MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry

5 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

The MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen’s University Belfast is designed to give you a strong grounding in all areas of chemistry, from organic and inorganic to physical and analytical, while also giving you real-world experience through a full year in industry. It’s perfect for curious, ambitious students who want to combine academic knowledge with hands-on professional skills.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start by building a solid foundation in chemistry, covering modules like Organic Chemistry 1, Inorganic Chemistry 1, and Physical Theory. Alongside this, you’ll get hands-on lab experience and an introduction to chemical processes, giving you a clear picture of how chemistry works in practice.

Year 2: This year you’ll deepen your understanding with modules in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, including Spectroscopy and Theoretical Chemistry. Practical sessions and coursework help you develop problem-solving skills and scientific thinking.

Year 3: Now you move into more advanced topics like Organic Chemistry 3, Inorganic Chemistry 3, and Physical Chemistry 3, plus a substantial Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry project. You’ll get to plan and carry out your own experiments under supervision, which is excellent preparation for real research or industry work.

Year 4: This is your “Year in Industry.” You’ll spend a full year working in a chemistry-based company, applying your knowledge to real-world challenges, improving your professional communication, and learning how a scientific workplace operates.

Year 5: Back at the university, you’ll focus on a major Chemical Research Project and choose from advanced modules like Advanced Organic Chemistry, Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry, or Frontiers in Drug Development. This year allows you to specialise and prepare for high-level careers or postgraduate research.

Focus areas:
Inorganic chemistry, Organic chemistry, Physical chemistry, Analytical chemistry, Spectroscopy & theoretical chemistry, Industrial placement experience, Advanced research projects

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate with in-depth chemistry knowledge, strong independent research skills, the ability to analyse and interpret data, and practical experience in a professional setting—ready to tackle complex chemical problems in industry or academia.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and meets the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status. It’s also accredited by the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Queen’s University Belfast is ranked 8th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025), and roughly 75% of chemistry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with a typical salary around £26,000–£28,000.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen’s University Belfast, chemistry isn’t just learned from textbooks—it’s something you do, see, and create. From the very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in modern laboratories, using advanced scientific equipment and software, working on group projects, and learning how chemistry operates in the real world. By the time you reach your Year in Industry, you’ll be confidently applying your knowledge in a professional setting, tackling real challenges alongside experienced chemists.

Your practical learning includes:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Work with cutting-edge instruments such as 400 & 600 MHz NMR spectrometers, solid-state NMR, environmental SEM, X-ray diffraction, HPLC, and GC—tools used by professional chemists every day.
Practical lab sessions: Starting with foundational skills in Year 1 like solution preparation and data analysis, through to advanced research projects in Year 3 where you design and execute your own experiments.
Digital tools & software: Use the Canvas learning platform and data analysis programs to process results, create reports, and present findings professionally.
Group projects & teamwork: Participate in workshops and collaborative assignments, such as industrial and green chemistry design challenges, to develop communication and problem-solving skills.
Year in Industry: Spend a full year in a chemistry-related company, gaining real-world experience, working on applied projects, preparing reports, and presenting your results to both academic and industry supervisors.
Research & independent projects: In your final year, carry out a substantial Chemical Research Project in our dedicated research laboratories, supervised by experienced faculty.
University facilities: Access world-class libraries, specialized chemistry labs, and institutes that support both learning and cutting-edge research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this program opens a world of opportunities. Many students move directly into roles like industrial chemist, analytical scientist, R&D project leader, or chemical consultant, benefitting from the hands-on experience gained during the Year in Industry. With practical skills, professional contacts, and a strong chemistry foundation, you’ll be ready to make an immediate impact in the workplace.

Here’s how Queen’s supports you and where this degree can take you:

Careers and employability support: The University’s Careers, Employability & Skills Service offers CV and interview coaching, access to the MyFuture job board, alumni networks, and ongoing career advice—even after graduation.
Employment stats: Chemistry graduates from QUB enjoy strong employability, with many moving into the pharmaceutical, forensic, analytical, chemical manufacturing, and teaching sectors. Typical starting salaries are around £26,000–£28,000, reflecting the professional readiness of graduates.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from placements and industry connections with leading organisations such as Almac (pharmaceuticals), Randox (medical diagnostics), Seagate (data storage), and Thermo Fisher Scientific (instrumentation and diagnostics).
Long-term accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), fulfilling academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status—an internationally recognised professional qualification.
Graduation outcomes: QUB chemistry graduates are highly regarded by employers both locally and internationally, combining strong theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, the MChem sets a strong foundation for postgraduate routes, including taught MSc programs or research-based MPhil/PhD degrees. Queen’s chemistry graduates have progressed to top research positions, leveraging the School’s world-class facilities and research expertise, or moved on to study at other leading institutions worldwide.

Additional Information & Requirements

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification.
A-level - AAA, including Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade B/6 or above.
Acceptable second Science subjects - Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition & Food Science, Physics, Technology & Design.
IB - 36 points overall, including 6,6,6 at Higher Level with Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics grade B/6 (or Standard Level Mathematics grade 5 in place of the GCSE requirement).
IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component
TOEFL iBT - 80 overall, with minimum scores of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, and Writing 17.
Indian Standard XII (10+2) with an overall average of 70‑85% in best five subjects, including Chemistry with at least 75%
India - JEE Main or Advanced scores may be considered alongside Standard XII results if Chemistry marks are below the minimum requirement, provided the overall Standard XII percentage meets the University’s requirement and at least 60% is achieved in the key subject, Chemistry.
Applicants will be required to provide an official Digilocker verification of their Standard XII grades/certificates. Applicants who have completed CBSE qualifications should provide their Admit Card ID number.
USA - A or higher in three Grade 12 Honours/College classes, or AP scores of 5,5,5 in three subjects, or IB Higher Level 5+ in three subjects.
USA - Minimum 1350 (Minimum 700 Maths, 650 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) or ACT 28, including Chemistry as a pre-requisite; conditional offers are accepted if exams have not yet been completed.