Undergraduate

Chemistry

A chemistry student wearing protective equipment stands in a lab
A series of brightly coloured liquids stand in glass vials in a chemistry lab
Two chemistry students in white coats smile at each other while holding equipment in a lab
A chemistry degree student examines a gold coloured liquid in a test tube

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A chemistry degree really unlocks your career options and at Hull you’ll be studying in a region that’s at the heart of one of the top chemical clusters in the UK.
Did you know the LCD technology that paved the way for TVs and smartphones was first pioneered at Hull? We still offer a scholarship named after the scientist who led the project.
You'll be taught by research-active academics who’ve won awards for the quality of their teaching. Some of them have even written the textbooks you’ll use during your studies.
Our Chemistry degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry – putting you on track to Chartered Chemist (CChem) status when you graduate.
We've invested in our facilities on campus so you’ll be learning in some of the latest industry-standard labs.
As well as learning the theory, you'll be hands-on in our industry-standard labs. We also offer placements at the industry giants on our doorstep.
A chemistry student wearing protective equipment stands in a lab
A series of brightly coloured liquids stand in glass vials in a chemistry lab
Two chemistry students in white coats smile at each other while holding equipment in a lab
A chemistry degree student examines a gold coloured liquid in a test tube
Chemistry Teaching Laboratory
A female scientist working on equipment in a chemistry lab

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Scientists at Hull paved the way for the LCD display technology that's on your smartphone, laptop, tablet and TV. We’ve changed the world once. Want to help do it again?

Better still, you’ll be doing it at a university with a rich history in the subject and using the latest facilities in the field following our recent investment.

But don't just take our word for it. We’re ranked 7th in the UK for Graduate Prospects¹ and 11th in the UK overall.²

Excited? So are we.

  • Top 15 in the UK

    for Student Satisfaction 1

  • 1st in the UK

    for Feedback Satisfaction 2

  • £9,000 per year

    scholarship available

  • 96%

    of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating 3

  • Royal Society of Chemistry

    accredited degree

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Chemistry at Hull is a hands-on subject with excellent career prospects.

We’re in a region with a high concentration of chemical companies – including BP, Total, Reckitt, Phillips 66, Croda, and Smith & Nephew, which gives you lots of scope for placements.

It also means we can set up mentoring arrangements for you with professional scientists from local industry. And our graduates often find work with these major companies.

We’re accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry – putting you on track to Chartered Chemist (CChem) status – and our course covers analytical, forensic, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, with modules on topics such as materials chemistry, spectroscopic methods, computational chemistry and many others.

It means you’ll gain a broad, balanced knowledge of the array of subjects that make up modern chemistry – and the opportunity to extend that knowledge into cutting-edge areas depending on the career pathway that interests you most.

Plus, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the University’s pioneering work in liquid crystals, we are offering up to 20 international scholarships to study chemistry at Hull in honour of the chemist who pioneered this world-changing discovery.

The George W Gray Scholarship is worth £9,000 a year and will be awarded to eligible students as a tuition fee discount.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Organic Chemistry and the Analytical Approach

Begin to understand the core principles of organic chemistry from alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, including conjugated alkenes, as well as the importance of analytical chemistry – all accompanied by lots of hands-on laboratory experience.

Compulsory20 credits

Chemical Structure and Physical Chemistry

Learn about which reactions are possible using thermodynamics and how fast they are with kinetics, study the periodic trends of the main group elements, as well as being introduced to atomic and molecular structure. All supported by hands-on laboratory classes.

Compulsory20 credits

Professional Practice 1: Skills for a Chemistry Degree

Explore an aspect of modern chemistry of your choosing, as well as developing the key written communication skills, and the mathematics, physics and biology needed to help you flourish in your studies.

Compulsory20 credits

Organic and Analytical Chemistry

You'll be introduced to basic and fundamental concepts in organic chemistry, such as substitution and elimination reactions and the application of spectroscopy and chromatography in analytical chemistry - all with plenty of hands-on lab work to develop crucial problem solving and experimental skills.

Compulsory20 credits

Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

You will further develop your understanding of kinetics and thermodynamics and immerse yourself in the exciting world of transition metal chemistry and inorganic solids – all supported by a range of hands-on laboratory experiments.

Compulsory20 credits

Professional Practice 2: Chemistry of the Modern World

In small groups, you'll investigate a scientific topic of your choosing, and present a poster and audio recording in the style of a radio interview. You will also develop the mathematical techniques needed to fully understand some aspects of chemistry.

Compulsory20 credits
6 Modules

Synthesis, Structure and Analysis

This module builds upon subjects within chemistry introduced in the first year and expands on spectroscopic and analytical methods and further organic and inorganic synthesis.

Compulsory20 credits

Spectroscopic Methods

Study the quantum mechanical basis of spectroscopy and use this knowledge to understand atomic, rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopic techniques. 

Compulsory20 credits

Professional Practice 3: Employability and Communication Skills for Chemists

This module allows you to develop your oral communication skills by exploring the impact of a chemical scientist with a diverse background or identity. You'll enhance your employability skills by writing a CV and cover letter for a representative job, and practice interview skills.

Compulsory20 credits

Synthesis and Measurement

You’ll explore bifunctional chemistry, heteroaromatic chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, bioinorganic chemistry and the application of molecular orbital diagrams through interactive lectures, workshops and laboratory classes.

Compulsory20 credits

Inorganic Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Thermodynamics

You'll study organometallic chemistry and solid state chemistry together with their real world applications, and unravel the secrets of why chemical reactions and molecules behave the way they do by exploring the intricate world of statistical thermodynamics and quantum mechanics, all supported by lectures, workshops and laboratory classes.

Compulsory20 credits

Professional Practice 4: Computational Chemistry and Digital Skills for Chemists

This module will equip you to use computational chemistry and a variety of digital tools (including introductory programming) to deepen your understanding of chemistry.

Compulsory20 credits
6 Modules

Chemical Separation and Characterisation

Explore the structure determination and analytical techniques of X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and separation science in interactive lectures, workshops and laboratory classes.

Compulsory20 credits

Surfaces, Colloids, Molecular Machines and Porous Solids

​In this module, you'll explore the field of molecular machines and porous solids, and learn about the behaviour of surfactants and colloidal particles in bulk and at surfaces. 

Compulsory20 credits

Organic and Organometallic Chemistry

Explore pericyclic reactions, organic synthesis using reagents containing the p-block elements P, B, S and Si, and control of reactivity in metal-organic systems with special relevance to homogenous catalysis.

Compulsory20 credits

Green, Sustainable and Advanced Chemical Topics

In this module you will be introduced to the principles of Green, Sustainable an Industrial chemistry which will build on all the previous core material. You will then have the opportunity to study advanced courses from a wide selection.

Compulsory30 credits

Chemistry Group Research Project

Develop your teamworking, literature searching and research skills by working as part of a small group on a supervisor supported research project. The topics available may include computational chemistry and chemical education/pedagogy, in addition to the more traditional lab based ones.

Compulsory30 credits
5 Modules

Extended Research Project (Chemistry)

Spend a whole semester really getting to grips with cutting edge science by working within one of our research groups. Topics are available for all tastes, ranging from synthetics to environmental chemistry, computational chemistry or chemical education focussed projects.

Core60 credits

Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry 1 and Project Preparation Portfolio

In this module you will be able to select three topics of interest from a wide variety of advanced physical, materials, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry. Topics could include nanostructured materials, liquid crystals, photochromics, organometallic chemistry, photochemistry and photobiology, molecular medicine. In addition you will start preparing for your major project in trimester 2 by carrying out a detailed literature search and writing a review, participate in a regular Journal Club, and carry out safety and ethical reviews for your project work.

Compulsory20 credits

Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry 2 and Project Preparation Portfolio

In this module you will be able to select three topics of interest from a wide variety of advanced physical, materials, organic and inorganic chemistry. Topics could include emulsions, capillarity, quantum chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, asymmetric synthesis, molecular imaging and inorganic spectroscopy. In addition you will start preparing for your major project in trimester 2 by carrying out a detailed literature search and writing a review, participate in a regular Journal Club, and carry out safety and ethical reviews for your project work.

Compulsory20 credits

Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry 3 and Project Preparation Portfolio

In this module you will select three topics of interest from a wide variety of advanced inorganic, organic, materials and analytical chemistry, as well as start preparing for your major project in trimester 2. Topics could include diffraction techniques, solid state chemistry, metals in organic synthesis and retrosynthesis, chemometrics and analytical spectroscopy. In addition you will start preparing for your major project in trimester 2 by carrying out a detailed literature search and writing a review, participate in a regular Journal Club, and carry out safety and ethical reviews for your project work

Compulsory20 credits

The University of Hull sits within one of the largest chemical industry clusters in the UK with huge multinational companies and influential SMEs operating and researching in the city. Our transformed integrated Masters courses offer the very best opportunities to take advantage of this level of industry on our doorstep, whilst a major research project in the fourth year allows you to immerse yourself as a full-time member of the research group for four to five days a week. 

4 Modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services such as the Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.

As well as working for the company, you’ll need to complete the following modules as this programme is also accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

This course is accredited by

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Course Overview 1 min

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Teaching facilities

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Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Take a look at our facilities

Mass Spectrometry Laboratory

Equipped with a range of industry-leading equipment, the laboratory is used to test a range of different sample types and supports both our teaching and our research.

Elemental Analysis Laboratory

Develop your skills in one of the core elements of analytical chemistry with this industry-standard laboratory on campus.

Chemistry Teaching Laboratories

Learn practical skills in new resources including laser technology for elemental analysis and a microfluidic fabrication capability in our range of facilities on campus.

Brynmor Jones Library

One of the most eye-catching pieces of architecture on campus, our library offers round-the-clock access, more than a million books and over 400 open-access PCs.

See more in our virtual tour

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The mass spectrometry lab
Elemental Analysis Laboratory
Chemistry Teaching Laboratory
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
A piece of scientific experiment generates a spark of white flashing light

Future prospects

A chemistry degree really unlocks your career options and at Hull you’ll be studying in a region that’s at the heart of one of the top chemical clusters in the UK.

That’s just one of the reasons for our high graduate employability rates with industry giants such as BP, Total, Reckitt, Phillips 66, Croda, and Smith & Nephew regularly offering jobs to our students.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

  1. (15th) The Complete University Guide 2024.
  2. The Guardian University Rankings 2024.
  3. (Chemistry) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2020/21, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2023.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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