Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of matter and transformation. It studies the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and the reactions through which one set of substances is converted into another, from the simplest diatomic molecules to the complex macromolecules of living systems. It underpins medicine, materials science, energy technology, food production, and environmental science, and is central to some of the most significant challenges facing humanity, including developing new drugs, creating sustainable energy sources, and understanding and mitigating pollution.

A chemistry degree develops rigorous scientific thinking and a powerful set of laboratory and analytical skills.

At the University of Leicester, this three-year full-time programme is designed to give you breadth across the core areas of chemistry while allowing you to develop particular interests as the course progresses. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, ensuring that you can gain substantial professional and international experience during your degree. You will study organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry alongside analytical methods and computational approaches, developing both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills.

The combination of academic depth and professional experience is designed to maximise your choices when you graduate, equipping you for careers across the wide range of sectors where chemistry expertise is needed.

Chemistry graduates are among the most employable of all science graduates. The discipline opens routes into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, chemical manufacturing, materials science, food and drink production, environmental science, forensic science, and the energy sector. Many graduates pursue careers in research and development, quality assurance, process development, or regulatory affairs.

The analytical and problem-solving skills developed by chemistry are also valued in finance, management consultancy, the civil service, and patent law. For those who wish to develop their expertise further, postgraduate study and doctoral research in chemistry or related fields offer routes into academic and industrial research positions.