Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of matter at the molecular level: the study of what substances are made of, how they interact and transform, and how those transformations can be understood, predicted, and controlled. It underpins medicine, materials science, energy technology, food production, and environmental science, and it is one of the foundational disciplines of the physical sciences. Studying chemistry at university develops a combination of theoretical understanding, quantitative problem-solving, and laboratory skill that is widely valued and genuinely transferable.

At the University of Surrey, this accredited three-year full-time programme combines core theory with the latest practical chemistry techniques. You will develop your understanding of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, building from foundational principles through to advanced topics in areas such as analytical chemistry, forensic and environmental applications, computer modelling, reactivity, and instrumentation. Surrey's programme is grounded in the relationship between theory and practice, and the laboratory component runs throughout the degree, developing your competence in a range of techniques and analytical methods that are directly relevant to professional chemistry practice.

Surrey has a particular emphasis on the application of chemistry to real-world problems, and the programme reflects the university's strong connections with the science and technology industries of the South East. The accreditation of the degree by the Royal Society of Chemistry is a mark of the programme's quality and ensures that graduates have the credentials expected by professional employers and postgraduate institutions.

Chemistry graduates are in demand across the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, materials, and environmental sectors, as well as in forensic science, food science, finance, and a wide range of other fields. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study, including PhD research and vocational master's programmes, while others enter directly into graduate roles in industry, consultancy, or the public sector. The degree also provides a foundation for conversion routes into medicine, dentistry, and other health professions.