Chemistry - Subject Guide

From computational chemistry to environmental chemistry, students have a broad spectrum of topics to explore, and plenty of options for developing a specialism which may one day lead to a career pathway. Chemistry has its place in medicine, industry, and research, and some of the most popular options include: 

• Organic synthesis: Involves creating complex molecules from simpler ones through chemical reactions. It plays a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and agrochemicals, enabling the development of new drugs and compounds with specific properties. 

• Spectroscopy: Spectroscopy analyses the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation to study molecular structure and composition. Techniques like infrared, UV-visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy support many types of scientific research. 

• Environmental chemistry: Examines the impact of chemicals in natural and built environments, particularly looking into sources of pollution, transport of contaminants, and their ecological effects. This field informs environmental policy and sustainable development strategies. 

• Polymer chemistry: Polymer chemistry focuses on macromolecules, such as plastics, rubber, and fibres. It explores polymerisation methods, polymer characterisation, and applications in materials science, engineering, and biomedicine. Polymer chemistry contributes to advancements in all kinds of sectors including healthcare and technology. 

• Molecular modelling: Molecular modelling uses a range of computational methods to simulate molecular structure and predict the way in which chemicals will interact with each other under different conditions, leading to advancements in drug discovery and materials design. 

FIND OUT MORE: View all courses

• Molecular structures 

• Thermodynamics  

• Organic chemistry 

• Electrochemistry 

• Spectroscopic techniques 

• Quantum mechanics 

• Environmental chemistry 

• Nanotechnology 

• Pharmacy 

Studying chemistry at university will help you gain advanced mathematical skills, as well as scientific reasoning, and a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy sustainability, and healthcare.  

You’ll spend a lot of time doing laboratory work and research projects, learning how to work under lab conditions and to write using detailed scientific language, as well as drafting and presenting reports about your findings. 

Additionally, through your university work you’ll pick up a range of transferable skills which can be applied to all kinds of industries. These can include: 

• Logical thinking 

• Presentation skills 

• Problem solving 

• Data analysis 

• Research methods 

Undergraduate courses do not always carry professional accreditation, however several professional organisations, like the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), offer specialised positions for chemistry graduates. These can be applied for after completing your course, and membership signals to potential employers that you are able to uphold rigorous professional performance standards. 

If you’re keen on a career in science but aren’t sure if chemistry is the right one for you, then it may be worth considering some alternatives. There are many courses which incorporate similar modules and areas of study that may be better suited to your personal and career aspirations. These may include: 

• Chemical engineering 

• Pharmaceutical science 

• Physics 

• Environmental science 

• Forensic science 

• Mathematics 

• Computer science 

With a chemistry degree, you’ll be able to explore career pathways within chemical science, such as working in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and materials engineering. 

Your extensive laboratory experience makes you well suited to work as a research scientist or laboratory technician, and you could also apply your skills to a career in quality control or data analysis, which enables you to branch out and work across a wide range of industries.  Strong quantitative skills and problem-solving abilities make chemistry graduates invaluable assets in a variety of roles and workplaces.

Potential career options can include: 

• Chemistry researcher  

• Pharmaceutical specialist 

• Data analyst 

• Environmental consultant 

• Materials scientist 

• Chemistry teacher 

• Forensic scientist 

• Quality control specialist 

• Medical researcher 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in chemistry or a related subject. 

FIND OUT MORE: Career guides