Chemistry is a fascinating area of science and central to understanding the world around us. Studying at Kent, you are involved in live research and develop skills that can be applied to some of the key challenges of the 21st century – such as human health and the world’s increasing energy demands.

At the School of Physical Sciences, we have a strong teaching record in analytical chemistry and we are proud to link our world-leading research on materials chemistry to our undergraduate programmes. All practical classes take place in our newly refurbished laboratories, where you use the latest equipment.

This programme is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Our degree programme

Chemistry at Kent is a distinctive programme and includes a set of ‘chemistry in context’ modules where you apply your knowledge to specific case studies. For example, in our first-year Disasters module, you choose a chemical disaster and use your understanding of chemical phenomenon to formulate a disaster management plan.

Your first year modules introduce you to the broad base of knowledge on which chemistry is founded. In your second year, you further develop your knowledge of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and improve your practical laboratory skills.

In your final year, alongside compulsory modules you can choose to take a module focusing on DNA analysis or fires and explosions. You also complete research project in computational chemistry, solid-state chemistry or synthetic (organic) chemistry.

Chemistry student Celine Lauchlan explains what studying at the University of Kent is like. 

Placement year

It is possible to take this degree with a placement year and gain valuable work experience. For details, see Chemistry with a Year in Industry.

MChem programme

You also have the option of doing a four-year MChem programme and working as part of a research group doing cutting-edge work. For details, see Chemistry - MChem.

Foundation year

If you do not have the grades you need to study on our BSc degree, you could take Chemistry with a Foundation year.

Study resources

We recently invested £10 million in our laboratories and improved our general study spaces. Facilities to support chemistry include a full characterisation suite for materials containing:

• three powder diffractometers
• a crystal diffractometer
• X-ray fluorescence
• instruments to measure magnetic and transport properties at 4K and up to 7T
• a Raman spectrometer
• two scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
• gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system
• atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) equipment
• Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR).

Extra activities

The School of Physical Sciences is home to an international scientific community of chemistry, forensic science, physics and astronomy students. Numerous formal and informal opportunities for discussion make it easy to participate in the academic life of the School. All students have an academic adviser and we also run a peer mentoring scheme.

You are encouraged to participate in conferences and professional events to build up your knowledge of the science community and enhance your professional development. The School also works collaboratively with business partners, which allows you to see how our research influences current practice.

You can also take part in:

• The School’s Physical Sciences Colloquia, a popular series of talks given by internal and external experts on relevant and current topics.
• The student-run chemistry society, Chemsoc, which organises talks with top industry professionals, practical demonstrations and social events.