Chemistry BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Chemistry at the University of Surrey is perfect if you love understanding how the world works at a molecular level and want plenty of hands-on lab experience. It combines solid scientific foundations with modern topics like computer modelling, forensic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, all taught by active researchers in cutting-edge facilities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year focuses on building confidence in the fundamentals of chemistry — organic, inorganic, physical and analytical — while developing your practical lab skills. You also choose between modules like Fundamentals of Forensic Science or Data Analysis, giving you an early chance to explore what areas excite you most. By the end of the year, you’ll feel grounded in the essential theory and techniques used throughout the degree.

Year 2

In second year, you start shaping your pathway by exploring more specialised areas. You’ll dive into modules such as Computer Modelling in Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Forensic Chemistry, or Principles of Radiochemistry. This is the year where you begin to see how chemistry applies to real-world challenges in medicine, industry, and research.

Year 3

Your final year is all about depth, independence, and preparing for your next step. You can choose advanced modules like Medicinal Chemistry, Topics in Computer Modelling, Forensic Chemistry, or Method Development and Applications in Analytical Chemistry — and you’ll also complete a major research or investigative project with academic guidance. This year helps you sharpen your expertise and build a strong professional profile.

Focus Areas

Analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, forensic chemistry, environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and industrial applications.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate with the ability to design and carry out experiments confidently, analyse and interpret data using modern digital tools, explain complex chemical ideas clearly, and apply chemistry to practical scientific problems — all while gaining strong transferable skills valued by employers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), counting toward the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation & Employability

Surrey has an excellent track record — 96% of chemistry and chemical engineering graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, and the university ranks 12th in the UK for high-skilled job outcomes. Students also benefit from Surrey’s award-winning careers service and strong industry links.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Chemistry at Surrey means you’ll spend a lot of time doing real science — not just reading about it. From your very first year, you’ll be in modern teaching labs learning how to run experiments, use analytical instruments, and understand the data you produce. As you progress, you’ll move into more advanced spaces like the Joseph Kenyon Research Laboratory, where undergraduate students work side-by-side with researchers and get hands-on with professional equipment such as UV/IR spectrometers, Raman systems, and mass spectrometers. By the time you reach your final year, you’ll feel confident navigating high-tech chemistry environments and applying your skills in real research settings.

To give you a sense of just how practical and well-supported your learning is, here’s what you’ll have access to:

Joseph Kenyon Research Laboratory, where final-year students carry out real research projects with access to advanced instruments
Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry suites featuring GC, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS and ICP-MS
Dedicated spectroscopy labs equipped with NMR, FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis systems
Materials characterisation facilities including X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, rheometry and surface area measurement tools
Formulation and materials labs at the Advanced Technology Institute, with spin-coaters, vacuum ovens, ultrasonic processors and more
Electrochemistry laboratories with gloveboxes for air-sensitive work and a full range of synthetic equipment
Microscopy and imaging resources through the Microstructural Studies Unit, including SEM, TEM and X-ray microanalysis
Optional professional training year, giving you the opportunity to take on a full-time industry placement
Access to digital modelling and simulation tools used in Surrey’s research, such as COMSOL Multiphysics, VASP, GAMS and ASPEN (depending on project needs)
Campus computer labs and remote-access computing, ensuring you can run specialised software and process data whenever you need

These experiences are designed to help you grow into a confident chemist who can step straight into industry, research, or further study — with practical abilities that employers immediately recognise.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Chemistry degree from Surrey opens doors to a wide range of careers, and graduates here genuinely do well — 96% are in work or further study within 15 months. Many go on to roles such as research chemist, environmental chemist, forensic scientist, or chemistry teacher, and employers value the strong lab experience students gain throughout the course. Surrey’s reputation, hands-on training, and industry connections really help you step confidently into the next stage of your career, whether that’s in science, technology, health, or education.

Here’s how Surrey supports your future success:

Dedicated career and placement support through Surrey’s award-winning Professional Training team, helping you secure industry placements with companies such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, LGC, PerkinElmer, and AkzoNobel
Strong employment outcomes, with chemistry graduates earning an average salary of £32,622
Fantastic industry partnerships, giving you networking possibilities and real-world experience during your studies
Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation, helping you progress toward becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem)
Excellent graduate destinations, with alumni working in research, pharmaceuticals, energy, analytical chemistry, environmental science, government roles and even finance

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to continue your studies, Surrey offers plenty of options. Many students go on to a PhD in areas like materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, or forensic science. Others choose to progress into a taught master’s, or — if they meet the requirements — transfer into the MChem route to gain a master’s-level qualification within Surrey itself.