About Chemistry, BSc (Hons) - at Keele University

From core chemical principles, models and vocabulary to the pivotal role chemistry plays in addressing global, economic and environmental challenges, Chemistry BSc at Keele offers maximum flexibility to explore topics across the full breadth of the subject. With hands-on access to sector-leading laboratory facilities, and professional and practical skills embedded into the curriculum, you will graduate with a toolkit of chemistry skills to enter a wide range of science-related careers. Course overview Chemistry is the science which bridges the fundamental atomic building blocks of the universe to the complexity of the living world. The impact of chemistry on modern life ranges from the advanced materials powering our devices, to the sustainable production and re-use of resources, the key processes which influence our environment and climate, and the life-saving drugs essential to modern medicine.

Our Chemistry degree explores the pivotal role chemistry plays in tackling global, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century, threading sustainability and industrial chemistry through traditional chemical principles and theories. You will have opportunities for individual advanced project work, collaborative learning, work and educational placements, and to explore frontier topics guided by our world-leading researchers. During your first two years of your chemical science degree, you will be taught the core concepts in the fundamental areas of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry. From the outset, you will explore how chemistry interfaces with biology, physics and environmental science.

Your learning will be supported through interactive teaching, workshops and small group activities, as well as frequent opportunities to practice key concepts in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to study topics of interest across chemistry, including some at the forefront of modern chemical sciences research. As our programmes share a common first year, should you wish to and have opted for the relevant second year modules, you will have the opportunity to transfer to our medicinal or materials chemistry degree. One of the highlights of your degree is your third year independent research project, which can be aligned to your own interests and career goals.

Rather than scripted laboratory work, you will collaborate with an academic member of staff to complete approximately 80 hours of project work, spread over both semesters. You will also conduct an in-depth literature review, giving you the opportunity to delve into an area of your own personal interest which you may connect to your research project, or diversify into another area. These activities will allow you to focus and fully immerse yourself at the forefront of your field and apply your skills of scientific inquiry to make a tangible impact. Industry-ready graduates Designed to provide you with the specialist skills you will need as a professional, modern chemist, our chemistry courses have practical and professional development modules embedded throughout our curriculum.

From hands-on experience using specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratory facilities, to dedicated career-focused sessions and authentic assessments, we will provide you with the knowledge, tools and connections to develop a strong foundation for your future career. Sector-leading in sustainability-education At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies. In 2021 we were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021). Within the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences we promote sustainability through our teaching to raise awareness of the environmental issues within chemistry.

On the programme you will explore how chemistry is placed within the social, political and economic context of 'the real world' with a heavy emphasis on environmental sustainability and the implications for humanity. You will also discover how chemistry associated with industrial processes has changed to become more sustainable and how it must continue to change to further this progress. Find out more about Keele's commitment to sustainability *We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges). Chemistry ranked No.1 in the UK with 96% of students expressing satisfaction with their course (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)* Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, our programme is relevant and valued by industry, with sustainability and industrial chemistry themes embedded in the curriculum Gain hands-on access to specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratories Our practical and professional employability modules will ensure you develop the skills to succeed as a professional chemist Our authentic assessments replicate the type of tasks required in the chemical workplace For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

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