laboratory and Analytical & Mass Spectrometry Suites, which support both teaching and research.
Expert guidance: Every student is trained in professional lab safety and technique by experienced technical staff — ensuring you’re confident and capable in any laboratory setting.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Chemistry degree from Queen Mary University of London opens doors to an incredible range of careers — from developing new medicines and materials to analysing data that shapes environmental policy. Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for their problem-solving, analytical, and research skills, with many going on to become analytical chemists, research scientists, pharmaceutical process developers, or quality control specialists in global industries.

Here’s how Queen Mary helps you build a successful future:

Personalised career support: You’ll benefit from the university’s Careers and Enterprise team, which offers one-to-one coaching, industry networking events, employer fairs, and dedicated help with placements and internships — including the Professional Experience Year where you can spend a year working in industry as part of your degree.
Outstanding employment outcomes: Around 93% of Queen Mary graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, and Chemistry graduates earn a median salary of around £30,000 at that stage (Discover Uni, 2025).
Industry connections: Through the Professional Experience route, students have the chance to work with major industry partners and research organisations, gaining valuable experience before graduation.
Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving you professional recognition and a clear route toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status — a major advantage for long-term career growth.
Strong graduate reputation: Queen Mary Chemistry graduates are recognised for their adaptability, innovation, and ability to apply chemistry to real-world problems, making them stand out in both scientific and non-scientific careers.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to take your studies further, this degree also prepares you perfectly for postgraduate options such as an MSc in Chemistry, Analytical Science, or a PhD in chemical research. Many students continue their studies at Queen Mary or other leading universities, moving into advanced research, teaching, or industrial innovation roles.