Chemistry with Foundation YearBSc

Develop your key skills in maths, engineering and chemistry before transitioning to the first year of your Chemistry degree. We'll help you start your journey in higher education, then build your knowledge and confidence ready to tackle global challenges.

Course structure

Join our one year Foundation Year programme comprising of taught and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in a number of ways, including exams, coursework, groupwork and individual presentations.

Successful completion of the foundation year results in automatic progression to your choice of destination degree from across the college of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Spend time in our state-of-the-art teaching labs with a focus on collaborative and interdisciplinary working. Develop your creative problem-solving and communication skills.

From sustainable materials to clean energy and drug discovery, play a role in addressing problems that impact our lives. You’ll be ready for a range of careers where highly skilled, practical chemists are in great demand.

• Build your confidence in mathematics, teamwork, computer programming and communication during your foundation year
• Learn through our innovative skills-based curriculum, turning you into a top-quality practical chemist
• Internationally leading research addressing global challenges in health, sustainability and energy
• An inclusive and supportive community - we have received excellent feedback from our students in the 2024 National Student Survey

A new home for Chemistry

The home of Chemistry, the new Molecular Sciences Building, houses dedicated private and social study space and the educational support team for Chemistry undergraduates, right alongside the world-leading research going on in the School, providing a stimulating scientific environment in which to study.

Large, modern and superbly well-equipped teaching labs allow us to offer full day sessions to develop in-depth lab skills alongside confidence in experimental design and critical analysis using modern techniques and industry-standard instrumentation, supported by academic, technical staff and postgraduate demonstrators, and building up to research projects in year 3 tackling health, energy and sustainability challenges.

• 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

Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates).

You will have access to a comprehensive support systems that will assist and encourage you.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 maximizing your abilities, guiding your career aspirations, and acts as a sounding board for key academic decisions. The School of Chemistry'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.

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.
Core modules covering the fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are complemented by maths, data analysis, laboratory and optional modules.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: Students taking Mathematics are not considered. General Studies is not considered.

T Levels

Merit overall, with core grade B from one of the following T Level courses:

• Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing
• Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
• Design and Development for Engineering & manufacturing

Other T Levels are not considered

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diplomas we accept DDD in any of these subjects

• Applied Science
• Engineering
• Computing (IT is not accepted)

Other BTECs only accepted in combination with other qualifications

CTEC

We accept DDD in Engineering or IT

Access to Higher Education

In Engineering, Combined Sciences (with at least 12 credits in either Chemistry or Physics), Chemical Sciences or Physical Sciences with 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3 out of which 30 are at Distinction.

Applicants taking these qualifications are advised to contact the University before making an application.

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.

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.

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.

Apply

Please note this course is only open to UK students. International students may apply to 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 at the Birmingham International Academy.

The UCAS code for this course is F103.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

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.

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.