Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research (MChem) MChem (Hons)

MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry or Research is a four-year course provides you with the exciting option of spending a year in research at one of our partner universities abroad or a paid year in industry before you graduate on your way to becoming a professional scientist.

This MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry or Research degree provides excellent training if you are considering a career as a professional chemist either in industry or higher education.

In your first two years you will gain a thorough grounding in the core areas of chemistry. As you progress, you will choose from a range of specialist options on topics such as polymers, organic synthesis, catalysis and biomolecular modelling.

You will then spend your third year on placement, either working for a major chemical or pharmaceutical company, in the UK or overseas, or by studying at one of our partner universities abroad. This placement year is one of the best ways to prepare for a career in chemistry. The Department currently has excellent links with companies in the Reading area, across the UK and overseas.

Whilst on placement you will be visited by your tutor and continue to study core chemistry units from the third year of your degree. This distance learning ensures your fundamental knowledge of chemistry continues to develop.

Career

Upon graduation you will have developed a range of skills which are essential for chemists but also make you highly desirable in all areas of employment. These include skills such as planning and organisation, handling information, communication, scientific and practical skills, ICT, problem solving, critical analysis, time management and business awareness. The Department also holds a careers fair at which University alumni discuss their careers and advise you on the different options available.

Our graduates go into a range of professions, across numerous sectors including science, the environment, health and safety, forensics, food technology, pharmaceuticals and water analysis.

Past students have found work with organisations including Evotec, Pharmaterials, Intertek, Reed, the police, Pfizer, CEM Analytical Services and Thames Water.