Chemistry with a Year in Industry (BSc)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

This four-year degree is perfect for anyone passionate about chemistry and curious about how it works in the real world. Alongside building a strong foundation in chemical science, you’ll get the chance to spend up to a year working in industry, gaining hands-on experience that will make your CV stand out.

Curriculum structure:

Year One:
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the essentials of chemistry, covering physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry through engaging lectures and practical labs. Modules like Foundations of Physical Chemistry and Mathematical Methods for Chemistry will help you build confidence in solving problems, while optional courses like Introduction to Drug Development let you explore what sparks your interest in science. It’s all about setting a strong base for the years ahead.

Year Two:
Year two takes you deeper into chemistry, exploring topics such as molecular spectroscopy, organic and biological chemistry, and the structure and bonding of elements. You’ll also strengthen your skills in communicating science effectively through modules like Communicating Chemistry: Key Skills for Chemists. By the end of this year, you’ll be ready to apply your knowledge in the upcoming industrial placement.

Year Three (Industrial Placement):
This is the standout year: you’ll spend 9–12 months working in a real company, tackling chemistry-related projects, learning how a professional lab operates, and gaining experience that employers value highly. It’s a unique chance to see how the science you’ve learned applies outside the classroom.

Year Four:
Back on campus, you’ll focus on advanced chemistry topics like Quantum and Statistical Mechanics, Advanced Organometallic Chemistry, and strategies in Organic and Biological Chemistry. You’ll also complete a major research project, giving you a taste of what it’s like to be a real scientist—planning experiments, solving problems, and presenting your findings.

Focus areas: “Core chemical knowledge, practical lab skills, industrial experience, advanced research, and specialist electives”

Learning outcomes: “Understand and apply chemical theories, conduct and interpret experiments, solve complex problems, communicate scientific ideas clearly, and develop skills ready for professional or academic careers”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), helping you on the path to becoming a Chartered Chemist.

Reputation (employability rankings): 94% of graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation, according to Cardiff’s Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From your very first day, you’ll be getting hands-on experience in chemistry using modern labs, cutting-edge equipment, and industry-standard software. Cardiff’s School of Chemistry has invested heavily in facilities, giving you the chance to experiment, model, and explore chemistry just like professional scientists do. You’ll also get to work with peers on group projects, bringing your classroom knowledge to life, and later take a full year to experience chemistry in a real company through a paid placement.

Here’s how your experiential learning will look in practice:

Work in fully equipped teaching labs and specialist research facilities, including NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and high-performance computing labs.
Access computer suites and the Science Library, perfect for independent study, simulations, and research.
Learn and use ChemDraw and other chemical modelling software, giving you skills that are in demand in industry.
Participate in small-group tutorials and practical workshops, working with peers to plan, run, and report experiments—building teamwork and communication skills alongside lab expertise.
Spend 9–12 months on a paid industrial placement in a chemical company, applying your knowledge in real-world projects and building valuable professional contacts.
Undertake a final-year research project within one of the school’s research groups, exploring topics like catalysis, chemical biology, nanoscience, or structural chemistry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate from this degree, you won’t just have a deep understanding of chemistry—you’ll also have real-world experience from your industrial placement, giving you a head start in the job market. Many graduates go on to roles such as analytical chemist, research laboratory technician, process development scientist, or technical/patent advisor, combining scientific expertise with practical skills. Here’s how Cardiff supports you in turning your degree into a successful career:

The Careers & Employability Service is there to guide you from day one, offering CV workshops, interview preparation, networking events, and placement support.
Employment outcomes are excellent: 94% of graduates are in work, further study, or other meaningful activities within 15 months of finishing the course.
Graduates report a median salary around £28,000, giving a clear sense of the earning potential early in your career.
Industry connections are strong, with past placement opportunities at companies like GSK, Pfizer, Dow Chemical, and Kodak, helping you build professional networks while you study.
The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving your qualification long-term value and helping you towards becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this degree opens doors to postgraduate courses such as MSc or PhD programs in areas like medicinal chemistry, catalysis, materials science, or sustainability. You could also consider integrated master’s programs (MChem) or research-based roles that can lead to doctoral studies, giving you the flexibility to shape your academic and professional journey.