Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of matter and its transformations. It investigates the composition, structure, properties, and behaviour of substances at the atomic and molecular level, and it provides the theoretical and practical tools that underpin medicine, materials science, agriculture, food production, energy technology, and environmental science. It is a discipline that is simultaneously fundamental, asking basic questions about how atoms bond and react, and deeply applied, since almost every product of modern industrial society depends on chemical knowledge.

At Nottingham Trent University, this four-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in the main branches of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical. You will develop strong laboratory skills alongside your theoretical understanding, learning to plan and execute experiments, to use a range of analytical instruments, to interpret data, and to communicate your findings in the way that professional scientists are expected to. NTU has good links with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries in the Midlands and East Midlands, and the programme is designed to develop not only scientific knowledge but the professional competences that graduate employment in chemistry requires.

The degree develops quantitative reasoning, problem-solving, and the ability to work with complex information in a systematic and rigorous way. These skills transfer broadly, and chemistry graduates are valued across many sectors beyond the chemical industry itself, including data analysis, environmental consultancy, and finance.

Graduates in chemistry work across the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, agrochemical, materials, and petrochemical industries, in environmental agencies and analytical laboratories, in the NHS and healthcare, in forensic science, and in research organisations. Professional pathways include roles as a synthetic chemist, analytical chemist, formulation scientist, quality controller, or process chemist. Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry is the professional development route for UK chemists.

Postgraduate study at masters or doctoral level is a well-established route for those who want to pursue research careers in academia or industry.