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2022/23
2023/24

MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry or Research

  • UCAS code
    F105
  • Typical offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

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.

Upon your return to the University you will join the final year of the MChem course, which includes a range of Masters-level topics and an extended research project. This project is a major feature of your final year and gives you a realistic introduction to the triumphs and trials of research.

All our chemistry courses are very flexible and, depending on your grades, you can transfer between them at the end of your first or second year. This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

For more information, please visit the Department of Chemistry website. 

Placement

We have a dedicated placements officer who is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of application. Students are responsible for finding their own placements but can receive help from the placements officer with deciding which companies to approach.

We have previously sent students to companies such as Coty (Rimmel), Dow Corning and GSK. Students have also been placed at foreign research institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, Aarhus University, the University of South Australia and NASA. All students will be visited a number of times by a member of the teaching staff, ensuring the placement is going well.

For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

New international students: £24,500

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

We incorporate skills development into each year of your degree, giving you a better chance of securing work when you leave university. 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.