BSc (Honours)/MChem Chemistry with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how the world works at a molecular level, this course is a perfect fit. You’ll explore all areas of chemistry — from organic to physical and analytical — while gaining hands-on lab experience and learning to tackle real-world problems like environmental challenges and health issues.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year (Year 1):
Your first year is all about building confidence and getting a solid grasp of science basics. In Concepts in Biology and Chemistry, you’ll explore atoms, bonding, reaction kinetics, and the fundamentals of biology through practical labs and interactive lessons. Modules like Developing Skills for Science and Foundation Skills for Science help you strengthen your study skills, numeracy, IT, and scientific thinking so you’re fully prepared for degree-level work. You’ll also get familiar with safe lab practices and the essentials of chemical analysis in Foundations of Biology and Chemistry.

Second Year (Level 4):
Now the real chemistry begins! You’ll dive deeper into inorganic, physical, and organic chemistry in Applied Topics in Chemistry, while Core Concepts in Chemistry explores equilibria, gas laws, stereochemistry, and kinetics. In Principles of Chemical Analysis, you’ll get hands-on with techniques like chromatography and spectrometry, learning to handle data like a professional chemist. Meanwhile, Introducing Professional Skills for Scientists will boost your communication, problem-solving, and ethical awareness — all essential for a science career.

Third Year (Level 5):
This year is about refining your skills and applying what you’ve learned. Inorganic, Physical and Materials Chemistry takes you into advanced thermodynamics, kinetics, and materials science, while Applications of Analytical Science covers spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and advanced chromatography. Applying Professional Skills for Scientists helps you develop project management, lab safety, and real-world problem-solving skills — preparing you for independent research and your final year project.

Final Year (Level 6):
Your final year is where you put it all together with an independent research project, giving you the chance to design and carry out your own experiments under expert guidance. You’ll continue to build professional skills, preparing you to step confidently into a chemistry career or further study.

Focus Areas:
Hands-on laboratory chemistry, analytical techniques, sustainability, professional skills, and real-world problem solving.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduate with deep chemical knowledge, practical lab experience, independent research skills, and professional abilities in communication, ethics, and project management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) — giving your degree professional recognition.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings):
Sheffield Hallam graduates enjoy strong employability: 95% are in work or further study within 15 months. The university has a Gold TEF rating, and its chemistry and biosciences programs are highly regarded in UK rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sheffield Hallam, learning chemistry isn’t just about sitting in lectures — it’s about getting your hands dirty in the lab, exploring the real-world applications of science, and building skills you can actually use in a career. From day one, you’ll be working with modern lab equipment, running experiments, and using professional tools that scientists rely on every day. You’ll also have opportunities to work on independent research projects, collaborate with your peers on group work, and even take a placement year in industry, giving you a real taste of working life as a chemist.

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

Work with industry-standard instruments like HPLC, GC, NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and Infra-red Spectroscopy in well-equipped labs.
Carry out independent research projects in your final year, designing experiments and analysing results under expert supervision.
Take part in an optional placement year, gaining real-world experience with companies like GSK, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Tata Steel.
Go on field trips to see how chemistry impacts environmental and industrial challenges firsthand.
Present your research and lab work at events, building confidence and communication skills.
Develop professional skills such as project management, ethics, problem-solving, and scientific communication in dedicated modules.
Use computational chemistry and digital tools for modelling, simulations, and data analysis.
Work in specialized labs, including atomic spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, and the Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging.
Access 24-hour library resources at Adsetts Library to support your studies and research whenever you need them.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate from this course, you’ll be ready to step straight into exciting roles like chemical analyst, pharmaceutical scientist, environmental chemist, or quality control specialist. Your degree isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which adds real professional weight and opens doors in industry and research.

Here’s how Sheffield Hallam supports your journey and helps you turn your skills into a career:

Careers Support: The Careers & Employability Service offers one-on-one guidance, help with applications, interview preparation (including video interviews and psychometric tests), mentoring, and employability workshops to make sure you feel confident and job-ready.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 90–95% of chemistry and biosciences graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Average Salary: Recent data shows chemistry graduates typically earn around £29,000 within the first year or two after graduating.
Industry Placements & Partnerships: You can gain practical experience through placements and internships with companies such as AstraZeneca, GSK, Pfizer, and Tata Steel.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Your RSC-accredited degree is recognised by employers, giving you a strong professional edge.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, your chemistry degree lays the groundwork for:

A master’s (MSc) in areas like medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, or environmental chemistry.
A PhD, particularly in research-focused fields such as spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, or industrial R&D.
Professional or taught postgraduate qualifications, helping you advance into R&D, quality assurance, or specialist chemistry roles.