A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:- You don’t have the grades for a full degree course- You have non-traditional qualifications or experience- You’re starting university after some time away from education- You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Our chemistry programmes offer one of the best staff-to-student ratios in the country, with 91.7 per cent of our students saying that they are satisfied with the teaching on their course in the National Student Survey 2023.We also offer award-winning Professional Training placements, giving our students the opportunity to work among leading chemical companies in the UK and further afield.

• Our BSc or MChem (Master of Chemistry) courses combine modern, practical chemistry with core theory. You’ll explore topics including energy and fuel cells, advanced materials, natural products and advanced analytical techniques.
• You can also choose to complete aProfessional Training placement, with opportunities available among leading chemical companies in the UK and further afield.
• The MChem builds on the BSc course with a masters year and is a direct route to a masters qualification, known as an integrated masters. On an MChem, you’ll spend a year doing research with an industry partner before returning for a final year of masters-level modules.