Program Overview

Chemistry with Study Abroad MChem, BSc

The Chemistry with Study Abroad MChem, BSc program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry and its applications. This four-year full-time course offers a unique opportunity to spend a year studying abroad at one of the university's partner institutions.

Course Overview

Chemistry is a central science that underpins everything around us, from energy to the environment, medicine to cleaning products. This course teaches the fundamental concepts of chemistry alongside a variety of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and provides access to qualified membership of the RSC.

Year Structure

The course is divided into four years, with the third year spent studying abroad. The first year covers the fundamental principles of chemistry, including introductory modules on modern chemistry, practical chemistry, and research skills. The second year builds upon these foundations, covering various aspects of chemistry, including organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials chemistry.

Compulsory Modules

• Introduction to Modern Chemistry: A concise introduction to modern chemistry, covering electronic structure, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future: An exploration of current chemical research in areas like sustainability and ethical issues surrounding science.
• Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills: Development of practical skills through a range of experiments in teaching labs.
• Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter: An understanding of key sub-disciplines of chemistry, including spectroscopy and electronic energy levels.

Optional Modules

Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• Maths for Scientists: Mathematical knowledge and skills for scientists.
• Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry: Advanced topics in inorganic and materials chemistry.
• Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry: Exploration of material such as advanced synthetic methods.
• Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry: Coverage of areas in statistical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics.

Year 3: Study Abroad

The third year is spent studying abroad at one of the university's partner institutions. This provides an invaluable opportunity to experience another culture, make new friends, and build essential life skills.

Year 4: Advanced Topics and Research Project

In the final year, students undertake a research project, allowing them to investigate an area at the cutting edge of chemistry. Recent projects have included applications of new machine learning algorithms for synthetic chemistry and designing metal oxide-based chemical gardens for wastewater treatment.

Assessment

Assessment methods include formal end-of-semester examinations, coursework, and laboratory assessments. The research project normally accounts for 33% of the assessment in the final year.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB including Chemistry.
• Extended Project Qualification, International Project Qualification, and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: Grade A plus ABB at A-level including A in Chemistry.
• GCSE: English Language grade 4 (C) and Mathematics grade 6 (B) or higher.
• Alternative qualifications, such as Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, and Irish Leaving Certificate, are also accepted.

Fees

• UK: ｣9,790 (2026/27), with subsequent years subject to change.
• International: ｣32,750 (per year), with the fee remaining the same for the duration of the course.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in chemistry have extensive employment opportunities across numerous industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, environment, food and drink, engineering and manufacturing, technology, education, healthcare, scientific research and development, legal, and data analytics. The course equips students with core foundations, teamwork, problem-solving, research, communication, and IT skills, making them highly sought after by employers.

Study Abroad

The program offers over 300 university partners worldwide, with popular destinations including Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Latin America. The study abroad year provides an opportunity to explore a new country, learn in a different environment, and immerse oneself in another culture.

Related Courses

Related courses include Chemistry BSc, Chemistry and Mathematics BSc, Medicinal Chemistry BSc, and Chemistry MChem, BSc, each offering unique aspects of chemistry study.