Chemistry with Sustainability BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

This degree combines the excitement of chemistry with real‑world solutions for a sustainable future. You’ll learn the core principles of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry while exploring how science can tackle big challenges like clean energy, recycling, and eco-friendly materials.
It’s perfect for students who love lab work and want to make a real difference in tackling environmental issues through chemistry.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in chemistry with modules like Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and hands-on Practical Chemistry. Alongside this, Fundamental Maths for Chemists will sharpen your numerical and analytical skills, giving you the tools to handle complex problems in later years.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of chemistry fundamentals while beginning to explore sustainability topics. Core modules continue with Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry, while you can start taking option modules that focus on sustainable materials and processes.

Year 3
Your final year lets you specialise further. You’ll take advanced chemistry modules alongside sustainability-focused options such as Sustainable Polymer Chemistry or Sustainable Approaches to Catalysis. A major independent research project allows you to apply everything you’ve learned to a topic you’re passionate about, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge chemistry research.

Focus areas:
Core chemistry, sustainability, lab skills, independent research, and innovative materials and processes.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate confident in your chemistry knowledge, able to design and evaluate sustainable chemical processes, and equipped with practical lab experience to tackle environmental challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While the BSc doesn’t list direct accreditation, other chemistry programs at Birmingham are recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which opens doors to professional membership and career opportunities.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Birmingham’s chemistry department is highly regarded in the UK, with top student satisfaction scores. Graduates enjoy excellent employability, with 100% of UK graduates in work or further study within 15 months of finishing. The Complete University Guide ranks Birmingham Chemistry 12th out of 72 UK institutions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Birmingham, studying Chemistry with Sustainability isn’t just about lectures — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on. From day one, you’ll spend time in modern labs, using professional equipment to explore real chemical processes. The Molecular Sciences Building is designed for both teaching and research, giving you access to state-of-the-art labs, computer workstations, and collaborative spaces. You’ll also take part in group projects, workshops, and practical assignments that mirror how chemists work in the real world. By your final year, you’ll be leading your own independent research project, applying everything you’ve learned to sustainability-focused challenges like energy materials, recycling, or green catalysts.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Weekly hands-on laboratory sessions in modern teaching labs, developing practical skills in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
Using industry-standard analytical instruments for material and structure analysis in modules like Structural Analysis and Structure, Strategy and Spectroscopy.
Small-group tutorials and project-based assignments that build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
A major independent research project in your final year, supervised by School of Chemistry researchers, focusing on sustainability topics.
Access to the Molecular Sciences Building, designed with sustainability in mind, including energy-efficient systems, solar roofs, and collaborative lab spaces.
Exposure to ongoing research initiatives in battery recycling, plastics, catalysis, and other sustainability-focused projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Chemistry with Sustainability opens the door to exciting careers where you can apply your chemistry knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. Many of our graduates go on to roles such as research chemist, sustainability advisor, analytical scientist, or materials development specialist — combining science with impact. Your degree equips you not just with knowledge, but with practical skills that employers are looking for.

Here’s how the university supports your journey and what you can expect:

The Careers Network offers one-to-one guidance, CV checks, interview practice, and networking events to help you land your first job.
Around 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with starting salaries averaging about £31,000.
The School has strong industry partnerships, including collaborations with companies like Innospec and Hindustan Petroleum, giving you insight into sustainable chemical innovations.
Long-term value: Even if this BSc isn’t directly accredited, the skills you gain — analytical thinking, problem solving, teamwork — are highly sought after by employers and set you up for professional recognition later.
Employers who hire our chemistry graduates include GSK, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Shell, offering pathways into global scientific careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you could continue your studies with an MSc in areas like sustainable chemistry or materials science, or even pursue research-focused postgraduate programmes such as an MRes or PhD. The strong foundation you build here makes it easy to dive deeper into advanced research or branch into environmental science, energy materials, or industrial R&D.