Chemistry

Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. This includes developing new drugs and vaccines, researching clean energy resources, and feeding a growing population.

You'll be taught by experts who will feed your curiosity for this exciting subject. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos YouTube channel.

You'll study all the key areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Optional modules allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests, such as studying the links between chemistry, physics and biology.

Sustainable chemistry
Green and sustainable chemistry is a key research interest here at the University of Nottingham. We have active research in using chemistry as a tool to tackle global challenges. These challenges include developing benign synthesis for manufacture, decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels for power generation and how to develop next-generation materials that impact batteries and solar panels. On this degree, you can study optional modules in green and sustainable chemistry. These modules will give you an understanding of how to make chemical processes more environmentally friendly, and how to use chemistry to tackle environmental challenges.

Medicinal chemistry
Chemistry is key to understanding drugs and treating illnesses. You can choose to study modules that cover medicinal chemistry and drug development throughout your degree. In these optional modules you’ll learn about design and synthesis of pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, metabolism and targeting.

Careers and employability
The University of Nottingham is the second-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2022). A degree in chemistry will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You’ll develop the necessary academic and practical skills for a career in industry, whether that be in pharmaceutical, petrochemical, cosmetics or others. You’ll also develop your written and oral communication skills, and gain transferable skills such as problem-solving, numeracy and data analysis. A significant proportion of our students go onto postgraduate study.