Chemistry with Year Abroad MSci (Hons)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

This five‑year MSci in Chemistry with a Year Abroad lets you explore the fascinating world of chemistry in depth — from the tiniest atoms to complex materials — while gaining an international perspective by studying at a partner university abroad. It’s perfect for curious, hands‑on learners who want to develop strong lab skills, tackle real scientific challenges, and stand out with global experience.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start by building a solid foundation in all areas of chemistry. Modules like Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry, and Fundamentals of Spectroscopy introduce you to key concepts, while Foundations of Practical Chemistry gets you comfortable in the lab and mastering essential techniques.

Year 2: This year deepens your understanding, covering topics such as Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry, Solid State & Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical & Quantum Chemistry. You’ll continue developing practical skills, preparing you to tackle more complex experiments and real‑world chemical problems.

Year 3: Now it’s time to specialise and focus on research. You’ll study modules like Organic Synthesis, Topics in Inorganic Chemistry, and Topics in Physical Chemistry, alongside optional modules such as Computational Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, or Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy. This year also hones your professional skills and prepares you for independent research.

Year 4 (Year Abroad): You’ll spend this year studying at a partner university anywhere from Europe to Australia. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience new cultures, gain international perspective, and bring fresh ideas back to your chemistry studies.

Year 5 (MSci final year): Back at QMUL, you’ll focus on advanced topics like Nanomaterials and undertake a major MSci Research Project. This is your chance to lead your own research, apply what you’ve learned, and create work that could make a real impact.

Focus areas:
Organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, nanomaterials, computational chemistry, global study‑abroad experience.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll gain the skills to design and conduct experiments, interpret complex data, apply chemical theory to practical problems, communicate your results confidently, and thrive in diverse cultural and research settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, ensuring your degree meets top professional and industry standards.

Reputation (employability rankings):
QMUL is part of the prestigious Russell Group, and around 93% of chemistry graduates are in employment or further study within six months of finishing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, chemistry isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting your hands on real experiments from day one. You’ll work in state-of-the-art laboratories, use professional-grade instruments, and tackle projects that mirror what chemists do in industry and research. The programme is designed to help you build confidence in the lab, collaborate with your peers on group work, and even carry out independent research in your final year. Studying abroad adds another layer, giving you the chance to experience international labs, new techniques, and different approaches to problem-solving.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Modern teaching labs: Work at your own bench with fume cupboards and the latest lab equipment in the recently upgraded Chemistry Teaching Laboratory.
Research-grade facilities: Access cutting-edge tools like mass spectrometry, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), and X-ray diffraction for hands-on experiments and projects.
Nanomaterials and clean-room work: For advanced modules or your MSci research project, use clean-room deposition systems, laser ablation setups, Raman spectroscopy, and other specialised instruments.
Group and independent projects: Collaborate on experiments and tackle your own major research project in your final year, guided by expert staff.
Year abroad experience: Apply your skills in a partner university overseas, gaining international research experience and broadening your perspective.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this five‑year Chemistry programme leave with more than just knowledge of molecules and reactions — they gain the confidence, practical experience, and global perspective to succeed in a wide range of roles. Many go on to become Research Scientists in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, Analytical Chemists, Data or Process Analysts, or Laboratory Managers. Here’s how QMUL helps you make that leap:

Careers & Enterprise support: From personalised guidance to CV and interview coaching, QMUL’s dedicated team helps you find internships, placements, and graduate jobs tailored to chemistry students.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 93% of chemistry graduates are in employment or further study within six months of finishing, with average early‑career salaries around £30,000.
Industry connections: Partnerships with companies like GlaxoSmithKline and research collaborations such as with Molycop give you exposure to real‑world projects and potential networking opportunities.
Professional recognition: Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, your degree carries long-term value and opens doors to professional membership and industry credibility.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni work in diverse fields, from pharmaceutical research and chemical manufacturing to consultancy and finance, demonstrating the versatility of a chemistry degree.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re passionate about continuing your studies, you could move into doctoral research (PhD) in specialised chemistry areas like catalysis, nanomaterials, or computational chemistry. Alternatively, a taught Master’s (MSc) or interdisciplinary postgraduate study — such as materials science, chemical engineering, or data analytics — can further broaden your skills and career opportunities.