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A dynamic, ever-evolving subject, chemistry offers a route into a range of careers in a multitude of industries. Our BSc Chemistry with Modern Language programme combines your love of chemistry with your love of languages, a great stepping stone for working abroad or using a foreign language in your career.
Choosing this unique three-year course can make you stand out when it comes to applying for a job as global corporations, who have a presence outside of the UK, will likely view a bilingual applicant in a very favourable light. You can choose to study one of five languages a Birmingham: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish. Chinese and Japanese are only available from beginner level. French, German and Spanish have 8 levels available (from beginner to post A level).
Our broad outlook on the chemistry offers you the chance to play your part in solving some of the century’s most complex problems in healthcare, medicine, sustainability and the environment, graduating with strong analytical abilities, the confidence to propose innovative solutions, and highly developed lab skills. You’ll also learn about the latest developments in cutting-edge research, equipping you to take the first step on your career path or the next step in your studies.
Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)
The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)
A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)
The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level
The European Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)
20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.
In Year 1, you will take core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, all of which are supported by two additional modules comprising an extensive laboratory work programme. The remaining 20 credits is your chosen modern language.
Those of you who do not have A-level maths or equivalent – don’t worry! We provide a self-paced Fundamental Maths for Chemists course in Semester 1, which will bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry. All students take this course, whether they have A-level maths or not, since not all A-level maths syllabuses cover the same material.
In Semester 2, additional mathematics is embedded in the physical chemistry module, as you begin to apply your mathematical skills to chemical problems. All of the maths material is delivered by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you are equipped with those skills you need to tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Practical Chemistry
Language module
In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures and practicals to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core modules in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and the associated laboratory work, you will continue to develop your language skills.
Alongside lecture courses in the three core chemistry sub-disciplines, you will also take advanced classes in your chosen modern language. You will also carry out a 40-credit research project, which can be a literature dissertation or the two, 20-credit laboratory-based Research Methodology modules. If you are interested in entering the teaching profession, you may instead opt for a project in the area of chemical education. You will choose the topic of your project from a pool of titles and work with your project supervisor to tailor the project to your particular research interests.
Choose 40 credits of options, examples listed below:
Research Projects - 40 creditsOR
Research Methodology - 40 credits
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.
You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.
English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.
For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:
TOEFL Home Edition
IELTs Online
PTE Academic Online
Other programmes you might be interested in.
For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.
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