Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- AAB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- F103
- Start date:
- September 2025
- 8th in the UK for the impact of our research outputs in Chemistry in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
- Top 20 in the UK for Chemistry
New medicines, new materials, new sources of energy – they can all change lives. And they’re all down to chemistry. The more we understand, the more we’ll be able to make our world a better, more sustainable place to live in.
At Sussex, we have a long history of excellence in both our teaching and research – from Nobel Prize winners to our strong links with the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre. You’ll learn from leading chemists whose world-changing research influences their teaching. You’ll join a friendly and supportive community of students and scientists in the .
From Year 1, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in the lab. By Year 3, you’ll have the opportunity to collect and analyse data from our many facilities. These including Mass Spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. On your course, you’ll:
- study physical, organic and inorganic chemistry
- undertake experimental chemistry and chemical analysis
- develop skills in data acquisition and processing, programming, teamwork and time management.
When you graduate, you’re prepared for a variety of careers such as:
- medicinal chemist
- materials or environmental scientist
- technology consultant
- research and development chemist.
You could work for leading companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Deloitte or Johnson Matthey. You could also consider jobs in the NHS, science publishing or education. And with your data-handling and analytical skills, you could also develop a career outside of science.
And in addition, in your integrated Masters year, you’ll develop advanced research skills working alongside our chemists. This experience prepares you for a future in scientific research and a variety of careers.
Accreditation
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
MChem or BSc?
We also offer this course with an industrial placement year, with summer research placements, or as a three-year BSc.
For me, it’s vital that everyone – no matter who they are or where they come from – has access to the same opportunities that I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. Sussex is where it all started for me. What an amazing launchpad.”Professor Tom Welton OBE
President of the Royal Society of Chemistry 2020-2022
Read Tom’s story
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
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Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
Research in my area of chemistry is exciting because we are using surface science techniques to understand the formation of molecules in space.”Professor Wendy Brown
Professor of Physical Chemistry
Prof Hazel Cox
Professor of Theoretical and Computational Quantum Chemistry
Prof John Spencer
Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry/Director of Sussex Drug Discovery Centre
Careers
Transferable skills such as time management, communication and analytical skills are embedded in the modules throughout your course. Many of our graduates go on to PhD study and research careers in organic, inorganic, physical or computational chemistry. You can also pursue careers in a range of fields such as:
- medicinal chemistry
- drug discovery and chemical industries
- management consultancy and marketing.
What to do with a Chemistry degree
Explore the careers you might be interested in after studying for a degree in Chemistry
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
I had great opportunities to gain practical experience – a paid summer placement at the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre and a placement in the Medicinal Chemistry labs at the pharmaceutical company Novartis.”Hester Beard
Chemistry MChem graduate
Scientist, Illumina
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
- one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
A-level - contextual offer
BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DDM