Program Overview

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About our foundation years

Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you...

• are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
• are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
• are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
• are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you

Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.

Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Overview

This Royal Society of Chemistry-accredited chemistry degree was developed by experts from industry and academia to give you the chemistry-related skills that future employers need.

There are core modules in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry over all three years of the course.

Extensive laboratory training and transferable skills, including logical reasoning, communication, presentation, and research skills, ensure you are career-ready, whatever you decide to do with your chemistry degree.

Optional modules include environmental and green chemistry to address issues such as climate change and sustainability; the application of computational chemistry and Artificial Intelligence; the use of medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery techniques to develop new medicines for unmet medical needs.

This course is ranked number one in London for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2024).

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements

Accepted qualifications

112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification listed on the UCAS tariff calculator, including:

• A Levels in at least two subjects including Grade B in Biology or Chemistry
• BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM in Applied science or relevant (science based) subject
• BTEC Diploma – DD, at least Merit in relevant subjects
• Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject
• T Levels in a relevant subject
• International Baccalaureate – 25 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level, including Higher Level Grade 4 in Biology or Chemistry

We also welcome applications from students who are taking Level 3 or higher qualifications not on the UCAS tariff calculator and will assess the suitability, on a case by case basis.

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
• GCSE Mathematics Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit our International page.

English Language requirements

• IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and Speaking; 5.5 in Listening and Reading (or recognised equivalent).

If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a Pre-sessional English course.

Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications

As an inclusive university, we recognise those who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course. We will assess this from the information provided in your application or may request additional information such as a CV or attendance at an interview. Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined.

You may also be a suitable candidate to access one of our courses by completing a UEL Pre-Entry programme (for mature learners). For more information and eligibility, please contact our Pre-entry Information, Advice and Guidance team.

Admissions policy

We are committed to fair admissions and access by recruiting students regardless of their social, cultural or economic background. Our admissions policy.

Further advice and guidance

You can speak to a member of our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0), Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can visit our Information, Advice and Guidance centre.

Fees, funding and additional costs

Fees

UK/Home students

You don't need to pay the fees upfront.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Fee status after Brexit

EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course from September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees.

However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fee regulations.

Further information can be found at UKCISA.

International fee status holders

Find out all the ways you can receive funding for your studies:

• UEL scholarships
• Ways to pay

Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.

• Email:

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Some additional fees are in the course specification or given during the application process.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WiFi is available on each of our campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases, coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

For this course, you will be:

• involved in processes of making, as a means of exploration, experimentation, and understanding your practice, by using a diverse range of media and materials
• required to purchase your own copy of books, for required reading
• required to produce physical artefacts for assessment
• able to participate in optional study visits and/or field trips

However, over and above this you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for.

To help you budget, the information below indicates what activities and materials are not covered by your tuition fees:

• personal laptops and other personal devices
• personal copies of books
• optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
• printing costs
• your own chosen materials and equipment
• costs of participating in external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

The costs vary every year and with every student, according to the intentions for the type of work they wish to do. Attainment at assessment is not dependent upon the costs of materials chosen.

Course modules

Foundation Year

The foundation year for the Chemistry BSc (Hons) focuses on building essential skills in academic reading, writing, and critical thinking while introducing core scientific principles. Modules such as Human Biology, Introduction to the Study of Cells, and Chemistry of Life provide a solid foundation in biology and chemistry, preparing you for advanced studies.

Year 1

In the first year of the chemistry course, you’ll develop a strong foundation in key areas such as Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. You will also gain essential skills in mathematics, laboratory techniques, and professional practice. This year focuses on building both theoretical understanding and practical expertise, ensuring you’re ready to tackle advanced topics in your chemistry degree.

Year 2

In the second year of the chemistry course, you’ll advance your understanding in key areas such as analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and environmental chemistry. Modules like Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry and Topics in Environmental and Green Chemistry provide hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques and sustainable practices. You’ll also focus on drug synthesis, molecular spectroscopy, and strategies for reducing the environmental impact of chemical processes.

Year 3

In your final year of the chemistry programme, you’ll gain specialised expertise in areas such as drug discovery, bioinorganic chemistry, and advanced analytical techniques. Modules like Natural Products and Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry will teach you how natural products inspire drug design, while also exploring the core principles of rational drug development.

Your future career

What can I do with a chemistry degree?
With our careers focus, the sky’s the limit. As a chemistry graduate, your knowledge and understanding of highly technical information will give you access to many career options. The skills you will develop will be useful if you decide to pursue a career outside chemistry, for example, within finance or management.

Graduate employers

There are many different employers of chemistry graduates. Some are within the chemical and related industries, while others are in different sectors that have roles linked to chemistry, such as the food and drink industry. You could also work in education, or use your maths skills to move into computer programming.

Job roles

Your knowledge and understanding of highly technical information will give you access to a wide range of career options.

As a graduate with a chemistry degree jobs can be as varied as:

• analytical chemistry within forensic and environmental organisations;
• chemical research within consumer product, gas, oil, and petrochemical companies;
• drug discovery within pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries;
• patent attorneys;
• research and lecturing within academia; or
• writing for scientific publications.

Further study

After completing your chemistry degree, you could move into teaching with a PGCE qualification leading to teaching at primary and secondary schools. Or, why not continue your studies with an MSc or PhD qualification? Chemistry university degrees come at all levels, offering new challenges and chances.

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting-edge technologies and facilities.

Career Zone

This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:

• Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work
• Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
• 1-2-1 career coaching services
• Careers workshops and employer events
• Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

How you'll learn

You'll be encouraged to participate in a wide range of learning activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals, and independent learning. We also encourage you to take the option of a full-year placement at the end of your final year. This is a great development opportunity and a springboard to find careers with chemistry degree requirements.

Guided independent study

You'll be encouraged to participate in a wide range of learning activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals, and independent learning. We also encourage you to take the option of a full-year placement at the end of your final year. This is a great development opportunity and a springboard for your career.

Academic support

You will be supported with academic or subject-related queries by a programme director, module leaders and academic advisors. You’ll have an academic advisor from the teaching team as soon as you arrive with us, and university central support services.

Dedicated personal tutor

If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths, or statistics, academic tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions, and one-to-one appointments to help you achieve your potential.

You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses. Our Student Support hubs feature centralised helpdesks.

UEL provides support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules, the module mark is derived from both coursework (e.g. laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations) and from a written theory examination at the end of the year. Some modules also include laboratory practical exams.

• Year 1 - 50% Portfolio/Coursework, 33% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 17% Case Study/PBL
• Year 2 - 50% Portfolio/Coursework, 30% Case Study/PBL, 20% Written Exam/Timed Assessment
• Year 3 - 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 33% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 17% Portfolio/Coursework, 8% Case Study/PBL

You'll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 14 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face-to-face assessments.

Campus and facilities

Stratford Campus, London, E15 4LZ

Our historic Stratford campus is located in one of the best-connected areas of London: close to Stratford's thriving town centre, the 2012 Olympic Park, just 15 minutes from London's West End and 20 minutes from Canary Wharf.

Stratford’s facilities include a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, the majestic Great Hall and specialist laboratories and computing services. The School of Childhood and Social Care and Centre for Clinical Education in Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Sports Science are housed in new buildings. There is also a campus restaurant and bookshop, and a Students' Union café-bar.

Westfield Stratford City - Europe's largest indoor shopping mall - is just one of Stratford's attractions, alongside many other shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and cinemas. Stratford is fast becoming London's new cultural quarter, with Sadler's Wells East and V&A East moving in.

Take a virtual tour of our campus

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by School of Health, Sport and Bioscience

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

• Course leader

Dr Kejing Shi

School of Health, Sports & Biosciences, School Of Health, Sport And Bioscience

Official student data from Discover Uni

The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

77%say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Chemistry at The University of East London

100%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Chemistry at The University of East London

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

link opens in new tab

Statistics for BSc (Hons) Chemistry Degree, full time

77%say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Chemistry at The University of East London

100%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Chemistry at The University of East London

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

link opens in new tab

Statistics for BSc (Hons) Chemistry Degree, full time

What our students and staff say

As a mature student, the opportunity to be able to enrol on the foundation year and change my career path provided me with social mobility and propelled me into a career which is interesting, rewarding and that I love doing. I can't praise the teaching staff enough, without them it would not have been possible for me to achieve my full potential.”

Dee Davis

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year) graduate, Specialist biomedical scientist (virology), Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust

What I really loved about the practicals was the fact that we could apply it to real-life situations... I knew that I could use that outside of the university."

Daniela De Ceita

Chemistry graduate

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