We offer a range of undergraduate courses, which share core material. This gives you the flexibility to change courses right up until the end of your second year (subject to results).
Each of our three-year degrees is also available as a four-year degree, giving you the opportunity to spend a year in industry.
Our courses
MChem Chemistry
In addition to a thorough grounding in the core areas of chemistry, you can choose from a range of specialist topics. Much of your final year is dedicated to your research project and you'll graduate with a master's degree.
MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research
MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research
BSc Chemistry
During the first two years, you'll learn the core topics that all chemists need to know. In your final year, you'll study more advanced topics influenced by the cutting-edge chemistry taking place around you.
BSc Chemistry
BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research
BSc Chemistry
BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Learn how medicines are developed, how they work in the body, and how they can be formulated, analysed and tested. This course was created with industry partners.
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research
BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science
Learn about the application of chemistry in cosmetics design and development. In your final-year project, you'll develop new products to meet a brief set and judged by our industry partners.
BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science
BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science with a Year in Industry
BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science
BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science with a Year in Industry
Chemistry foundation courses
Some of our courses are available with a foundation year. This may be for you if you haven’t taken the necessary A level subjects to apply to study chemistry at university.
These courses give you key skills for science research and foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry and maths.
BSc Chemistry with Foundation
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Foundation
These courses give you key skills for science research and foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry and maths.
BSc Chemistry with Foundation
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Foundation
Foundation courses for international students
If you’re an international student whose qualifications don't allow you to apply directly to our degree courses, you can apply through the International Foundation Programme (IFP).
You’ll build a solid foundation through modules in chemistry and other subjects as needed, so you can transfer onto one of our courses upon qualification.
International Foundation Programme
You’ll build a solid foundation through modules in chemistry and other subjects as needed, so you can transfer onto one of our courses upon qualification.
International Foundation Programme
BSc Applied Chemistry with NUIST
The BSc in Applied Chemistry is a degree delivered by the University of Reading and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST).
You have the option to study chemistry for three years at NUIST and transfer to Reading for your final year, where you’ll study advanced level chemistry topics and carry out an independent research project.
"I'd recommend Reading to Chinese students because you learn to study independently in a wonderful and supportive environment. You can also learn more about other cultures and improve your language skills."
Yuanyuan Wang, NUIST and PhD graduate
Read Yuanyuan's story
You have the option to study chemistry for three years at NUIST and transfer to Reading for your final year, where you’ll study advanced level chemistry topics and carry out an independent research project.
"I'd recommend Reading to Chinese students because you learn to study independently in a wonderful and supportive environment. You can also learn more about other cultures and improve your language skills."
Yuanyuan Wang, NUIST and PhD graduate
Read Yuanyuan's story
Accredited degrees
All our established chemistry degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). We expect our newer cosmetic science and pharmaceutical chemistry courses to be accredited as they run.
Fees and funding
There is a variety of funding support available to our undergraduates. You may be eligible for government loans, grants or bursaries.
Students from the UK can receive government loans to help towards tuition fees and living costs. They may also be eligible for grants and bursaries depending on their circumstances.
Undergraduate fees and funding
Students from the UK can receive government loans to help towards tuition fees and living costs. They may also be eligible for grants and bursaries depending on their circumstances.
Undergraduate fees and funding
Chemistry scholarships and bursaries
All our chemistry undergraduates receive a free Entrance Package to help you in your first year of study. Upon registration you will receive:
- free online access to the recommended first year chemistry textbook
- no bench fees or breakage deposits for laboratory work.
Our Department also offers a number of scholarships of £1,000 to talented students gaining AAA or above, with an A in Chemistry, at A level or equivalent. Other information for Chemistry Scholars:
- Applicants must hold Reading's offer as unconditional or conditional firm by 1 August of the year of entry.
- Chemistry Scholars will be expected to make a contribution to the life of the Department of Chemistry, for example by helping with outreach activities or appearing in marketing material.
- The title of "Chemistry Scholar" will apply for the duration of study, as long as performance is maintained at a minimum of a 2:1 level.
- Scholarships are paid in a series of instalments over the first year.
- Applicants who defer entry may not be eligible for scholarships.
Excellent career prospects
Our career-focused degrees develop graduates ready for today's chemistry careers.
Overall, 92% of graduates from Chemistry are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation(Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Chemistry responders).
Past students have found work with organisations such as Pfizer, Evotec, Pharmaterials (now Quotient Sciences), Intertek, CEM Analytical Services, Thames Water and the police. Other graduates go into a range of professions, including becoming analytical scientists, organic synthetic chemists, peptide chemists, research chemists and senior analysts.
How you'll study
Our award-winning staff use a variety of teaching methods to help you gain relevant skills during your degree. Learn through lectures, practical sessions, placements, a final-year research project, and more.
Read Christine's story
"When my research group published a paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the first four authors listed were Reading students.
"I tell this to undergraduates to show them what they can achieve. Most of my really important work has been done with students."
"I tell this to undergraduates to show them what they can achieve. Most of my really important work has been done with students."
Professor Christine Cardin
Life on campus
Whiteknights campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. The campus is a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.
