Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
Tackle complex environmental challenges on our BSc Chemistry with Sustainability programme. Explore modern chemistry and become a chemist who’s key to establishing a more sustainable future.
Study with us and you’ll be immersed in the dynamic world of chemistry, learning how to propose innovative solutions to the world’s sustainability problems. Open the door to a rewarding and versatile career.
Why Study Chemistry with Sustainability at Birmingham?
The School of Chemistry is constantly focussed on improving the learning experience for its students, which makes them very receptive to feedback and means that our time at university is shaped by us
Course structure
Your course will introduce you to the breadth and depth of sustainable chemistry, integrating skills development with core theory and lab classes accompanied by your choice of options modules and research projects.
All students take the same modules in year 1 learning the core concepts in inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry and data analysis that underpin more advanced study across the breadth of chemistry.
Your classes will help you develop independent problem-solving and critical analysis skills, all while building your communication, presentation and team-working skills. Practical classes are carefully designed to complement the lectures and build up your skills and competencies in the lab.
Course highlights
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
State-of-the-art scientific instrumentation in modern teaching and research facilities.
Leading UK centre for sustainable solvent-free synthesis using mechanochemistry
Discover how chemists design new materials for energy storage and conversion, develop alternative fuel sources and meet the challenges of recycling a diverse range of materials. You’ll develop your analytical abilities, multidisciplinary, creative problem-solving and communication skills. Spend time in our state-of-the-art teaching labs with a focus on collaborative and interdisciplinary working.
Learn from international experts who’ll introduce you to the most exciting aspects of modern chemistry, from sustainable materials to clean energy. Whether you choose a purely scientific path or use your transferable analytical skills in a more diverse career, you’ll be ready for a range of roles where highly skilled, practical chemists are in great demand.
- Benefit from recent £125 million investment in Chemistry facilities
- Learn through our innovative skills-based curriculum, turning you into a top-quality practical chemist
- Internationally leading research in sustainable synthesis, energy materials and more
- We have received excellent feedback from our students in the 2024 National Student Survey
- A School that combines research and teaching excellence to support your development
A fantastic environment to thrive in
The home of Chemistry, the new Molecular Sciences Building, provides a stimulating and friendly scientific environment to study in. Alongside study space, computer facilities and tutorial rooms, you'll find the dedicated educational support team for Chemistry undergraduates and your academic lecturers and tutors, all right alongside the world-leading research going on in the School.
Our large, modern and superbly well-equipped teaching labs are just across the road and you'll spend a day a week developing in-depth lab skills alongside confidence in experimental design and critical analysis.
You'll use modern techniques on industry-standard instruments, supported by academics, technical staff and postgraduate demonstrators to build your research skills and be part of the next generation solving global health, energy and sustainability challenges.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You'll learn in different environments including interactive lectures, workshops, small-group tutorials, computer classes and peer-group sessions. Lab-based practical work is an integral part of your studies building to a research project in your final year.
Lecture
Projects
Workshop
Seminar
Practical assignments
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest from world-leading researchers in their fields
- Small group tutorials promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Learn collaboratively in workshops through group work which will enhance your teamwork skills and your ability to appreciate others perspectives
- Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Assessment
As you focus on developing all your skills as a chemist, your assessment is equally diverse and comprehensive. You will take exams, produce written assignments, give oral and poster presentations, take computer-based tests and write lab and project reports.
Innovative and inspiring teaching
Step into a world of innovation with our internationally acclaimed academics who are pushing the boundaries of chemistry and its intersections with other disciplines. Their groundbreaking expertise informs your lectures, projects, and hands-on practical work, providing you with direct access to cutting-edge science.
Benefit from a dynamic team dedicated to educational excellence, delivering advanced content through the most effective modern teaching methods and skill development techniques.
Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) provides advice on maximising your abilities, guiding your career aspirations, and acts as a sounding board for key academic decisions. Our school's Welfare Tutor and the University Wellbeing team are always available year-round to support you, ensuring you thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.
Core modules (60 credits in Years 1-3) covering the fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are complimented by maths, data analysis, laboratory and optional modules.
2025/26
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Mathematics for Chemists | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Innovative Approaches to Data Analysis and Presentation | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Inorganic Chemistry I | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Organic Chemistry 1a | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Organic Chemistry 1b | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Physical Chemistry I | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Practical Chemistry Ia1 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Practical Chemistry Ia2 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Practical Chemistry Ib1 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Practical Chemistry Ib2 | 10 | Semester 2 |
In Year 1, you will take core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, all of which are supported by two additional modules comprising an extensive laboratory work programme. Your remaining 20 credits will give you a solid grounding in the maths and data analysis techniques you will need during your degree.
The Fundamental Maths for Chemists module allows you to learn at your own pace, supported by lectures and workshops to bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry. All students take this module, whether they have A-level maths or not, since not all A-level maths syllabuses cover the same material.
Additional mathematics is embedded in the physical chemistry module, as you begin to apply your mathematical skills to chemical problems. All of the maths material is delivered by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you are equipped with those skills you need to tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.
Teaching staff
Dr Paul Davies
Admissions Tutor
Dr Paul Davies profile, School of Chemistry.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAA - AAB to include A-level Chemistry, minimum Maths requirement GCSE grade 6.
- IB
6,6,6 - 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Chemistry at Higher Level, with a minimum of 32 points overall. Further information below.
- BTEC
only considered when combined with other qualifications.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Chemistry. Minimum Mathematics requirement GCSE grade 6.
We accept resits for both A-levels and GCSEs.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Maths are not accepted.
Applicants studying for an EPQ will also receive a second offer which includes a further one grade reduction in entry requirements if accompanied by a grade A or higher in their EPQ.
International Baccalaureate
6,6,6 - 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Chemistry at Higher Level, with a minimum of 32 points overall.
One or more additional science subjects at Higher Level is advantageous.
A minimum of 5 at Standard Level English and 4 at Standard Level Maths is required for those students who do not have a minimum of grade 4/C in English at GCSE and of grade 5/B in Maths at GCSE.
Foundation Year
Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:
- UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
- international students
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB to include Chemistry OR BBC to include B in Chemistry and supporting subject.
- Contextual Offer
AAB to include Chemistry OR ABB to include B in Chemistry and supporting subject.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2025, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Course scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships which are exclusive to our programmes.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Apply
The UCAS code for this course is F107.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
Career opportunities
Whether you choose to follow a scientific path as a professional chemist or move into an area unrelated to chemistry, BSc Chemistry with Sustainability will help you develop the technical and transferable skills prized by employers and in postgraduate education.
As a chemistry graduate from Birmingham, you’ll be highly sought after by a wide range of industries
Pursue diverse careers inside and outside of science that include chemists and analytical scientists, financial services, data science, IT and marketing, and education
I have very fond memories of my undergraduate days at Birmingham and the quality of teaching there was outstanding. I currently work at Nature Publishing Group in London and after spending a couple of years as an associate editor at Nature Nanotechnology, I have been made chief editor of Nature Chemistry.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.