Chemistry (Study Abroad)

The study of chemistry is essential to so many of our basic human needs, from creating safe food and water, synthesising materials for clothing and shelter, manufacturing life-saving medication, and getting us from A to B. The world needs chemists! As a chemistry graduate, you’ll develop an understanding of the world around you which opens up the door to many career opportunities in the field of chemistry and beyond. You can take the knowledge gained from the modules you’ve studied and pursue a career in areas such as pharmaceuticals, product development, postgraduate medicine, energy and the environment, or even continue in academia. Chemistry graduates are also in demand in non-scientific roles for their ability to understand complex problems, their mathematical capabilities, project management skills and awareness of ethical issues and environmental impact. Our graduates are well-paid too, with the median starting salary from our Chemistry degrees being £25,750 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).

Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MChem Chemistry students have progressed into upon graduating:

• Research Scientist - Croda International
• Forensic Laboratory Scientist – Cellmark Forensic Services
• Compliance Specialist – Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Plating Engineer – TT Electronics Plc
• Laboratory Analyst – AstraZeneca
• Analytical Chemist – Central Science Laboratory
• Science Teacher – Cheshire City Council
• Medical Laboratory Assistant – NHS
• Analytical Support Technician – Lancaster University
• Formulating Scientist – Unilever
• Quality Technologist – Royal Sanders (UK) Ltd
• Project Coordinator – Alderley Analytical

Our Chemistry BSc, Chemistry MChem and Chemistry MChem (Study Aboard) degrees are fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, and as a Chemistry graduate, you are eligible for Associate Membership (AMRSC), from where you can work towards the Chartered Chemist status (CChem), a recognised professional qualification that shows exceptional commitment to your chosen profession.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

Study abroad courses

In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.

Placement and industry year courses

In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.

Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.

We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:

• Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard tuition fee
• Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard tuition fee

International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will also be charged in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:

• Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard international tuition fee during the Study Abroad year
• Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard international tuition fee during the Placement year

Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.