Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Do you want to be involved in making positive changes to the world? This could be the course for you. Chemistry affects every aspect of our lives, from clothing to medicines that help millions of people. It plays an integral part in solving global challenges such as food security, plastic pollution, developing alternative energies, and synthesising new medicines and materials.

Chemistry at Kingston offers knowledge and skills relevant to industry, research and teaching. You'll gain practical skills in our laboratories, broaden your knowledge of environmental chemistry, and develop the academic and professional skills valued by employers.

Through optional modules, you can tailor this degree to your interests and career goals. An individual project enables you to investigate a chosen area in depth.

This course scored 100% overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020).

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time F100 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including sandwich year F101 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including foundation year F108 2023 (Clearing)
2024
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2023 (Clearing)
2024
Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
  • You'll have the opportunity to have a one-year work placement. This will give you valuable experience and help prepare you for a career in chemistry.
  • Kingston's state-of-the-art laboratories include networked computers for each workspace, which are newly refurbished through a £6 million investment.
  • 95.7% of students were satisfied with the IT resources and facilities on this course (NSS 2023).

What our students say

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3/4

Year 1 introduces the fundamental aspects of the subject. Three foundation modules consolidate your existing knowledge and provide a base on which you can develop advanced concepts. You will learn and develop the laboratory and practical techniques needed for the later years of the course. You will also broaden your knowledge through a module that discusses environmental chemistry. A further module of academic and professional skills enables you to enhance transferable skills valued by employers.

Core modules

Foundation Organic and Physical Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for Chemistry degree courses. It introduces the structure and isomerism observed in organic molecules, then describes the preparation and chemical reactions (including the mechanisms involved) of the hydrocarbons and monofunctional organic molecules. The main principles of molecular systems, chemical reactivity and kinetics, including those of gas-phase reactions, are described before presenting the essential principles of chemical thermodynamics and molecular quantum mechanics.

Foundation Inorganic and Environmental Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for chemistry degree courses. The module introduces various bonding models including the structure and bonding of inorganic solids. Trends in the periodic table are illustrated by coverage of the chemistry of Group 1, 13 and 17 elements. The module introduces you to atmospheric and aquatic pollution and goes on to cover the impact of pollutants on the environment.

Introduction to Spectroscopy and Experimental Techniques

30 credits

This module provides an introduction to basic laboratory techniques and procedures such as weighing and volumetry, proceeding to descriptions of laboratory manipulations, elemental analysis and general practical knowledge. There is included an introduction to spectroscopic techniques in terms of simple theory, as well as a practical introduction to the identification of simple organic compounds. These compounds will sometimes be synthesised in the course of the practical element of the module, which will also serve to demonstrate laboratory techniques of preparation and purification of these organic materials.

Academic Skills for Molecular Sciences

30 credits

This is a core module for all chemistry and pharmaceutical science programmes. The module aims to give you a thorough grounding in mathematics, statistics, key and transferable skills (e.g. exam strategy, effective use of calculators, library and referencing, avoiding plagiarism, problem-solving and personal development planning etc.) and IT skills.

Year 2 takes a more in-depth look at inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. You will continue to carry out experimental work, developing the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to become a competent professional. Additional modules, covering experimental and analytical chemistry, will expand your skills for interpreting the results of modern spectroscopic investigations. An optional sandwich year provides an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how chemistry is applied in an industrial situation. The industrial placement tutor will help prepare you to find a placement.

Core modules

Inorganic Chemistry

30 credits

This module is a core module for the Chemistry fields. The module builds upon the theory and principles developed in Foundation Inorganic Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry and applies them second and third row transition metal, the lanthanides and Group 14. It introduces solid state chemistry with a consideration of defects and conductivity. The module also introduces bonding and reactivity of inorganic complexes and organometallics. Nearly 25% of the teaching time is spent in the laboratory carrying out synthetic work and quantitative analysis.

Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module Level 5 module for the Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science fields.

The module seeks to develop and expand your knowledge of both Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry subject areas and introduces important principles, reactions and mechanisms in organic chemical reactivity as well as basic mechanisms of drug action. It develops your understanding of the methodology of organic synthesis following concepts introduced at level 4 and includes important organic chemistry topics such as carbanion reactivity of carbonyl compounds, the reactions of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, stereochemistry, asymmetric synthesis and retrosynthesis

It also introduces the specific reasons why a small amount of a drug molecule can exert a complex biological response. It uses examples from a range of medicinal areas in order to illustrate these key processes as well as giving an introduction on the ideas of drug design and the role this plays in the modern pharmaceutical industry.

This module also gives you experience of using spectroscopic techniques for chemical structure elucidation. Lectures and workshops are designed to develop your problem-solving and team-working skills. Practical skills will also be developed during two 3-hour laboratory experiments from weeks 9 to 12 of teaching block 1. These experiments will reinforce the concepts of enolate and aromatic chemistry taught during teaching block 1. In teaching block 2, you will present a poster concerning a medicinal natural product, to integrate organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry in a real-world context. This module is essential for those wishing to take the more advanced Level 6 Organic Chemistry modules.

Physical Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for Chemistry degree courses. The module discusses the electrochemistry of ionic solutions including both strong and weak electrolytes; cell electrochemistry and the associated applications to chemical thermodynamics; phase equilibria and colligative properties; transition state theory of chemical reactions; complex reaction mechanisms and their kinetic analysis; an introduction to statistical thermodynamics and partition function; and the quantum mechanics and theory underlying both rotational (microwave) and vibrational (Infra-red and Raman) spectroscopies, including rigid rotor and centrifugal distortion models and both simple harmonic and anharmonic vibration models and their interactions.

Analytical and Experimental Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for BSc Chemistry and MChem students. It takes forward the themes of analysis and practical procedures (with an emphasis on analytical and organic chemistry) that were introduced in previous modules. It incorporates both a more rigorous approach to laboratory work, coupled with developing the research skills required to devise experiments and then objectively assess results, followed by preparing high-quality reports and presentations.

The analytical methodologies and experimental techniques are those used routinely in academia, industry, and other laboratory research - spectroscopy; organic syntheses; molecular modelling; inorganic and physical chemistries; and the uses of applied separation technologies in common use.

The modes of obtaining and evaluating findings, by use of electronic databases (eg. Reaxys®) in addition to conventional printed literature sources. The ability to write coherent, evidence-based, yet succinct reports is a component.

Students will also gain opportunities to develop other important skills, from utilising statistics to planning and presentation techniques, all of which improve employability.

Over 50% of the formal contact teaching time is spent on practical work. Core teaching material is uploaded onto Canvas with lectures explaining key concepts.

In Year 3, you will undertake more specialised study of the inorganic, physical and organic chemistry taught in Years 1 and 2, with the chance to choose optional modules in areas of analytical or polymer and industrial chemistry. There is also a project module, which forms an important part of this year's work and allows you to investigate a research topic in a chosen area of interest.

Core modules

Organic and Natural Product Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for Chemistry and M. Pharm. Sci degree courses, and is optional for the BSc. Pharm. Sci. Degree course. The module builds upon and develops further, topics introduced in the earlier level 5 module CH5002, for example, stereoselective synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis. In addition, new topics are introduced such as pharmacognosy, combinatorial chemistry, photochemistry, free radical chemistry and pericyclic reactions. The lectures and associated workshops will encourage the development of problem solving and team working skills, in order to prepare you for your future careers. These skills will be practised during laboratory-based exercises, where you will participate in group "mini-projects" which will be assessed using a range of methodologies that include oral presentations, report writing and poster presentations.

Inorganic Chemistry 2

15 credits

This is a core module for both the MChem Chemistry, MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and BSc Chemistry courses. It introduces bio-inorganic chemistry and supramolecular chemistry, as well as further developing your understanding of organometallic and main group chemistry, including spectroscopic characterisation.

You will be introduced to modern aspects of organometallic and supramolecular chemistry and explore the importance of inorganic compounds in living systems. You will also develop key skills in practical air-sensitive chemistry.

Project

30 credits

This module is a core module for Level 6 Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences top up and Pharmaceutical Studies students and an option module for Forensic Science students. The module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a scientific project and develop skills required to plan a project, develop a methodology, analyse the data and disseminate the results. Two types of projects are offered to you: an experimental or a non-experimental project. The end point is the same in both cases: review and critical evaluation of data generated from laboratory experiments or collected from published works.

Optional modules

Advanced Analytical Science

30 credits

This is a core module of MPharmSci (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science and MChem(Hons) Chemistry and an option for BSc (Hons) Chemistry  and BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science students. It takes forward the themes of spectroscopy that were introduced in the previous modules and develops a more rigorous theoretical footing and advanced applications. In parallel to this, analytical themes are introduced, covering radiochemical analysis, electroanalysis and thermal analysis.

Polymer and Industrial Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for the MChem Chemistry course. It provides a grounding in polymer chemistry, natural and synthetic macro molecules and the measurement of polymer molar masses. It goes on to explain the effects of structure and processing on polymer properties and how they can be modified. It also aims to give an understanding of typical applications of macromolecular materials, biomaterials and composites in industry and everyday life. The module introduces various aspects of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry pertinent to possible future careers and aims to cover a wide range of topics including green chemistry, patents, intellectual property, health and safety, and other legislation.

Many of the descriptive parts of the module are reinforced by workshops and group assignment to develop their communication, teamwork and independent learning skills. The core lecture material is supported by workshops and laboratory practical classes which reinforce the theoretical concepts learnt.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: Degree 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 64 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

  • A-levels to include minimum grade C in A-level Chemistry and one other science subject (second science can be Biology, Physics or Maths). General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Chemistry) only must have merits in the following units:

  • Unit 1 : "Principles and Applications in Science 1"
  • Unit 5: "Principles and Applications in Science 2"
  • Unit 13: "Applications of Inorganic Chemistry"
  • Unit 14: "Applications of Organic Chemistry"

T-Level:

  • Merit in T-level Science: including a minimum of a B in the Core component and a merit in the Occupational Specialism which must be either in laboratory sciences or metrology sciences.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2023

UCAS tariff points: Degree 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 32 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

  • A-levels to include minimum grade C in A-level Chemistry and one other science subject (second science can be Biology, Physics or Maths). General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Chemistry) only must have merits in the following units:

  • Unit 1 : "Principles and Applications in Science 1"
  • Unit 5: "Principles and Applications in Science 2"
  • Unit 13: "Applications of Inorganic Chemistry"
  • Unit 14: "Applications of Organic Chemistry"

T-Level:

  • Merit in T-level Science: including a minimum of a B in the Core component and a merit in the Occupational Specialism which must be either in laboratory sciences or metrology sciences.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Science subject which has been passed with 112 UCAS points including 18 level 3 credits in Chemistry with a minimum 9 level 3 credits at Distinction and 9 Level credits at Merit.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and practical classes. Theory work is backed up by independent or group-based practical study. Assessment typically comprises coursework and exams, including practical exercises and in-course tests. Projects are assessed by practical work, presentation of results and a written report.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 412 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 788 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 439 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 761 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 373 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 527 hours

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 48%
  • Exams: 52%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 40%
  • Practical: 8%
  • Exams: 52%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 35%
  • Practical: 10%
  • Exams: 55%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 35 students and lecture sizes are normally 35­-130­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Staff teaching on this course

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

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 buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

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 residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories, including labs dedicated to chemistry;
  • specialist equipment, such as:
    • gas and liquid chromatography;
    • electron and confocal microscopy;
    • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers;
    • nuclear science equipment;
    • thermal analysis;
    • x-ray diffractometers; and
    • electrochemical analysis;
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

The Library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
  • online database subscriptions; and
  • a growing selection of resource material.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Royal Society of Chemistry

What our students say

Kingston University is a great place to study due to the high level of teaching delivered and the large amount of support given. The University has invested a large amount into brand-new teaching labs and equipment, enabling us to undertake practical sessions.

The staff care a lot about the students and are supportive throughout anyone's time here, the personal tutor scheme is fantastic if you're having any kind of problems, whether university-related or personal. The lecturers also have an open door policy; if you're having any problems with coursework or lecture material any lecturer is happy for you to visit them in their office or arrange a time to go over anything you're struggling with.

Don't compare yourself to your others on your course. Chemistry is an amazing subject with a variety of topics; different people will excel in different areas so if you don't do as well as everyone else in one area, don't worry: there are plenty of other opportunities for you to succeed."

Annie Rae, Chemistry BSc (Hons)

I chose to study in Kingston because it is a very multicultured location. The place is beautiful and with the River Thames flowing through, it is a nice place to relax and just spend time with your friends. Kingston is a very warm and serene place to learn.

The lecturers and facilities are great. They were very helpful when it came to industrial placement, with CV workshops and mock interviews to help me with my application. I am planning to further my studies into a masters in drug design and hopefully go into the research field one day!"

Naffy Said Ali, Chemistry BSc (Hons)

After you graduate

Graduates work in areas such as research, chemistry, product development and engineering, and teaching.

Examples of recent graduate destinations

Types of jobs

  • Analytical chemist
  • Teacher
  • Quality assurance scientist
  • Regulatory analysis
  • Clinical skills technician
  • Development technologist
  • Senior chemist
  • Quality control analyst
  • Project assistant
  • Medical representative

Employers

  • Eli Lilly
  • Allergy Therapeutics
  • GSK
  • AWEC Plc
  • Scapa
  • Isolagen
  • Leatherhead Food Research
  • Martindale Pharmaceuticals
  • Ashfield Healthcare
  • Schwarz Pharma

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

What our graduates say

My time at Kingston University was massively enjoyable and a large part of that was down to the level of teaching and the lecturers at the University. The diverse range of teaching methods implemented at the University meant that all students were allowed to learn at their own pace and work to their strengths.

Entering university straight from college can seem as a very daunting situation, as it was for me. However, at Kingston University, it quickly became apparent that this would not be an issue. What I loved most was how personable the lecturers were. They truly showed they cared for my education and my success at Kingston University. This greatly contributed to me graduating with a 2:1 in BSc Chemistry, which led me to go on and gain a masters degree in MRes Chemistry, from which I graduated with a distinction!"

Sanah Syed, Chemistry BSc (Hons)

For me, studying at Kingston University was a life-changing experience. Probably, one of the key factors to making my three years great was the lecturers. They were a huge asset to my journey. Not only did they help provide me with the tools to excel in my career but also gave me the confidence to pursue further studies. Last year I graduated for my masters and have already started my PhD in Chemistry – something I never thought I could do."

Abdul Grashidi, Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project

Study or work abroad

Why study or work abroad?

  • Looks great on your CV (fewer than 5% of UK students study/work abroad).
  • Exposure to a different culture – both social and academic.
  • Develop self-confidence and language skills.
  • Build an international network.
  • Global experience as part of an undergraduate degree.
  • 85% tuition fee reduction when students go abroad for the full year.

Where can students on this course study or work abroad?

CountryUniversity
Australia Curtin University
Barbados University of the West Indies
Canada University of Windsor
 Turkey Bilkent University
 USA Appalachian State University
Grand Valley State University
University of North Carolina Charlotte

Funding to study or work abroad

  • Students never pay tuition fees to the host university.
  • When students go abroad for the full year – either in Year 2 or 3 – they get an 85% tuition fee reduction!
  • The year abroad is covered by the Student Loan Company.
  • All students who go abroad receive a Study Abroad Bursary or an Erasmus grant.
  • Students can also apply for the Travel Bursary Fund (which covers the cost of return airfare and visa).

Find out more about the opportunities to study or work abroad at Kingston University.

If you are an international student from an overseas university you can read more about spending a semester or year at Kingston.

Key information set

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

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.