Chemistry with Foundation Year
Chemistry is the science of matter at the molecular and atomic level, the study of what substances are made of, how they transform, and why they behave as they do. It underpins almost every other science and a vast range of industries, from pharmaceuticals and materials to food, energy, and environmental monitoring. Studying chemistry at degree level means engaging with both theory and experiment, developing the ability to reason rigorously about molecular structure and reactivity while also mastering the practical techniques through which chemical knowledge is generated and applied.
This four-year programme at the University of Surrey includes a foundation year, giving students who need additional preparation a carefully supported entry point into degree-level chemistry. The degree is accredited, meaning it meets the standards of the professional chemistry community, and the curriculum covers core topics including analytical, forensic, and environmental chemistry alongside computer modelling, reactivity, and modern instrumentation. You will explore how chemical principles apply in fields beyond the traditional laboratory, including in the detection of substances in legal and investigative contexts and in the monitoring and remediation of environmental contamination.
The combination of theoretical depth and practical breadth prepares you to work in a wide range of settings.
Chemistry graduates are in demand across pharmaceuticals, materials science, chemical engineering, environmental science, forensic science, food technology, and energy. Many work in research and development roles in industry or academia, while others move into analytical, quality assurance, or regulatory roles. The quantitative and experimental skills developed in a chemistry degree are also valued in finance, consulting, and technology.
Those wishing to pursue research careers often go on to postgraduate study, with a master's or doctorate in chemistry or a related discipline opening doors to academic and industrial research positions.