BSc Chemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how the world works at a molecular level, the BSc Chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast is perfect for you. You’ll dive into the building blocks of everything—from new medicines and cutting-edge materials to environmental solutions—while gaining hands-on lab experience that makes chemistry come alive.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1
Your first year lays the groundwork. You’ll explore Organic Chemistry 1, Inorganic Chemistry 1, Physical Theory, and Introduction to Chemical Products and Processes. These modules help you understand the four main branches of chemistry, develop essential lab skills, and get comfortable with the kind of thinking chemists use every day.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll go deeper into the science. Modules like Physical Chemistry 2, Structural Chemistry, Organic Chemistry 2, Inorganic Chemistry 2, Industrial and Green Chemistry, and Quantum Theory, Spectroscopy and Bonding introduce more complex concepts, from spectroscopy to sustainable industrial practices. You’ll also take on more advanced lab work, building confidence in practical techniques and problem-solving.

Year 3
The final year is where you really make the degree your own. You’ll study Inorganic Chemistry 3, Physical Chemistry 3, Organic Chemistry 3, and Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry, alongside Advanced Chemistry Options. Plus, you’ll complete a substantial research project, giving you the chance to tackle real scientific questions and graduate with experience that employers and postgraduate programs value.

Focus areas: Analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry; applied chemistry; spectroscopy; theoretical and green/industrial chemistry.
Learning outcomes: Apply chemical theory across different branches, develop advanced lab and research skills, analyse data critically, and communicate chemical ideas clearly.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, partially fulfilling the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Reputation (employability rankings): Queen’s University Belfast is ranked 9th in the UK for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2026. Around 75% of chemistry graduates secure highly skilled jobs within 15 months of graduating.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen’s University Belfast, studying chemistry isn’t just about lectures or textbooks — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on with real science. You’ll spend plenty of time in modern laboratories, learning how to design experiments, analyse results, and use advanced equipment just like professional chemists do. Along the way, you’ll develop teamwork skills through group projects, explore computational chemistry software, and even engage in research-style projects that make theory come alive. The university also supports you with dedicated library resources, digital tools, and links to industry, so you graduate ready to step straight into a lab, research role, or further study.

Some of the key experiential learning opportunities include:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Access cutting-edge facilities including NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometers, X-ray diffraction, HPLC/GC, and more, all designed for hands-on teaching and research.
Advanced lab projects: Modules like Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry let you lead experiments across organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, collecting and interpreting real data.
Computational and digital tools: Use software for molecular modelling, reaction pathway analysis, and drug discovery simulations, giving you practical computational skills.
Library and online support: Dedicated Chemistry & Chemical Engineering LibGuides and resources make research, literature searches, and data analysis straightforward.
Industry connections: Collaborate with companies such as Almac, Norbrook, and Thermo Fisher through placements, research projects, and career-focused initiatives.
Research opportunities: Participate in applied or community-focused projects through initiatives like the QUB Science Shop, gaining experience in real-world problem-solving.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Chemistry programme at Queen’s University Belfast leave with the skills and confidence to pursue a range of exciting careers. Many go on to work as Analytical Chemists in the pharmaceutical or materials industries, Process Development Scientists in chemicals or green-tech firms, Quality Control/Assurance Specialists in manufacturing, or even as Teachers and Research Assistants in academic labs. The combination of hands-on experience, professional accreditation, and industry connections means you’re well prepared for meaningful and rewarding roles:

Career support: The University’s Careers, Employability & Skills team offers personalised advice, CV and interview workshops, assessment-centre practice, and networking opportunities with alumni and employers.
Industry partnerships: QUB has strong links with companies like Almac, Randox, Seagate, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, providing access to placements, industry-led projects, and real-world experience.
Professional accreditation: The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, partially fulfilling requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status — a valuable long-term credential.
Employment outcomes: Graduates are highly regarded by employers, with many securing roles that match their training and interests in science and industry.
Graduate prospects: The programme equips you with versatile problem-solving and analytical skills that are valued across a wide range of sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re interested in continuing your studies, there are excellent opportunities to progress to an MSc or MPhil in specialised areas such as pharmaceutical analysis, or even a PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering. With the school’s research recognised internationally, you’ll have the chance to work alongside active researchers on cutting-edge projects, further deepening your expertise and opening doors to academic or industry research careers.

Additional Information & Requirements

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification
A-level - BBB, including Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
Acceptable second Science subjects - Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition & Food Science, Physics, Technology & Design.
IB - 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level with Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 (or Standard Level Mathematics grade 4 in place of the GCSE requirement).
IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component
TOEFL iBT - 80 overall, with minimum scores of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, and Writing 17.
India – Minimum 75% overall in Standard XII, with 75% or higher in Chemistry, and 70% in English (from CBSE, CISCE, or State Boards: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal) accepted in place of IELTS.
India - JEE Main or Advanced scores may be considered alongside Standard XII results if Chemistry marks are below the minimum requirement, provided the overall Standard XII percentage meets the University’s requirement and at least 60% is achieved in the key subject, Chemistry.
Applicants will be required to provide an official Digilocker verification of their Standard XII grades/certificates. Applicants who have completed CBSE qualifications should provide their Admit Card ID number.
USA - B+ or higher in three Grade 12 Honours/College classes, or AP scores of 4,4,4 in three subjects, or IB Higher Level 5+ in three subjects.
USA - Minimum SAT 1290 (620 Maths, 650 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) or ACT 27, including Chemistry as a pre-requisite; conditional offers are accepted if exams have not yet been completed.