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The HNC Chemistry covers the essentials of the discipline while giving you the opportunity to study while you work.

Our HNC in chemistry is primarily aimed at people who are employed in, or wish to join, the chemical industry or a related area. The course will give you an understanding of good laboratory practice and a broad knowledge of the discipline. It includes inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry.

You'll learn through lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, case studies and student-led presentations. If you want to continue your studies after your HNC, you will have the knowledge and confidence to embark on a chemistry degree.

The course is designed to allow you to study while you continue to work, either by attending our Medway Campus part-time or by signing up for distance learning.

School

Science

Location

Medway Campus

Duration

  • 2 years part-time

Start month

September

Fees information

For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below

What you should know about this course

  • Study while you work via distance learning
  • Our course specifically targets the needs of industry
  • Our world-class research means we can deliver high-quality teaching.

What you will study

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Course information is currently unavailable for this programme. Please contact course-info@gre.ac.uk for more information.

About the course team

You are taught by an experienced team whose expertise and knowledge closely reflects the modules of this course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators, lab technicians, and external experts who provide guest lectures on some modules. Our PhD researchers also offer lab support, which our undergraduate students find very useful.

Come and meet us

We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.

Next Open Days

Got a question?

To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

If you are

Applicants should have prior knowledge and skills equivalent to certain qualifications. In addition, applicants must be either employed or recently employed (within three years) in a chemistry related industry. Standard entry requirements are given below:

  • A minimum of 72 UCAS points from A level and AS level examinations. (Applicants must have an A level in chemistry). Applicants are also required to have passed (grade C or above) the General Certificate in Secondary Education examinations (or their General Certificate in Secondary Education equivalent) in English and mathematics.
  • An appropriate EDEXCEL award.
  • Qualifications considered equivalent to the above.
  • Successful completion of a recognised Access to Science course.

For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.

You can also read our admissions policy.

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses. If you cannot find your country on this list, please contact international@gre.ac.uk.

Choose your country:

Available to overseas students?

Yes

Can I use Prior Learning?

Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.

How you will learn

The following data is based on the compulsory modules for this programme.*

* Compiled from modules taught on 2023-2024 courses.

Learning experience

In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:

Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.

You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.

Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

First year courses may be shared across a number of Science courses, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject specific courses tend to be smaller, for example a typical Chemistry intake would have 30 students in a dedicated Chemistry course. Similarly, in the second year, some core courses taken by all students will be equally large, while optional courses will be smaller, between 20- 40 students per group, enabling close interaction with lecturers.

Independent learning

University study requires students to work more independently than they may have been used to in school. Students in Engineering and Science are expected to develop their independence progressively throughout their qualification. In year 1 of the hnc, students are given more support by their Module leaders and personal tutors than in subsequent years. In year 2 students are expected to demonstrate increasing willingness and ability to work independently to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories. This means independent reading to broaden and deepen knowledge and time spent outside the classroom to prepare coursework. Ultimately, it is expected that the mark of a Greenwich graduate is the ability to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.

Overall workload

In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:

  • Lectures (6 hours per week)
  • 1-1 tutorials (half an hour to an hour per week)
  • Intensive Lab week (35 hours)

Assessment

Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen.

You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.

Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.

Dates and timetables

The academic year runs from September to June.

Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.

Fees and funding

Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Full time Part time Distance learning
Home N/A £1,233 per 30 credits £1,233 per 30 credits
International N/A £3,400 per 30 credits £3,400 per 30 credits

Accommodation costs

Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.

Accommodation pages

Funding your study

There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.

EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.

Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.

Financial support

Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.

Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.

Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.

Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.

Careers and placements

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

The HNC is a popular choice for furthering your career in your work place.

Do you provide employability services?

It is expected that students on this course will already be in employment.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of you time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.

A Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies.

Support from the department

Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO) whose role it is to provide an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries.


The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) course encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.

Accommodation information

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Apply now

If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study full-time then you apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).

If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study part-time then you can apply directly via our online application form.

If you are from outside the UK, you can apply via UCAS, directly via our online application form or via one of our in-country representatives. If you require a student visa, you cannot study part-time at undergraduate level.