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Chemistry with Sustainability BSc

Start date
September
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
F107
Course Type
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025/26 are as follows:
£9,535 (UK)
£28,130 (International)
Further fee information

Video transcript

Our BSc Chemistry with Sustainability course is aimed at students interested in learning how chemistry is central to establishing a more sustainable future.

Alongside  core chemistry concepts, you will learn 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, from lithium-ion batteries through to plastics.  Over the course of your studies, you will develop multidisciplinary and problem-solving skills.

Our broad outlook on the subject offers you the chance to play your part in solving some of the world’s most complex problems in sustainability, graduating with strong analytical abilities, the confidence to propose innovative solutions, and highly developed lab skills.  You’ll also learn about the latest developments in cutting-edge research from leaders and innovators in the field, equipping you to take the first step on your career path or the next step in your studies.

You can experience the pioneering teaching and research offered here for more than 100 years, producing several Nobel Prize-winners along the way. Coupled with the use of some of the best facilities in the country we are regularly placed among the top chemistry departments in UK for student satisfaction.

Learn about our innovative research-led teaching in outstanding facilities and our thriving and supportive chemistry community.

Why study Chemistry with Sustainability BSc at Birmingham?

  • Celebrating student satisfaction
    We have received excellent feedback from our students in the 2024 National Student Survey.
  • A new home for chemistry
    The University is investing £80 million in a new Molecular Sciences building, which will become the new home for the School of Chemistry. This is currently the largest building project on campus and will house world-leading research laboratories alongside purpose-built working spaces for all of our students. It will be a showcase for research and innovation and a place to connect that research to education, promoting collaborative work.
  • Work with a leading centre in sustainability
    The University of Birmingham is a leading centre in sustainability, with major strengths in alternative fuels, energy storage and conversion, battery recycling and plastics. In addition to theory courses, you will experience research alongside leading experts in the sustainability field in your Year 3 mini-projects.
  • Work in our Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) 
    An innovative new offering, the CTL features state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to offering you a highly curated, practical approach to your learning.  Here, you can conduct newly devised experiments with research groups within the School, as well as working with external collaborators, a transformational approach to teaching and learning.
  • Benefit from technology-enhanced learning 
    Our new audio-visual system enables you to interact on an individual basis with your lecturers, in real time, offering you instant access to feedback, support and advice.
  • Combine cutting edge with heritage 
    We pride ourselves on our commitment to offering you the most modern methods in teaching and learning, supported by cutting-edge facilities.  Our innovative skills-based curriculum includes new experiments designed by our own research groups and external industry collaborators, turning you into a top-quality practical chemist.  You can rely on our pedigree, at the forefront of chemistry teaching and research for over 100 years.  Along the way we’ve produced several Nobel Prize winners, so set your sights high and the possibilities are endless…
  • Extra-curricular activities 
    University life is about much more than simply learning.  Our student society, ChemSoc, is run entirely by students, and you can join in a whole host of activities, events and socials, a great opportunity to mix with your fellow students away from your studies.

Meet our Student Bloggers

The best way to find out what life is really like as a student in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham is to hear from our students. Our students study a range of programmes from across our college – from Mathematics to Mechanical Engineering. Get some great tips and a real insight into what life is really like if you choose to study with us.

Read our blogs >> 

I really wanted to study abroad and choose the University of Birmingham because of the beautiful campus and it was positioned highly in the league tables. I’ve definitely improved my English speaking skills as well as just general skills of living abroad. I’ve had to get used to a completely new environment, which can be slightly scary in the beginning but it is exciting and a great experience. The best things about studying at Birmingham are all of the opportunities that are available like all of the different societies and clubs.

Anette Martin, BSc Chemistry

Interested in Computer Science?

Our ' Year in Computer Science'  offers students from non-computing disciplines the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of computing and enhance their work-based skills through the study of Computer Science. 

Modules

Course structure

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) are taken by all students enrolled on both single honours and major/minor degree programmes and cover the essential fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

The remaining 60 credits in Years 1-3 comprise maths and data analysis modules in Year 1 and sustainability-based material in later years, along with laboratory modules (with embedded communications and employability skills), allowing you to develop your practical skills and techniques as well as consolidate the associated theory from your lectures.

Year 1

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.

Year 2 

In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and practicals, to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry.  In addition to core courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, you will also take specialised courses within the two chemistry options modules that will introduce you to the fundamental principles of sustainable chemistry.

Year 3

In Year 3, core chemistry modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are accompanied by further specialised sustainability courses within the options modules.  These focus on aspects such as metal-organic frameworks for sustainability applications, sustainable polymer chemistry and sustainable approaches catalysis.  You will also carry out 40-credits of independent research, in the form of two 20-credit modules.  The first of these is a literature dissertation focused on a cutting-edge aspect of sustainable chemistry.  You will choose the topic of your dissertation from a pool of titles and work with your project supervisor to tailor the project to your particular research interests.  The second module is advanced laboratory work and skills training, during which you will work as part of a team on a sustainable chemistry project.

Core modules

Optional modules

Select 40 credits

Either:

or

or

Fees

Annual tuition fees 2025/26

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. 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
  • £28,130 - International

Visit our  tuition fees page for more information.

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

 

Tuition fees for placement years (where applicable)

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

How To Apply

Apply through the UCAS website using code F107

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

View advice on how to apply for undergraduate courses.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3 , offer will depend on subject combination.
Typical offer:
AAA–AAB
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.
The decision to remain on (for MSci-registered students) or transfer to (an option for BSc-registered students) an MSci programme is made at the end of Year 2 and is based on your Year 2 mark.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

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.

BTEC

Only considered when combined with other qualifications.

Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study for one of our degrees but lack the entry qualifications we require? Consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, 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.

International Students

We accept a range of international qualifications, please contact the admissions tutor for more information.

 

Standard English language requirements apply, learn more about international entry requirements.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

We have benefited from significant investment in our teaching and research laboratories and analytical facilities. The newly opened £40m Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) hosts all our lab teaching, while £2.5m has been spent on state-of-the-art equipment dedicated for chemistry teaching, making the CTL better equipped than most research environments, both in academia and industry.

There are many reasons to study chemistry at Birmingham: Our ground-breaking research has an international reputation for excellence, and this cutting-edge research informs our teaching and course content; we boast world-class facilities and state-of-the-art equipment; we put great emphasis on multidisciplinary working to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and we have strong collaborative links with industry. We’re also getting a new £80 million home for the School of Chemistry, which will house sector-leading research facilities to take us even further to the cutting edge and beyond.

How you will learn

Highly skilled, practical chemists are in great demand, so all your learning will be focused on shaping your abilities as an all-rounder, equally at home, in the lab or carrying out research. This means your studies will take place in a wide range of learning environments, such as workshops, small-group tutorials, lectures and peer-group sessions. Lab-based practical work is an integral part of your studies: in your final year you’ll complete a research-related project. 

Research-led teaching

Our School is home to many internationally leading researchers working in a wide range of areas including synthesis of therapeutic molecules, functional nanomaterials and hydrogen storage and fuel cells. Birmingham chemists are leading the development of new materials to provide for our ever-increasing energy needs in an environmentally sustainable manner, as well as working with environmental scientists to understand the likes of pollution and climate change. Crucially, their research influences the way they teach you: our academics draw upon their scientific findings to inform their teaching and provide you with cutting-edge content for your degree. 

Student support

  • Personal Tutors
    As soon as you join us, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will remain with you throughout your studies. They will meet with you at least once every semester to assess your academic progress and how to develop your transferrable skills.
  • Wellbeing Officers
    Alongside your personal tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it. 
  • Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills. 
  • The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) will provide guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too. 
  • Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, such as field trips, to help you meet fellow students from your course.

Away from the lab, you’ll be able to join our vibrant chemistry society, known as ‘ChemSoc’, which organises a range of social and charity events, guest lectures, industrial trips and an annual ball.

How you will be assessed

As you focus on developing all your skills as a chemist, your assessment is equally diverse and comprehensive. Each module is assessed independently, using the assessment methods most appropriate to testing the skills you have developed and the learning outcomes of that module. You will take exams, produce written assignments, give oral and poster presentations, take computer-based tests and write lab and project report

Contact Hours

Figures do vary due to module choice, but you can usually expect the following:

  • First and second year - On average 16-19 hours a week in lectures, tutorials, workshops and lab classes.
  • Third year - Around 15 hours a week in lectures, tutorials, workshops and lab classes.

As a chemistry graduate from Birmingham, you’ll be highly sought after by a wide range of industries.

Whether you choose to continue on a purely scientific path as a professional scientist or use your transferable analytical skills in a more diverse career, you will be a talented and valuable addition to any workplace. The University of Birmingham is one of five universities targeted by the UK’s leading graduate employers according to the High Fliers Graduate Market 2023.

In addition to the technical knowledge and practical skills required for careers in industry and postgraduate study, our Chemistry courses help you develop the transferable skills prized by employers, such as communication, problem-solving, project management and data analysis.

Graduates who have studied our courses

Example employers

  • AstraZeneca
  • Johnson Matthey
  • AkzoNobel
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Ernst & Young
  • Reckitt Benckiser
  • Severn Trent Water
  • RBS
  • HSBC

Example careers

  • Analytical scientist
  • Chemist
  • Lawyer
  • Accountant
  • Business retailer
  • Marketing executive
  • Public service manager
  • Web designer
  • Computing and IT expert
  • Investment analyst
  • Publisher

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.

Stuart Cantrill (Chemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry BSc) Chief Editor, Nature Chemistry

Careers Network

At Careers Network, our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you.  Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details