Program Overview

---

Introduction to Chemistry BSc (Hons)

The Chemistry BSc (Hons) course at the University of Sussex is a three-year full-time program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry and its applications. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to pursue a career in chemistry or related fields.

Key Information

• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Typical A-level offer: ABB, including grade B in Chemistry
• UCAS code: F100
• Start date: September 2026
• The University of Sussex is ranked 4th in the UK for graduate prospects (on track) in Chemistry, according to the Complete University Guide 2026.
• The University is also ranked 8th in the UK for the impact of its research outputs in Chemistry, according to the Times Higher Education REF 2021.

Course Structure

The course is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in chemistry, as well as the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest. The course includes:

• Core modules in years 1 and 2, covering topics such as physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry
• Optional modules in year 3, allowing students to specialize in areas such as medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, or environmental chemistry
• A research project in year 3, providing students with the opportunity to work on a specific research topic under the supervision of an academic member of staff

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Chemistry BSc (Hons) course are:

• A-levels: ABB, including grade B in Chemistry
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, including Higher Level Chemistry at grade 5
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DDM, including Chemistry
• Other qualifications: Please contact the University for information on other qualifications

English Language Requirements

The English language requirements for the course are:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component
• Other English language qualifications: Please contact the University for information on other qualifications

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the Chemistry BSc (Hons) course are:

• Home students: Ł9,535 per year
• International students: Ł27,300 per year
• Scholarships and bursaries are available to support students with their tuition fees and living costs

Careers

The Chemistry BSc (Hons) course provides students with a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Research and development in the chemical industry
• Medicinal chemistry and pharmaceuticals
• Materials science and nanotechnology
• Environmental chemistry and conservation
• Teaching and education

Modules

The course includes a range of modules, such as:

Year 1

• Electrons in Atoms and Molecules
• Transferrable Skills for Chemists
• Physical Chemistry of Molecules and Materials
• Reactivity of Organic Compounds
• Reactivity of the Elements

Year 2

• Core Laboratory Skills for Chemists 1
• Researching and Communicating Chemistry
• Structure Determination in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
• Symmetry, Bonding and Molecular Spectroscopy
• Coordination and Organometallic Chemistry
• Core Laboratory Skills for Chemists 2
• Mechanism in Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Phases, Transitions and Reaction Kinetics

Year 3

• Advanced Techniques in Experimental Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry Projects
• Chemistry Projects
• Optional modules, such as:
  • Communicating STEM
  • Drug Discovery & Chemical Enterprise
  • Green Chemistry and Organic Synthesis
  • Reactivity in Inorganic Chemistry
  • Astrochemistry and Planetary Atmospheres
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Catalysis in Chemistry
  • Chemistry of Functional Materials
  • Researching STEM

Our Staff

The University of Sussex has a team of experienced and qualified academic staff who teach and supervise students on the Chemistry BSc (Hons) course. The staff include:

• Professor Mark Bagley, Professor of Organic Chemistry
• Professor Wendy Brown, Professor Of Physical Chemistry
• Dr Qiao Chen, Emeritus Associate Professor
• Mr Kevin Clark, Assistant Professor
• Professor Hazel Cox, Professor of Theoretical and Computational Quantum Chemistry
• Dr Ian Crossley, Associate Professor in Inorganic Chemistry
• Dr Barnaby Greenland, Reader in Smart Organic Materials
• Dr Storm Hassell-Hart, Assistant Professor in Chemistry
• Dr George Kostakis, Associate Professor In Physical/Inorganic Chemistry
• Professor Richard Layfield, Professor of Chemistry (Inorganic Chemistry)
• Dr Deborah Sneddon, Assistant Professor in Chemistry
• Professor John Spencer, Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry/Director of Sussex Drug Discovery Centre
• Dr James Stubbing, Assistant Professor in Chemistry
• Dr John Turner, Associate Professor in Inorganic Physical Chemistry
• Dr Alfredo Vargas, Associate Professor In Physical Chemistry
• Dr Jon Wilden, Associate Professor in Chemistry

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs associated with the course, such as:

• Book bundle: Ł130
• Field trips and equipment: costs vary depending on the module and location

Scholarships

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students with their tuition fees and living costs. These include:

• Chancellor's International Scholarships: Ł5,000 in the first year of full-time study
• Climate Leaders Scholarship: Ł3,000 cash per year of full-time study
• Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Undergraduate): Ł4,000 discount on the first year of tuition fees
• Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Undergraduate): Ł4,000 discount on the first year of tuition fees

Conclusion

The Chemistry BSc (Hons) course at the University of Sussex provides students with a comprehensive education in chemistry and its applications. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to pursue a career in chemistry or related fields. With its experienced and qualified academic staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and wide range of career opportunities, the University of Sussex is an excellent choice for students who want to study chemistry.