Course Overview
Overview
Chemistry is a core science that is not only the very essence of life, but is also concerned with the quality of life and its continuing improvement. It is often regarded as the central science, and a degree in chemistry provides a student with many key skills which can be used in many areas not necessarily restricted to the discipline.
The BSc (Honours) degree is the traditional route to a qualification in chemistry. It involves four years of full time study (although direct entry into second year is possible for well qualified applicants, and all four years may be undertaken part time). BSc (Hons) graduates with first class or upper second class honours are eligible to continue to postgraduate research degrees, although most choose from the wide variety of employment options available to chemistry graduates.
Chemistry graduates are very employable because a degree in Chemistry opens up many opportunities in areas such as drug development, environmental protection, food chemistry, petroleum chemistry, forensic science and materials development.
There is also the option of complementing this degree with a wider range of skills through the MChem Chemistry programme.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
Our teaching in the first two years aims to give a balanced treatment of all the main branches of the subject. In the third and fourth years we develop a selection of topics in more depth, and offer options which enable students to tailor their programmes to suit their own aptitudes and interests.
You will study introductory courses in chemistry, alongside other courses which need not necessarily be science related.
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 1 (NT1021) – 15 Credit Points
- Elements of Chemistry 1 (NT1022) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (NT1513) – 15 Credit Points
- Elements of Chemistry 2 (NT1522) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice
NOTE: For students who do not hold a pass in Mathematics at Higher, A-level, or equivalent, they may wish to consider MA 1515 Mathematics for Sciences
- Mathematics for Sciences (NT1515) – 15 Credit Points
Compulsory Courses
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy (NT2016) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT2514) – 15 Credit Points
- Inorganic Chemistry (NT2519) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice
Compulsory Courses
- General Chemistry (NT3032) – 5 Credit Points
- Inorganic and Solid State Chemistry (NT3037) – 30 Credit Points
- Environmental Chemistry (NT3038) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT3534) – 30 Credit Points
- Molecular Structure and Reactivity (NT3536) – 30 Credit Points
- Professional Skills for Physics and Chemistry (NT30PS) – 15 Credit Points
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Compulsory Courses
- Honours Chemistry Research Project (NT4028) – 45 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Chemistry?
- There is an active Student Chemistry Society, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills and connections away from the classroom.
- Our teaching is research-led and all 1st year students have to opportunity to visit research labs. MChem and Honours project students work with PhD and post-doc scientists on ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ research.
- All lecturing staff are active researchers in one or more of the areas of research strength of the Chemistry Department: materials chemistry, biomolecular and medicinal chemistry, and environmental chemistry
- Innovative methods for learning and teaching ensure that students develop skills in computing and IT, problem solving, and personal skills, in addition to the core theoretical and practical principles of chemistry.
- In the 2014 REF, our department was rated “1st in Scotland for chemistry research impact”.
- 80% of research in chemistry was rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ at 2014 REF.
Careers
A degree in Chemistry will prepare you for a career in Chemistry, but it can also be a stepping stone to many other opportunities. Chemistry graduates are very employable due to the breadth of career opportunities in many areas, such as:
- drug development
- environmental protection
- food chemistry
- petroleum chemistry
- forensic science
- materials development
- business
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Doctoral Researcher
- Graduate Scientist
- Graduate Trainee Analytical Chemist
- Polymer Technician
- Scientific English Tutor
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions