Chemistry, BSc (Hons) / MChem (Hons)

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Course Overview

Studying Chemistry at Swansea will give you a strong foundation in both the theoretical principles and practical techniques that underpin the chemical sciences. You will explore major areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, biological, medicinal, theoretical and computational chemistry, developing a broad understanding of how each discipline contributes to real scientific challenges.

From the very beginning of your degree, you will build practical skills through hands on laboratory experience. You will learn how to work safely and accurately in the lab, record and analyse data, interpret results and use a range of modern chemical techniques. As you progress, you will develop your numerical, mathematical and analytical skills, enabling you to work confidently with data, solve complex problems and communicate your findings clearly.

You will learn how chemists apply their knowledge to understand the world around us, from designing new materials and medicines to analysing environmental samples and investigating molecular behaviour. You will also develop the independent learning skills needed to evaluate information, tackle new challenges and grow your scientific expertise.

Clear and effective communication is an important part of the course. You will practise presenting ideas, explaining scientific concepts and writing reports using appropriate sources and scientific conventions. These skills are highly valued by employers and will support your success in a wide range of scientific and professional settings.

If you choose the MChem pathway, you will take your learning even further. You will deepen your conceptual understanding, gain enhanced practical and research skills and apply specialist knowledge to a substantial research project. This advanced training prepares you for professional accreditation and is an excellent route into scientific research and specialist careers.

Why Chemistry at Swansea?

  • 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 1st in the UK for Teaching on my Course (NSS 2025)*

Chemistry at Swansea University attracts students from across the world.

Facilities include sector-leading teaching laboratories and analytical facilities built in partnership with industry

We are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and our student society is the only one in the UK that is affiliated with the American Chemical Society.

*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide

Your Chemistry Experience

At Swansea, you will study a flexible chemistry degree that allows you to shape your experience. You will be taught through a blend of lectures, tutorials, seminars, discussion groups and practical classes. Your core modules are closely linked to our pioneering research in natural products, materials engineering and medicine, ensuring your learning is informed by the latest scientific advances. Our curriculum is continually updated to reflect the needs of modern industry, helping you gain knowledge and skills that are relevant and widely applicable.

We also use a flipped approach to teaching, giving you the chance to watch lecture videos in advance so that your time in class is focused on deeper discussion and problem solving. Pre lab materials help you feel prepared and confident before entering the laboratory.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad to enhance your learning and provide invaluable life experience. You can also choose to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, giving you the chance to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

You may also choose our Year in Applied Research, which gives you the opportunity to work alongside active researchers for up to twelve months. During this time, you will gain practical laboratory experience, strengthen your data analysis skills and build a professional portfolio that showcases your work.

This programme is available as a four-year MChem, an advanced undergraduate degree that includes a further research focused year. The MChem leads to a master’s level qualification in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

If you need additional preparation, the optional Foundation Year offers an excellent introduction to higher education. It will help you develop the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to succeed in your undergraduate degree. It is ideal if you need more support after further education or are returning to study after a break. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress to Year One of your BSc.

Chemistry Employment Opportunities

Our Chemistry degree has been developed in collaboration with industrial partners, giving you a strong foundation for a wide range of careers. Many graduates go on to work in scientific research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and environmental services, while others choose sectors such as engineering, petrochemicals, plastics, cosmetics, food and drink, forensics, chemical safety and water treatment. A popular pathway for Chemistry graduates is medicine, where your scientific knowledge can support the research, development and testing of new drugs and treatments.

Throughout your degree, you will receive dedicated careers support from the Department’s Employability Champion and the University’s Careers and Employability Team. They work closely with key employers and help you access opportunities such as SPIN internships, summer placements and Year in Industry options. Swansea University also helps you find relevant part time work and regularly introduces you to employers including Tata Steel, Fujitsu, IQE, Perkin Elmer and National Nuclear Laboratories.

You will have access to tailored guidance on CVs, applications and interview preparation, as well as employer events and careers fairs where you can explore different career pathways. These opportunities help you build confidence and gain insight into the careers open to Chemistry graduates.

Chemistry equips you with analytical, practical and problem-solving skills that are valued well beyond the science sector. Many students go on to work in IT, finance, management, data analysis, consultancy and local government, where scientific thinking and quantitative reasoning are in high demand.

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Pay and Reward Survey (2023) shows a strong career outlook for Chemistry graduates, with a median salary of more than £51,000 for RSC members. RSC accreditation also means your degree is the first step towards achieving Chartered Chemist status, an internationally recognised professional award that can further enhance your career prospects.

Whether you want to pursue research, work in industry, explore environmental science, or follow a career outside the laboratory, your Chemistry degree will give you the skills, experience and connections to build a successful and flexible future.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Chemistry, BSc (Hons)

Chemistry with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Chemistry with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Chemistry with a Year in Applied Research, BSc (Hons)

Chemistry with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)

Chemistry, MChem (Hons)