Do you want to pursue a high-level research career as a professional chemist? If so, this is the degree for you. The final year brings you to the frontiers of chemistry when you join one of the research teams in the department.

All our programmes have a common chemistry core in the first two years, differing only in optional modules, which can be chosen from chemistry or non-chemistry courses. This provides a good measure of flexibility and choice for you during the first two years.

The structure of Years One and Two of this programme is identical to that of MChem Chemistry with Research in Industry. These first two years progress rapidly, with a mix of theory and practical modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject. Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics (which is essential for studying chemistry to a high level) we provide a flexible tiered maths for chemistry course allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.

By Year Three you will be a proficient chemist, and you will be able to extend your knowledge in the three traditional branches of chemistry and in the cross-disciplinary subject catalysis. You will also be offered a choice of more advanced optional chemistry modules. 

In your final year, you will take a range of advanced core modules in inorganic, physical and organic chemistry and can tailor your studies to choose high-level modules in areas that interest you and that are related to our research areas. Chemical research is particularly important in Year Four and involves you conducting a significant project as a member of one of the research groups in the Department.

Our graduates develop a wide range of skills including numeracy, problem solving and IT in addition to scientific skills.

Visits to the Department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year. Graduates find employment in many areas, from the pharmaceutical industry to business management. Typical careers of our graduates include assistant analyst, development chemist, research assistant, and site chemist.