Chemistry BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East London

Program Overview

If you love chemistry and want a degree that really prepares you for a career in science, the BSc (Hons) Chemistry at UEL is perfect. You’ll dive into core areas like organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry while getting plenty of hands-on lab experience, all designed to make you confident and career-ready.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
The foundation year is all about getting you up to speed. You’ll build your science and study skills through modules like Human Biology, Introduction to the Study of Cells, and Chemistry of Life, giving you a strong springboard into higher-level chemistry.

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll cover the basics across all the main areas of chemistry — organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical — and learn the math and lab skills you’ll need later. Modules include Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry, and Fundamentals of Physical and Analytical Chemistry.

Year 2
Year two is when things get really interesting. You’ll explore Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry, learn about sustainable practices in Environmental and Green Chemistry, and dig deeper into Organic Mechanisms of Synthesis and Topics in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. You’ll also develop research and professional skills through the Research & Career Development – Mental Wealth module. Optional placements let you test your skills in the real world.

Year 3
In your final year, it’s all about specialization and research. You’ll take modules like Natural Products and Discovery, Application of Analytical Techniques in Pharmaceutical Quality Control, Bioinorganic Chemistry, and Physical, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry. You’ll also complete a hands-on Research Project and Career Enhancement Portfolio, giving you real experience and a professional edge. Optional modules like Medicinal Chemistry or Protein Biochemistry & Proteomics allow you to tailor your learning to your interests.

Focus Areas

Environmental & green chemistry, drug discovery, computational and theoretical chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, analytical techniques, sustainability, lab research, professional skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll:

have a solid grasp of all key areas of chemistry
be confident in lab work and research
understand sustainable chemistry practices
know how to design and analyze molecules for pharmaceuticals
use computational tools to solve chemistry problems
have strong professional skills including communication, teamwork, and career readiness

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, so you know it’s recognised and respected in the field.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

UEL is one of the fastest-rising universities in England for graduate employability, with 83% of graduates in work or further study six months after finishing.
Students rate the learning resources and lab facilities highly, which is a huge plus if you want hands-on experience.
While subject rankings show room for growth, the practical skills and professional preparation from this course are what really stand out.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UEL, chemistry isn’t just something you read about in textbooks — you’ll get stuck in and do it for real. From day one, you’ll be in modern, purpose-built labs, running experiments, learning analytical techniques, and practicing synthesis and physical chemistry hands-on. You’ll also take part in group projects, real research, and optional industry placements, so you gain practical skills that employers really value.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Work in 8 teaching labs and 6 dedicated research labs in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, with equipment like HPLC, UPLC, and GC–MS for real-world chemistry experiments.
Explore sustainable materials and environmental chemistry in specialist labs, using tools such as FTIR, ICP‑OES, SEM‑EDS, and elemental analysis.
Gain industry experience through a short placement or a full-year sandwich placement, helping you apply your learning in a professional setting.
Design and carry out your own research project in your final year, building confidence in your experimental and problem-solving skills while creating a professional portfolio.
Develop transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and project management through UEL’s Mental Wealth programme.
Access the Career Zone for support with internships, mentoring, and networking opportunities, bridging the gap between your studies and real-world careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from UEL’s Chemistry degree opens doors to a variety of exciting careers. Many of our students go on to work as analytical chemists, drug discovery scientists, patent attorneys, or even scientific writers — all roles where your practical skills and scientific knowledge really shine.

Here’s how UEL helps you turn your degree into a strong career:

Career Zone & Graduate Success Service: Get support from day one with job boards, internships, mentoring, one-to-one coaching, and networking events with employers.
UEL Careers Guarantee: Gain real-world experience through live projects, placements, or work-based learning, ensuring your skills match what employers are looking for.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 83% of UEL graduates are in work or further study within six months, showing how well-prepared you’ll be.
Industry Connections: UEL partners with hundreds of companies, giving you opportunities for placements, projects, and networking that could lead to your first role.
Royal Society of Chemistry Accreditation: Your degree is officially recognised, giving long-term credibility in the chemical sciences.
Flexible Career Options: Beyond lab roles, your skills in research, problem-solving, and data analysis can take you into environmental work, pharmaceuticals, academia, or even sectors like finance and management.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there’s a clear path to a Master’s (MSc) or PhD in areas like medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, or biochemistry. You could also consider a PGCE to teach chemistry in schools, combining your expertise with inspiring the next generation of scientists.