University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) in Chemistry 2+2 programme is designed to exploit your curiosity for chemistry; to provide an advanced understanding of the core principles and topics of chemistry; to encourage you to express your ideas clearly and logically; to develop your approach towards independent learning, and to adapt to a wide range of careers in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century.

Our educational aim is that graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Chemistry course have excellent knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical chemistry that, following appropriate training and experience, will enable them to pursue a wide range of chemistry careers in academia or industry.

This programme is taught entirely in English, and the degree awards are identical to those at the University of Nottingham, UK.

Special features

You will gain laboratory experience in hands-on practical classes that typically run for up to eight hours per week during the first year of your course. These classes extend to 12 hours per week in the second and third years. These classes introduce you to the current synthetic and analytical approaches in chemistry, and the operation in modern instrumentation. Practical sessions are held in modern laboratories housed within our university campus. In your third year, you will work on short-term, team-based projects to develop your independence and time management skills.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will guide your studies and help you to select modules that match your interests and ambitions. Your personal tutor is your primary contact in the school if you have any concerns. Your personal tutor will take an interest in your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.

Course structure

This chemistry course is based on that of the same name at the Nottingham UK campus and organised on a 2+2 basis (2 years in Ningbo, and 2 years in Nottingham, UK).

The first two years will be a preliminary year (predominantly English language skills) and a qualifying year, followed by part I and part II years in the UK campus.

We have designed a series of modules that help to deepen and broaden your previous knowledge, introducing you to topics that you may not have encountered at secondary school or college. You will take modules attracting a total of 120 credits in each academic year.

Careers and further study

As a Nottingham chemistry graduate, you will be well prepared for a wide range of employment and postgraduate study opportunities. The chemical industry requires trained chemists, and the emerging materials and biotechnology sectors require chemists who can generate new materials, products, and knowledge that are needed in these areas.

In addition to equipping you with the theoretical and practical skills in chemistry, a degree in chemistry from Nottingham also demonstrates that you can think logically and critically, solve complicated problems, and manage your time effectively. Consequently, our graduates may also be employed in other professions, including those in finance, education and marketing.

Throughout your time with us, our Career Development Office can work with you to improve your employability skills even further. They will assist with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Recent destinations of graduates in chemistry from the University of Nottingham UK include Boots, Cancer Research, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), HSBC, Intellectual Property Office, NHS and Unilever. In addition, many graduates continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline, working towards postgraduate degrees at Masters level.