MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry or Research
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UCAS code
F105 -
Typical offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
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Year of entry
2023/24 -
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.
Overview
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.
Entry requirements A Level ABB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
ABB, including grade B in A level Chemistry
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
GCSE
Maths at grade B (6)
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 1 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1IN1 | Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | DR Michael Piperakis |
CH1OR1 | Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH1PH1 | Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1PRA | Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Jessica Gusthart |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1M | Chemistry M | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH1M2 | Mathematics M2 | PROF Ann Chippindale |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Ceri Falys |
BI1BEA2 | Current Topics in Zoology and Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2AN3 | Analytical Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH2CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 2 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2IN1 | Further Inorganic Chemistry | PROF Anthony Powell |
CH2OR1 | Further Organic Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
CH2PH1 | Further Physical Chemistry | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2PRAC | Extended Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Michael Piperakis |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2CCS1 | Core Cosmetic Science 1 | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH2MC2 | Medicinal Chemistry 2 for Chemists | DR John McKendrick |
CH2MIM | The Uses of Metals in Medicine | DR Katja Strohfeldt-Venables |
CH2PC2 | Aspects of chemical biology | DR John McKendrick |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3DL | Placement Distance Learning | DR James Cooper |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3MED | Medicinal Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH4I2 | Catalysis | PROF Frantisek Hartl |
CH4O1 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Synthesis of Complex Targets (2) | DR Chris Smith |
CH4PR | MChem Chemistry Project | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
CH4SK | Chemistry in Industry and Professional Skills | DR John McKendrick |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH4AN1 | Advanced Analytical Techniques for the Molecular Sciences | PROF Rainer Cramer |
CH4CR | Current Topics in Chemical Research | DR Kevin Lovelock |
CH4I3 | Functional Inorganic Materials | PROF Anthony Powell |
CH4O4 | Oligosaccharides and Natural Products | DR John McKendrick |
CH4P3 | Advanced Techniques in Physical Chemistry | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
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.
Careers
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.