BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

This four-year degree is perfect if you love exploring how chemistry shapes the world around us — from new medicines to sustainable materials — and want to gain hands-on experience in a real workplace. Alongside learning the fundamentals of chemistry, you’ll spend a full year working in industry, giving you a unique edge when you graduate.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in core chemistry, studying modules like Organic Chemistry Level 1, Inorganic Chemistry 1, and Physical Theory. You’ll also get hands-on in the lab and develop essential skills in areas like Mathematics for Chemists and Instrumental Methods of Analysis, setting you up for success in later years.

Year 2:
The second year dives deeper into the four pillars of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical. You’ll explore modules such as Structural Chemistry, Organic Chemistry 2, Industrial and Green Chemistry, and Quantum Theory, Spectroscopy and Bonding. This is also when you start to see how chemistry is applied in real-world contexts, like sustainable technology and industrial processes.

Year 3 – Year in Industry:
This is your chance to step into the professional world! You’ll spend the year on a full-time placement, applying your knowledge in a real company. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills, gain industry insights, and build your professional network — all of which will give you a head start after graduation.

Year 4:
Back at Queen’s for your final year, you’ll tackle advanced modules like Inorganic Chemistry 3, Physical Chemistry 3, Organic Chemistry 3, and Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry. You’ll also work on larger projects and specialized areas of interest, preparing you for either a career in industry or further study.

Focus areas: Analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, combined with practical industry experience.

Learning outcomes: Graduate with the ability to design and carry out experiments, interpret complex data, apply chemistry in professional settings, solve challenging problems, and communicate your findings confidently.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, helping you progress toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings): Queen’s chemistry graduates are highly employable, with over 90% in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The program’s strong industry links and practical focus make you highly valued by employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start of your degree, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on experience in world-class labs. Queen’s School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is packed with cutting-edge equipment and facilities, so you’ll learn how to run real experiments, analyse real data, and use professional tools just like a practising chemist. And with a full year spent in an industrial placement, you’ll see how your studies translate directly into the workplace — building skills that employers value.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Work in state-of-the-art labs with instruments such as high-field NMR (400/600 MHz and 500 MHz solid-state), X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, HPLC/GC systems, and more.
Take on mini-projects and advanced practical work, like designing catalytic reactions, collecting and interpreting NMR spectra, and presenting your results in written and oral reports.
Spend a full year in industry, applying your knowledge in a real company, tackling real problems, and creating professional reports and presentations.
Collaborate on group challenges, such as designing sustainable manufacturing solutions in the Introduction to Chemical Products and Processes module.
Gain hands-on experience with professional software and digital tools used in modern chemical research.
Access expert technical support and specialised research labs, helping you become confident in real-world chemistry techniques.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this course leave ready to step into exciting roles such as chemical analyst, process engineer, research assistant, or product development scientist. With a full year spent in industry and a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, you’ll have the skills, experience, and professional recognition to make an immediate impact in the workplace:

Here’s how Queen’s supports your future success:

Tailored careers support: The university’s careers service runs workshops, CV clinics, employer talks, and placement preparation specifically for chemistry students.
Strong graduate outcomes: Many chemistry graduates find employment quickly, with typical starting salaries around £25,000+ for industry‑placement graduates.
Industry connections: Established partnerships with leading companies like Almac, Seagate, and Randox give you real-world networks and potential opportunities for your placement and future job.
Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, supporting progression toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status and long-term career growth.
High employability: Chemistry graduates from Queen’s are highly regarded by employers, reflecting both the quality of teaching and the practical skills gained during the course.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue your studies, you could pursue a taught Master’s in areas like chemical or pharmaceutical analysis, or dive into research with an MPhil or PhD. The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at Queen’s is internationally recognised for its research, giving you an excellent foundation for further academic success.

Additional Information & Requirements

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification
A-level - BBB, including Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
Acceptable second Science subjects - Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition & Food Science, Physics, Technology & Design.
IB - 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level with Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 (or Standard Level Mathematics grade 4 in place of the GCSE requirement).
IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component
TOEFL iBT - 80 overall, with minimum scores of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, and Writing 17.
India – Minimum 75% overall in Standard XII, with 75% or higher in Chemistry, and 70% in English (from CBSE, CISCE, or State Boards: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal) accepted in place of IELTS.
India - JEE Main or Advanced scores may be considered alongside Standard XII results if Chemistry marks are below the minimum requirement, provided the overall Standard XII percentage meets the University’s requirement and at least 60% is achieved in the key subject, Chemistry.
Applicants will be required to provide an official Digilocker verification of their Standard XII grades/certificates. Applicants who have completed CBSE qualifications should provide their Admit Card ID number.
USA - B+ or higher in three Grade 12 Honours/College classes, or AP scores of 4,4,4 in three subjects, or IB Higher Level 5+ in three subjects.
USA - Minimum SAT 1290 (620 Maths, 650 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) or ACT 27, including Chemistry as a pre-requisite; conditional offers are accepted if exams have not yet been completed.