BSc Chemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BSc Chemistry at the University of Reading is perfect if you’re curious about how the world works at a molecular level. You’ll explore the building blocks of matter, gain hands-on lab experience, and develop problem-solving skills that open doors to careers in science, industry, or research.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the essentials of chemistry, from atomic structure and the periodic table to organic reactions and physical processes. Through modules like Chemistry Practicals 1 and Contemporary Problems in Chemistry, you’ll spend plenty of time in the lab and also see how chemistry connects to real-world challenges like sustainability and the environment.

Year 2
Year two builds on that foundation, letting you dive deeper into inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Modules such as Further Organic Chemistry and Chemistry Practicals 2 focus on more complex reactions and experiments. You’ll also have optional modules like Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Core Cosmetic Science, so you can start tailoring your studies toward the career path you’re most interested in.

Year 3
Your final year is all about specialising and applying what you’ve learned. The Chemistry Project 3 gives you the chance to design and carry out a research project of your own, while core modules in advanced inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry ensure you graduate with strong expertise. Optional modules let you explore cutting-edge topics like polymers, computational chemistry, or innovation and product development, giving you real experience in areas that matter to employers.

Focus areas: analytical chemistry, synthesis, polymers & materials, surface science, computational drug design, environmental chemistry

Learning outcomes: You’ll finish your degree with a solid grasp of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, excellent lab and research skills, experience using chemical software and data analysis tools, and strong transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meeting industry and professional standards.

Reputation (employability & rankings): Reading’s Chemistry Department is highly respected, with 100% of research rated internationally excellent or outstanding in REF2021. Around 97% of graduates go on to work or further study within 15 months, showing the degree’s strong career outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start, you won’t just be sitting in lectures—you’ll be rolling up your sleeves in modern labs, working with real chemical instruments, and tackling hands-on projects. The Chemistry Department at Reading is packed with purpose-built facilities, and you’ll get to learn alongside staff who are actively doing research, giving you a taste of what a career in chemistry really feels like. Plus, if you’re interested, you can even take a placement or study abroad to see how chemistry works in the real world. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Work in the Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF), using top-notch equipment like NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and electron microscopy for your experiments and final-year project.
Carry out practicals, workshops, and tutorials in modern laboratories, where theory comes alive through hands-on experience.
Take part in placement or study abroad opportunities, gaining real-world experience in industry or partner institutions.
Complete group-based lab projects and individual research, especially in your final year, working alongside active researchers to design and carry out your own experiments.
Receive support from a dedicated placements officer, who can help with CVs, applications, and connections with top companies like GSK or AstraZeneca.
Make full use of the University’s library and digital resources, combining practical lab work with strong theoretical study.
Learn to use specialized chemical software and instrumentation tools, developing skills in data analysis, reporting, and lab management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating in Chemistry from Reading opens up a world of possibilities. Many students move straight into roles like analytical scientist, research chemist, organic synthetic chemist, or senior laboratory analyst. With the skills, experience, and support you’ll gain here, you’ll be ready to step confidently into science, industry, or even further study:

Support from university services: The Careers, Employability & Enterprise team helps you with CVs, applications, interview prep, and the Chemistry Department’s placements officer can connect you with industrial opportunities.
Employment stats: Around 97% of Chemistry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with starting salaries for some roles averaging around £27,000.
Industry connections: You’ll benefit from partnerships with big names like AstraZeneca, GSK, Unilever, and Pfizer, giving you access to placements, research projects, and networking opportunities.
Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meaning employers recognise the quality and relevance of your training.
Graduation outcomes: Past graduates have taken roles as chemical analysts, sales chemists, peptide chemists, or senior lab analysts, with employers including AstraZeneca, Unilever, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Deloitte, and PwC.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep learning, you can move on to postgraduate study—like an MSc or PhD in chemistry, materials science, pharmaceutical chemistry, or environmental science. With Reading’s strong research links and RSC accreditation, you’ll be well-prepared for research-led careers or advanced academic work.