Chemistry with Foundation Year
Entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
An Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject considered. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent; Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent; Science at grade C or 4.
UCAS Tariff
From A levels to include at least 24 points in any one A level and at least 16 points from a science subject (biology/chemistry/human biology). Or BTEC National qualification in Applied Science. We do not accept general studies. For example: MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Pass overall from a T level qualification in either Health -Care Science or Science with D or E from core. A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**
**Course summary:**
- Develop real-world chemistry problem-solving skills in the context of biological, environmental, materials and pharmaceutical science.
- Gain experience of industrially-relevant analytical instrumentation, modern synthetic techniques and application of computing in chemistry.
- Take the opportunity to complete a work placement – either in the UK or abroad.
- Transfer onto an MChem route for a specialist year of research intensive study working alongside our internationally recognised researchers.
Chemistry impacts everything around you. This course will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to be part of exciting scientific developments that affect all areas of life.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) courses, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year. You will build your confidence in biology, chemistry and maths, and apply your theoretical knowledge in practical laboratory sessions. You will also familiarise yourself with Sheffield Hallam’s staff and facilities — ensuring that you are fully prepared to begin at degree level study.
**How you learn:**
Throughout the course you will develop practical skills in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You will learn underlying theories that support chemistry – alongside the data analysis, project design and management skills required to be an independent scientist.
In years 1 and 2 you will gain a breadth of knowledge in physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry. In your final year you have a choice of modules which will allow you to specialise in a specific area of chemistry.
The foundation course content is delivered and assessed in a variety of innovative and exciting ways, helping you to gain skills required for success on your chosen degree route. You will study 6 modules designed to prepare you for future success while studying one of our bioscience or chemistry degrees. Attending and participating in the laboratory activities is central to your course, as it is where you develop not only practical skills, but also learn to keep effective records and analyse data, as well as working both independently and with others.
- core lectures and workshops
- practical lab sessions
- small group academic tutorials
- field trips
- project work
**Applied learning - Work placements**
You have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement between your second and third year – either in the UK or abroad. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. In previous years students have obtained placements in pharmaceutical and materials chemical industries, scientific recruitment agencies and in education. By securing a placement with one of our industry partners, you will enter the jobs market with a CV that attracts employer attention.
Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.
**Research Project**
During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.
**Field trips**
Students have benefited from a European field trip to world renowned chemical research facilities. The trip included tours of the facilities, seminars and discussions with leading chemists, as well as exposure to the culture of the region. The majority of the cost for this trip was covered by the university.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
**Year 1**
**Compulsory modules**
Concepts In Biology And Chemistry
Developing Skills For Science
Foundation Skills For Science
Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry
**Year 2**
**Compulsory modules**
Applied Topics In Chemistry
Core Concepts In Chemistry
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists
Principles Of Chemical Analysis
**Year 3**
**Compulsory modules**
Applications Of Analytical Science
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists
Inorganic, Physical And Materials Chemistry
Organic And Biosynthetic Chemistry
**Year 4**
**Compulsory modules**
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry
**Final year**
**Compulsory modules**
Advanced Chemical Synthesis
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists
Chemistry For Future Global Challenges
Research Project
**Elective modules**
Advanced Analytical Science
Applications Of Data Science
Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery
Assessment methods
Coursework, Exams, Practicals
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.
The Uni
Sheffield Hallam University
College of Health Wellbeing and Life Sciences
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Chemistry
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Chemistry
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Chemistry graduates are in demand from a wide range of industries, from the food, oil, chemicals and pharmaceuticals to consultancy, technical analysis and teaching. They're also prized by business and finance employers for their research and data handling skills — anywhere there is research and data to be explained, you can find chemistry grads. If you want a career in research, you need a doctorate, so start planning now if you fancy one of these exciting and challenging jobs - but good students can usually get grants to take a doctorate, so don't worry about the financing if you think you have what it takes. The recession wasn’t too kind to chemists, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry (one of the key employers for chemists), but things are getting back to normal for this flexible group and it's one of the few degrees that is bucking the current trend and increasing graduate numbers.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Chemistry
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£22k
£26k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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Graduate field commentary:
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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