Undergraduate chemistry practical chemistry student working in a lab, wearing safety goggles

Chemistry with a Year in Industry MSci

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. This includes developing new drugs and vaccines, researching clean energy resources, and feeding a growing population.

On this undergraduate masters-level course, you will have the opportunity to spend an assessed year in a research laboratory of a chemical company in year three. You will be a paid employee where you’ll work on a research project. You’ll develop your industrial skills and gain experience to prepare you for a job in industry when you graduate. In addition, you will complete three distance learning theory modules. Recent destinations for placement students have included AstraZeneca, BP, GlaxoSmithKline, Lubrizol and Sygnature. 100% of the students from this course go on to work and/or study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019-2020).

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 1

Chemistry Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Calculations in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Molecules of Life

Optional

Year 1

Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing

Optional

Year 1

Frontiers in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Mathematics for Chemistry 2

Mandatory

Year 2

General Inorganic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Principles of Analytical Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

Mandatory

Year 2

Core Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 2

Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Atmospheric Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology

Optional

Year 2

Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques

Optional

Year 2

Sustainable Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Year in industry

Mandatory

Year 3

Industry Placement

Mandatory

Year 3

Distance Learning Organic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Distance Learning Inorganic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Distance Learning Physical Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 4

MSci Chemistry Research Project

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Optional

Year 4

Contemporary Organic Synthesis

Optional

Year 4

Nucleic Acids and Bioorganic Mechanisms

Optional

Year 4

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

Optional

Year 4

Molecular Interactions and Supramolecular Assembly

Optional

Year 4

Enterprise for Scientists

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Biocatalysis, Biosynthesis and Chemical Biology

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Friday 17 May 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

The majority of this course is designed to be delivered in–person, Online methods may form part of a few modules. Year 3 will be delivered and assessed by the partner institution.  

Methods of delivery will include: 

  • Laboratory
  • practical sessions 
  • Lectures 
  • Tutorials 
  • Workshops/Seminars 

How you will be assessed

An overall mark of 55% or above for the second year is required to progress into the third year of the MSci degree.   

Students who do not progress into year three or are unable to gain an industrial placement will join the third year of the BSc or MSci degrees depending on their credit-weighted average for the second year.  

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study: year two is worth 20%, year three 30%, and year four 50%.  

Assessment methods  

  • Written exam  
  • Coursework, including: 
    • Lab reports 
    • Research project 
    • Distance learning modules 

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules for 120 credits each year. As a guide, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work including consolidation.  

There are typically 8-10 one-hour lectures; in addition, you will spend 8 to 10 hours in laboratory classes per week. A typical week will also include an academic tutorial covering one of the core modules.   

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you through your studies and help guide your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.   

Core modules are typically delivered by assistant professors, associate professors, or professors. Lab classes will also include PhD demonstrators and technicians. 

Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.

Recent graduate destinations include:

  • Boots
  • Cancer Research
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • HSBC
  • NHS
  • Unilever

Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.

Average starting salary and career progression

89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

 

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

I really enjoyed studying at the University of Nottingham and it was great to be able to have the option of doing a year in industry. During my third year, I was fortunate enough to spend time at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as an Industrial Placement student. This was really valuable as it taught me how to apply what I had learned in Nottingham and gave me a taste for what I wanted to do after my degree. 

Graduated in 2020

Course data

Open Day June 2022