Chemistry with Foundation Year

Chemistry is the science of matter and transformation, providing the molecular understanding that underpins medicine, materials, energy, environmental science, and the entire chemical industry. It is a discipline that rewards careful thinking, experimental skill, and mathematical confidence, asking you to work with substances at the level of atoms and molecules and to understand how and why they behave as they do. A degree in chemistry opens doors to an exceptionally wide range of careers, from the laboratory to the boardroom, and the analytical and problem-solving skills it develops are valued far beyond the chemical sciences themselves.

At the University of Reading, this four-year programme includes a foundation year that provides a thorough grounding in the scientific and mathematical concepts needed before engaging with chemistry at degree level. The foundation year is designed for students who may not have studied chemistry at A level, or who want additional preparation in mathematics or sciences before committing to a demanding honours programme. From the main programme onwards, you will study the core areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, alongside laboratory work that develops practical experimental skills and the ability to design, execute, and interpret chemical investigations.

The University of Reading has an active chemistry research community, and you will be learning in an environment where the science you study is being developed and applied by researchers.

Graduates in chemistry from Reading go on to careers across an impressively wide range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, materials development, food science, forensic chemistry, and chemical engineering. Many pursue postgraduate study, including research degrees, and some use their chemistry degree as the foundation for professional training in medicine, pharmacy, or patent law. The strong analytical and quantitative skills that chemistry develops make graduates attractive to employers across many fields beyond chemistry itself.