Chemists, with their ability to analyse and problem-solve have played a big part in shaping our world. Our teaching is research-led, so you will learn at the forefront of the subject, tackling genuine, cutting-edge scientific work. Solve contemporary problems with our leading academics and work in outstanding purpose-built laboratories to set yourself up for a career in a wide range of industries. Studying our four-year MChem Hons Chemistry (with Industrial Placement) degree will not only provide you with a multi-disciplinary skills set, it will also give you the opportunity to experience the environment of a real chemistry workplace and allow you to apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained.
The Chemistry logic
Our world-leading staff teach chemistry in logical stages, in an approach that integrates the topics of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Research conducted by our academics continually shapes the content that they teach, so you’ll never be far from their findings. Part of the Department’s ethos is for all to act as sustainable chemists.
What to expect
There’s an expansive introduction to chemistry in Year 1, covering the fundamentals of atoms and molecules; organic and inorganic reactions; chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. You will build on these topics during the rest of your degree while also developing an understanding of other areas of chemistry.
Year 2 brings you topics such spectroscopy and electrochemistry as well as more advanced areas such as d-block metal chemistry, materials chemistry and quantum mechanics.
In Year 3 there is more flexibility and an exciting opportunity to undertake a major research project alongside our academics, postdoctoral staff and postgraduate students. These projects are directly connected to contemporary research questions that our academics are tackling and give you research experience that will be invaluable in your future career.
You may wish to transfer to one of our other MChem programmes should you perform to a sufficiently high standard in your first two years.
Why take our industrial placement opportunity?
You will head out on placement in your final year, which we believe gives you several advantages:
- You will have a greater degree of maturity
- Your knowledge, practical work and research experience will be more advanced
- You have a greater chance of being offered a job after the placement because you will have completed your degree
Your experience will be enriched by a blend of practical work, self-reflection and studying some Master’s-level modules via distance learning, which together makes your professional experience so much more than turning up to work every day. The most exciting aspect is getting to apply your practical skills and learned knowledge to an industrially-focused research project agreed with your employer, which is assessed as part of the degree. At the end of your employment you will be a highly desirable prospect to any employer.
Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we’ll support you all the way. Our dedicated Industrial Placement Programme Officer will guide you on how to identify and apply for opportunities from Year 2, and how to prepare for competitive interviews during Year 3.
Personal development
There will be lots of moments of discovery throughout your degree, whether that's working out the product of an unfamiliar chemical reaction or bringing out your passion for the environment by learning about cutting-edge sustainable chemistry. These small achievements add up to a wealth of transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and time management, all of which make you stand out to future employers. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.
3 things our chemistry students want you to know:
- We’re part of a close-knit community of students and staff. Small group teaching means a strong support network and a very productive learning environment
- We develop our practical skills in outstanding, research-grade labs. These have been created specifically for chemistry, and to deliver the project work in our third and fourth years
- There's so much support in the Chemistry Department from academics, lab technicians and teaching office staff. If you need help with your studies, you're encouraged to ask questions in workshops and tutorials. Alternatively, you can contact your lecturers outside of teaching sessions