Chemistry

Chemistry is the science that shapes the world we will live in tomorrow.

Chemistry is the science that has the most direct and dramatic impact on our lives. Chemists design, synthesise, analyse and study molecules, the building blocks of everything from materials to medicines. Central to modern chemistry is the quest to make new molecules as efficiently and conveniently as possible, with minimum impact on the environment.

Study at the University of Reading and you will benefit from our £4.5-million, purpose-built Chemical Analysis Facility, our recently renovated undergraduate laboratories, and unrivalled support from our award-winning and nationally recognised staff.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, lab practical classes, workshops and small-group tutorials. If you would like to spend a year gaining work experience, our Year in Industry courses are the perfect solution and give you the opportunity to spend 12 months working in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, in the UK or abroad.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to work alongside staff members and undertake research in an area of your choice. Our research covers a wide range of areas, so you’ll have a variety of fascinating projects to choose from – a number of students have even been authors on published research papers. 100% of our research is of international standing [1] and 100% of our research impact has been classed "outstanding" or "very considerable" [2].

We have excellent relationships with companies such as AstraZeneca, BP, Cytec, DuPont, GSK, Henkel, Johnson Matthey, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Syngenta and Unilever. Overall, 92% of graduates from Chemistry are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment (Based on our analysis of HESA data; HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes First Degree Chemistry responders).

Our chemistry degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and you will receive free RSC membership in your first year.

[1] REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Chemistry.

[2] REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Chemistry.