Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of matter: what things are made of, how they interact, and what new substances and materials can be created from existing ones. It sits at the foundation of modern science and technology, underpinning medicine, materials, energy, food, and the environment. A degree in chemistry trains you not just to know facts about the periodic table but to think experimentally, to reason from evidence, and to design and interpret complex investigations.

At Queen Mary University of London you will study across four years on a full-time programme. The degree covers the three main branches of the discipline, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, giving you a thorough grounding in each before allowing you to explore more specialised areas at higher levels. Organic chemistry teaches you to understand the structure and reactivity of carbon-based compounds, including those at the heart of pharmaceutical and materials research.

Inorganic chemistry examines the properties and applications of all the elements. Physical chemistry connects molecular behaviour to measurable properties, using mathematics and thermodynamics to describe how chemical systems change and equilibrate. Laboratory work is central to the degree throughout: you will design and carry out experiments, handle data critically, and develop the practical skills that make a chemist genuinely useful in the real world.

You will also build quantitative reasoning and scientific writing abilities that are valued far beyond the laboratory.

Chemistry graduates are in strong demand across a wide range of sectors. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are major employers, as are agrochemical, polymer, and materials companies. Analytical roles in environmental testing, forensic science, food safety, and quality control are further common directions.

Many graduates also move into finance, patent law, science communication, and consulting, where their analytical training sets them apart. Postgraduate study, whether a Masters or a PhD, is a natural step for those who wish to specialise further or pursue research, and many four-year chemistry degrees include a substantial research project that provides excellent preparation for this path.