Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of matter at the molecular and atomic level, concerned with the composition, structure, properties, and transformations of substances. It underpins medicine, materials science, energy technology, environmental science, and the food and consumer goods industries, and a thorough training in chemistry opens one of the widest ranges of career options of any science degree. The discipline demands precision, quantitative thinking, and an ability to visualise molecular structures and mechanisms that many students find both challenging and deeply satisfying.

At Northumbria University, this four-year extended degree programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, providing an unusually rich combination of academic depth and practical professional experience. The extended structure gives you additional time to consolidate your understanding of the core areas of chemistry before tackling the most advanced material. You will study organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in depth, alongside analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, and the mathematical and computational tools that underpin modern chemical research.

The sandwich year allows you to work in a chemical, pharmaceutical, or materials company, while the year abroad broadens your perspective on international science and research cultures. A typical entry tariff of 120 points makes the programme accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Chemistry graduates are among the most versatile science graduates in the job market, finding roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, chemical manufacturing, environmental analysis, forensic science, patent law, science communication, and teaching. The practical laboratory experience built into the programme is particularly valuable, as is the professional placement, which frequently leads to a direct job offer. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study, either through a master's or doctoral programme in chemistry or a related discipline.

The year abroad also provides a strong platform for international research careers.