Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad (BSc)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

This four-year degree in Chemistry combines core chemical science with an exciting overseas placement, giving you hands-on lab experience and a global perspective. It’s perfect for curious, ambitious students who love solving problems, experimenting in the lab, and want to build skills that really stand out to employers.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start with the foundations of chemistry, covering Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, alongside a practical module to get you comfortable in the lab. Optional topics like Green & Sustainable Chemistry or Introduction to Drug Development let you explore areas that interest you while building your core skills.

Year 2: This year deepens your understanding with Further Physical Chemistry, Structure, Bonding & Reactivity, and Further Organic & Biological Chemistry, plus extended lab work and key professional skills. You’ll also start preparing for your placement year, learning how chemistry is applied in real-world settings.

Year 3 (Placement Year Abroad): You’ll spend 9–12 months working or studying overseas, gaining professional experience, developing independence, and building a network that will help you in your future career. This is your chance to see chemistry in action in a different country and culture.

Year 4: Back in Cardiff, you’ll take advanced modules like Advanced Organometallic & Coordination Chemistry, Quantum & Statistical Mechanics, and a major research project. You can also choose optional modules to specialise in areas that excite you, while consolidating the skills needed to launch your career or continue to postgraduate study.

Focus areas:
Core chemistry (physical, organic, inorganic, biological), lab skills, research projects, international work experience, and opportunities to specialise in advanced topics.

Learning outcomes:
By graduation, you’ll have a strong grasp of chemical theory and practical techniques, the ability to design and interpret experiments, experience working independently and in teams, and the confidence to adapt to international and professional environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meeting part of the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Cardiff Chemistry is ranked highly for research and graduate employability, with 94 % of graduates in work or further study within 15 months. Its research output is internationally recognised for excellence, making it a strong choice for future chemists.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Cardiff, learning chemistry isn’t just about lectures — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on from day one. You’ll spend lots of time in modern labs, work on real-world experiments, use industry-standard software, and even experience life and work overseas. The course is designed so that every step, from your first practical to your final-year research project, builds your confidence, skills, and readiness for a career in chemistry.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Hands-on laboratory work: From year one, you’ll be in the lab learning essential techniques, recording results, and getting comfortable with chemical instruments (Year 1 Chemistry Foundation Practical – CH5110).
Chemical drawing and modelling software: You’ll use ChemDraw and other digital tools to visualise molecules and plan reactions, giving you experience with software used in research and industry.
Small-group tutorials: You’ll work in tight-knit groups with dedicated tutors for organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, giving you space to ask questions, analyse problems, and learn collaboratively.
Overseas placement year: In year three, you’ll spend 9–12 months abroad at a host institution, gaining real-world work or research experience while immersing yourself in a different culture.
Major independent research project: In your final year, you’ll design and carry out a substantial project (Project – CH6325), letting you explore your interests, develop critical thinking, and contribute to real research.
Digital and virtual learning support: Cardiff’s virtual learning environment provides e-resources, self-tests, and online materials to complement your hands-on learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this programme opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers — from Development Chemist and Quality Control Scientist to Patent Analyst or Research Associate. With hands-on lab experience, an overseas placement, and industry-relevant skills, you’ll leave Cardiff ready to step confidently into the professional world:

Careers and Employability Service support: You’ll get one-to-one guidance on CVs, applications, interviews, and tailored workshops specifically for chemistry students. Plus, a dedicated placement coordinator helps you find the perfect overseas placement.
Employment outcomes and salary: Around 94% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with a median salary of approximately £30,000.
Industry connections: Thanks to links with research groups and professional networks, your placement year helps you gain practical experience and make valuable contacts in pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental chemistry, and more.
Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), which counts towards Chartered Chemist (CChem) recognition — giving long-term value to your qualification.
Graduate roles: Common roles include Product Development Chemist, Patent Analyst, Quality Control Scientist, Chemical Engineer, or Academic Researcher.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, this degree gives you a solid platform for postgraduate research (MSc or PhD) in areas like medicinal chemistry, materials science, or environmental chemistry. You could also specialise through conversion or advanced MSc programmes, building on your lab, computational, and placement experience.