Chemistry
As a fundamental science with global impact, chemistry touches nearly every facet of life. We depend on chemistry in action – in our bodies, in our food and in our environment. Everyday materials, medicines and microchips are all developed with the expertise of professional chemists. It’s also a science that shapes tomorrow’s world, with almost every technological innovation and important breakthrough involving chemistry.
You can explore many aspects of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry with the OU, and develop your skills and knowledge in this exciting subject. Studying for a professional qualification opens up many rewarding career choices in industry, teaching and other professions.
Graduates with a strong background in chemistry are highly sought after in many different fields. Whether you work in business and industry, research or the community, chemistry brings the chance to directly influence the quality of life, with the added dimension of challenge and discovery.
Where to start in Chemistry
We strongly advise you to include Exploring science (S104) and Practising science (SXR103) at, or near, the beginning of your programme of study, and certainly before moving to Level 2.
Students new to higher education, to OU study or to science are advised to begin with our 10-point course Science starts here (S154), specifically aimed at those students who aren’t sure about distance learning, who have done little or no science in the past and whose maths is rusty (or non-existent!).
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Molecular Science
Chemistry touches nearly every facet of life. In this degree, you’ll study organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, and explore processes and interactions at atomic and molecular level. -
Natural Sciences
A truly interdisciplinary science degree, giving the opportunity to study a wide range of sciences with a particular emphasis on the scientific issues vital to today’s society. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Foundation Degrees
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Analytical Sciences
Develop knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin practice across many professions in the analytical sciences sector. You must be sponsored and registered by your employer.
Certificates
Courses in Chemistry
See the list of all our individual courses in Chemistry.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Science.
An undergraduate subject in Science
Spotlight on Chemistry
Are you ready?
Are you ready for S205? is a set of interactive self-assessment questions for people interested in studying The molecular world (S205) . It will help you decide whether you’re sufficiently prepared to embark on Level 2 study in chemistry. Try it!
Short courses
If you have studied science in the past, but are new to OU study or to chemistry, you could begin with one of our short courses, such as Science starts here (S154) , Molecules, medicines and drugs: a chemical story (SK185) or Elements of forensic science (S187) before you take Exploring science (S104).
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
