Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] [Italian] From University of Kent

At the School of Physical Sciences, we have a strong teaching record in analytical chemistry and we are proud to link our world-leading research on materials chemistry to our undergraduate programmes. All practical classes take place in our newly refurbished laboratories, where you use the latest equipment.

As a foundation year student, you are a full member of the University and can take part in all student activities.

Our degree programme

This programme is for students who have studied science subjects but who do not have the grades they need for direct entry on to our Chemistry BSc. It is also suitable for those who are returning to study following a period in work where they may have gained relevant experience but do not have traditional academic qualifications.

In your foundation year, you study chemistry and mathematics and take part in practical classes. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will have reached a standard above A level and so be fully equipped to tackle the BSc degree course.

Chemistry at Kent is a distinctive programme and includes a set of Ôchemistry in contextÕ modules where you apply your knowledge to specific case studies. For example, in our first-year Disasters module, you choose a chemical disaster and use your understanding of chemical phenomenon to formulate a disaster management plan.

In the first year of the BSc, your modules introduce you to the broad base of knowledge on which chemistry is founded. In your second year, you further develop your knowledge of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and improve your practical laboratory skills.

In your final year, alongside compulsory modules you can choose to take a module focusing on DNA analysis or fires and explosions. You also complete research project in computational chemistry, solid-state chemistry or synthetic (organic) chemistry.

Placement year

It is possible to add a placement year to the BSc and gain valuable work experience. For details, see Chemistry with a Year in Industry.

MChem programme

You also have the option of progressing on to a four-year MChem programme andÊworking as part of a research group doing cutting-edge work. For details, see Chemistry - MChem.

Study resources

We recently invested £10 million in our laboratories and improved our general study spaces. Facilities to support chemistry include a full characterisation suite for materials containing:

• three powder diffractometers
• a crystal diffractometer
• X-ray fluorescence
• instruments to measure magnetic and transport properties at 4K and up to 7 T
• a Raman spectrometer
• two scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
• gas chromatographyÐmass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system
• atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) equipment
• Fourier transform infrared spectrometerÊ(FTIR).

Extra activities

The School of Physical Sciences is home to an international scientific community of chemistry, forensic science, physics and astronomy students. Numerous formal and informal opportunities for discussion make it easy to participate in the academic life of the School. All students have an academic adviser and we also run a peer mentoring scheme.

You are encouraged to participate in conferences and professional events to build up your knowledge of the science community and enhance your professional development. The School also works collaboratively with business partners, which allows you to see how our research influences current practice.

You can also take part in:

• the SchoolÕs Physical Sciences Colloquia, a popular series of talks given by internal and external experts on relevant and current topics
• the student-run chemistry society, Chemsoc, which organises talks with top industry professionals, practical demonstrations and social events.

Independent rankings

Chemistry at Kent was ranked 8th for course satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2018.Ê

In the National Student Survey 2017, over 89% of final-year Chemistry students were satisfied with the overall quality of their course.Ê