Material Chemistry with Work Placement MSci

5 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Glasgow

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how chemistry shapes the world of advanced materials — from next‑generation electronics to sustainable energy solutions — this degree is for you. You’ll dive into both the theory and practice of materials chemistry, learning how molecules and structures come together to create innovative materials, while gaining real-world work experience along the way.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll start by building a solid foundation in chemistry through units like Chemistry 1, where you explore the periodic table, organic chemistry, energy changes, and macromolecules. Alongside this, you’ll study other science or non-science subjects to give you a well-rounded first year.

Year 2: In your second year, you’ll go deeper with units like Chemistry 2X and Chemistry 2Y, covering quantum mechanics, chemical bonding, spectroscopy, organometallics, solids and surfaces, and applied organic chemistry. You’ll begin to see how these concepts connect to real materials and technologies.

Years 3, 4 & 5:

Year 3: This is when things get really exciting. You’ll study advanced topics such as nanomaterials, organic electronics, catalysis, and polymers through units like Inorganic Chemistry 3, Organic Chemistry 3, and Frontiers of Chemistry 3M. You’ll also develop lab and research skills that prepare you for cutting-edge projects.
Year 4: You’ll step into a real-world environment with a work placement, giving you hands-on experience in industry or a research institute. It’s a fantastic way to see how materials chemistry works outside the classroom.
Year 5: In your final year, you’ll tackle major research projects with units like Materials Chemistry Project, Functional Materials 4M, and Nanostructured Materials 4M. You’ll explore areas like energy devices, organic LEDs, solar cells, and photonics, developing expertise that sets you apart for your future career.

Focus areas: nanomaterials, organic electronics, photonics, energy storage, polymers, advanced materials characterisation

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to design and understand new materials, carry out advanced lab work, manage research projects, and apply your knowledge in both industrial and academic settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving you a recognized professional edge.

Reputation (employability rankings): Glasgow is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for chemistry, with graduates highly sought after. Many go on to managerial or specialist roles, and the program has excellent employment outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Glasgow, learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — you’ll get your hands dirty in modern labs, use cutting-edge equipment, and work on real-world materials chemistry problems. From day one, you’ll start developing practical skills, working in teams, and applying theory to experiments. The highlight is your work placement year, where you’ll step into a company or research institute, gaining invaluable professional experience and seeing how chemistry really works in the field.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like in this programme:

Work placement year (Year 4): Spend a full year in industry or a research institute, applying your knowledge, gaining workplace skills, and building professional connections.
Advanced laboratory training: Access high-end instruments for characterizing materials, including spectroscopy, electrochemistry setups, and materials analysis equipment.
Research-driven projects: In your final year, you’ll tackle hands-on projects like making and testing Li‑ion batteries, organic electronic devices, or nanomaterials under the guidance of expert researchers.
Team and group projects: Throughout the degree, you’ll collaborate on experiments and assignments, honing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Placement support and networks: The School of Chemistry has strong links with industry and research institutes to help you secure placements that match your interests and career goals.
Dedicated facilities: State-of-the-art labs, workshops, and access to the University’s extensive libraries and digital resources support your learning and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave ready to tackle exciting roles in materials science and chemistry, such as materials chemist, process or development scientist, analytical chemist, or technical consultant. Thanks to the combination of deep scientific knowledge and a full year of hands-on work placement experience, Glasgow graduates are highly sought after and confident stepping straight into the workforce. Here’s how the university helps you get there:

University support services: Glasgow’s Careers Service offers one-on-one coaching, CV and interview guidance, help finding jobs or internships, and tailored sessions within the School of Chemistry to prepare you for research or industry careers.
Employment stats & salaries: Graduates of this programme enjoy excellent employment outcomes, with reported unemployment at 0% 15 months after graduation, and a median starting salary around £26,000.
Industry partnerships: Through the work placement year, students connect with companies and organisations such as EDF Energy, Quotient Clinical, and Reckitt Benckiser, giving you a taste of real-world chemistry applications.
Accreditation and professional value: The programme is recognized for its quality and prepares you for professional roles in both industry and academia, giving your CV long-term credibility.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni move into research, process development, analytical roles, and also management, patents, environmental monitoring, and even chemistry-related finance or marketing roles.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this degree sets you up perfectly for postgraduate opportunities. You could pursue an MSc in advanced materials chemistry or nanotechnology, or go on to a PhD in one of Glasgow’s world-class chemistry research groups. With your Year 4 placement experience and Year 5 research project, you’ll be ready to take on challenging research roles or further study anywhere in the world.