Chemistry with professional placement or study abroad MChem (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

The MChem (Hons) Chemistry with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at the University of Bath is designed for curious minds who want to dive deep into chemistry while gaining practical experience. You’ll not only explore the core areas of chemistry but also have the chance to either work in a professional setting or study abroad, giving you real-world skills and global perspectives that set you apart.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about laying the foundations. You’ll cover Foundations and Applications of Chemistry, Analytical and Spectroscopic Techniques, and gain hands-on experience in the Year 1 Laboratory. Alongside these, Skills for Chemists will help you develop the essential techniques and thinking needed to succeed in higher-level chemistry.

Year 2
In the second year, you start to see how chemistry really comes alive. You’ll explore units like Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry, Characterisation, Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy, and Macromolecules and Biomolecules, plus Year 2 Laboratory. This is where your knowledge grows deeper, and you begin to apply analytical and computational methods to real chemical problems.

Year 3
This is your adventure year. You can either take a professional placement in industry, gaining hands-on experience and building your CV, or study abroad at a partner university, seeing chemistry from an international perspective. Either choice gives you a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

Year 4
In your final year, it’s time to put everything together. You’ll take advanced units like 21st Century Research Challenges A, Advanced Chemistry 2, Energy and Materials 2, and focus on your Masters Research Project B. This is where you tackle real research challenges and graduate with the skills and confidence to step straight into a chemistry career or further study.

Focus areas

“Core chemistry skills, practical laboratory expertise, optional specialisation in analytical, computational, biomolecular and materials chemistry, professional placement or international study.”

Learning outcomes

“Build a solid understanding across all areas of chemistry, master laboratory and computational techniques, complete an independent research project, and develop transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking, while gaining real-world or international experience.”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, ensuring it meets professional standards and prepares you for recognised careers in chemistry.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Bath ranks in the top 150 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and Bath chemistry graduates enjoy excellent career prospects, with over 90% in highly skilled employment shortly after graduating.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bath, chemistry isn’t just about lectures and textbooks—you’ll be learning by doing from day one. You’ll have access to modern labs, specialist equipment, and research‑driven projects where you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations. Whether it’s working in a professional placement, collaborating with staff on cutting-edge research, or studying abroad, you’ll gain skills that make you confident and career-ready. Here’s how that comes to life:

Some of the hands-on experiences you’ll enjoy include:

Professional placement or study abroad year: Spend your third year in industry or at an international partner university, getting real-world experience and building a strong CV.
State-of-the-art laboratories: Work in units like Year 1 and Year 2 Laboratories and your Masters Research Project, designing and carrying out experiments, analysing results, and using specialist equipment.
Advanced research facilities: Access tools like the Chemical Characterisation Facility, Dynamic Reaction Monitoring lab, and nano/micro-fabrication labs, supporting everything from materials chemistry to drug discovery.
Team-based projects: Collaborate with fellow students and academic staff on research-driven challenges in catalysis, sustainability, healthcare, and more.
Dedicated placements support: The Faculty of Science placements team helps with finding placements, interview preparation, and staying connected while you’re on your placement.
Digital and analytical tools: Use computational chemistry software, analytical instruments, and data-analysis platforms integrated into your coursework and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this MChem programme opens doors to a wide variety of exciting careers. With your strong chemistry foundation, practical lab experience, and either professional placement or study abroad under your belt, you’ll be ready to take on roles such as:

Research Scientist in industry or academia
Analytical Chemist in pharmaceuticals, materials, or energy sectors
Process Development Engineer or Quality Assurance Specialist
Science Consultant, Data Analyst, or Technical Publications Officer

Here’s how the University helps you make that transition:

Placements support: The Faculty of Science has a dedicated placements team to help you find the right work experience, prepare your CV, and succeed in interviews.
Employment outcomes: Around 90% of graduates go on to work or further study within 15 months, with typical starting salaries around £28,000.
Industry connections: Work with top employers such as GlaxoSmithKline, AkzoNobel, and Pfizer through placements and projects.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving your qualification long-term professional recognition worldwide.
Graduate skills: You’ll leave with not just chemistry expertise, but also problem-solving, communication, and practical research experience that employers value.

Further Academic Progression:
After your MChem, you could continue studying with postgraduate options such as an MRes or MSc in specialised areas like materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or environmental chemistry. If research excites you, a PhD is also a natural next step, preparing you for cutting-edge scientific careers or academic leadership roles.

Additional Information & Requirements

GCSE - GCSE Mathematics grade 6/B and GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4/C (or equivalent).
A-level - AAB including Chemistry and two other science or maths subjects (if studying Chemistry and two or more science/maths subjects).
A-level - AAA including Chemistry and one other science or maths subject (if studying Chemistry and only one other science/maths subject)
IB - 36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level, including 6 in Chemistry and 5 in a second science or maths subject (HL Mathematics or Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences accepted).
If the second science/maths is at Standard Level, 36 points with 6, 5, 5 at HL including 6 in Chemistry plus 7 in the SL subject; note that SL Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations is not accepted as the second science/maths.
English language requirements - IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components or TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
India - Average 80% across four subjects, with 85% in Chemistry and 80% in a second maths or science subject (Physical Education not accepted). If Maths is not studied at 12th Standard, 7 or 70% in 10th Standard Maths is preferred; CBSE students must take the standard Maths exam.
India - For other boards, please contact the university for guidance.
USA - 5, 5, 4 in three AP tests, including 5 in Chemistry and 4 in one other science or maths subject (only one Calculus AP allowed; AP Seminar and AP Research not accepted). Minimum grade 3 in AP Calculus AB/BC, Statistics or Precalculus OR 700 in SAT Math OR 28 in ACT Math is required.