BSc (Honours)/MChem Chemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how the world works at a molecular level, this BSc (Hons) Chemistry degree is perfect for you. It combines hands-on lab work with real-world challenges like sustainability and health, giving you the skills to make a real impact while preparing for a rewarding career in science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year lays the foundation. You’ll explore the essentials of chemistry with modules like Core Concepts in Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Analysis, while hands-on labs in Applied Topics in Chemistry help you get comfortable with real experiments. You’ll also build professional skills through Introducing Professional Skills for Scientists, giving you teamwork, communication, and problem-solving experience early on.

Year 2
In the second year, things get more exciting as you dive into specialised areas. Modules like Inorganic, Physical and Materials Chemistry and Organic and Biosynthetic Chemistry let you explore how molecules and materials behave, while Applications of Analytical Science helps you apply your skills to practical problems. You’ll also continue developing professional skills with Applying / Developing Professional Skills for Scientists, preparing you for future careers or placements.

Year 3
Your final year is where you really make the degree your own. You’ll complete a Research Project under expert supervision, tackling a question that interests you, while Advanced Chemical Synthesis and Chemistry for Future Global Challenges prepare you to solve today’s scientific problems. There are also optional modules like Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Discovery and Advanced Analytical Science, plus the chance to take a year-long industrial placement to get invaluable work experience.

Focus Areas

Physical, organic, inorganic, analytical and materials chemistry, sustainability, professional skills, and real-world problem-solving

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll confidently design experiments, analyse results, communicate your findings, and apply chemistry knowledge to tackle real-world challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which ensures it meets high standards and is valued by employers.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Sheffield Hallam is recognised for its strong graduate outcomes, with chemistry graduates highly employable in the UK and beyond.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sheffield Hallam, you won’t just sit in lectures—you’ll get your hands on real chemistry from day one. The course is designed so you can learn by doing, whether that’s experimenting in our state-of-the-art labs, running simulations, or working on real-world projects that tackle sustainability and health challenges. You’ll also have the chance to spend a year in industry or take on a major research project, giving you a taste of professional life and helping you stand out after graduation.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the degree:

Work with industry-standard equipment like HPLC, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR, and infrared spectroscopy.
Conduct experiments in dedicated chemistry labs, including the synthetic chemistry suite and mass spectrometry suite.
Use computational chemistry tools and run simulations to model chemical systems.
Take a year-long industrial placement between years 2 and 3, earning an Applied Professional Diploma while gaining real-world experience.
Complete a final-year research project under faculty supervision, designing, conducting, and analysing your own experiments.
Participate in field trips to explore environmental chemistry and study sustainability in real-world settings.
Present your work at internal showcases and national chemistry conferences, building confidence in communication and professional skills.
Join the Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) to connect with peers, professionals, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Access the Careers & Employability Team to get guidance on placements, internships, and future career paths.
Make use of Adsetts Library, open 24/7, with all the resources you need for research and assignments.

With all these opportunities, you’ll graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with real hands-on experience that employers and research institutions value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Chemistry from Sheffield Hallam opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths. Many of our students go on to work as analytical chemists, pharmaceutical scientists, environmental scientists, or in materials research and development, putting their skills to use in both industry and research.

Here’s how the course supports your future success:

Careers & Employability Support: You’ll get one-on-one guidance, access to employer events, mentoring, and help securing placements or graduate roles.
Strong Employment Record: Around 90% of Chemistry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with average starting salaries around £29,000.
Industry Connections: Thanks to our placement year options, you can work with top companies like Airbus, AstraZeneca, GSK, Pfizer, and Tata Steel, gaining real-world experience.
Professional Recognition: Your degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving you a qualification that employers value highly.
Graduate Outcomes: Sheffield Hallam Chemistry graduates are ranked 7th in the UK for graduate outcomes by the Complete University Guide 2026.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, the BSc provides a solid foundation for postgraduate degrees like an MSc in Analytical Chemistry or research-focused programmes (MRes/PhD). Many of our graduates go on to specialize further, building on the practical skills and research experience they gain here.