MSci Chemical Physics with Industrial Experience

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bristol

Program Overview

If you love both chemistry and physics and want to see how they work together in the real world, this four-year MSci program is perfect for you. Alongside learning the science in the lab and classroom, you’ll spend a full year in industry, gaining hands-on experience that really sets you apart after graduation.


Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start by building a solid foundation in chemistry, physics, and maths. Units like Building Blocks of Chemistry 1 & 2, Introductory Mathematics for Physics, and Core Physics I: Classical, Quantum and Thermal Physics will give you the core knowledge you need to succeed in later years.

Year 2: This is when the course really starts to challenge you. You’ll explore Core Concepts in Chemistry for Chemical Physics, Intermediate Practical Chemical Physics, and Mathematical Physics 202, connecting theory to experiments and learning how to apply physics and chemistry together.

Year 3 (Industrial Experience): You’ll spend this year working in a real company, applying what you’ve learned in a practical setting while gaining invaluable work experience. It’s a chance to see how chemical physics is used in the real world and make professional connections.

Year 4: Back at the University, you’ll focus on advanced topics and a major research project (Project for MSci Chemical Physicists), alongside units like Advanced Topics in Current Research 2 and Mastery of Chemical Physics and Innovation. This year is all about consolidating your knowledge and preparing for a career in science.


Focus areas:
Materials science, nanoscience, experimental and computational modelling, molecular structure and bonding, kinetics and thermodynamics.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate able to tackle problems at the intersection of chemistry and physics, design and run experiments, apply theory to real-world situations, and communicate scientific ideas clearly and confidently.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), giving your degree professional recognition.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top universities for Chemistry and Physics research, and graduates of this program are highly sought after, with strong starting salaries and excellent career prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On this programme, you won’t just be learning theory—you’ll be getting hands-on with real science from day one. You’ll spend plenty of time in our purpose-built chemistry and physics labs, experimenting, measuring, and solving problems just like a professional scientist. In your third year, you’ll take a full year out in industry, gaining paid work experience that puts your skills to the test and shows employers what you can do. Along the way, you’ll use advanced software, collaborate in small group workshops, and have access to cutting-edge research facilities that support your final-year project.

Some of the practical experiences you’ll enjoy include:

  • Working in well-equipped chemistry and physics laboratories to develop real experimental skills.

  • Using computational modelling and programming tools to explore the intersection of chemistry and physics.

  • Completing a full 12-month paid industrial placement, giving you real-world experience and professional connections.

  • Participating in small-group tutorials and workshops that build teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

  • Accessing dedicated research centres and advanced equipment for your final-year research project, guided by expert supervisors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this MSci degree opens up a wide range of exciting career paths. You could become a research scientist exploring materials or nanoscience, a process engineer in chemical or physical industries, a data or modelling scientist in tech, or an R&D specialist applying science to real-world challenges. With your strong grounding in both chemistry and physics—and a full year of industrial experience—you’ll have the skills employers are looking for from day one.

Here’s how the University helps you get there:

  • Career support: The University’s Careers Service offers one-to-one coaching, workshops with employers, on-campus recruitment fairs, and guidance specifically tailored to industrial placements.

  • Employment outcomes: Graduates report a median salary of around £31,000 within 15 months of finishing this programme.

  • Industry connections: Your industrial placement connects you to real companies and research organisations, giving you valuable experience and professional contacts.

  • Accreditation: The programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), meaning your degree has professional recognition and long-term value.

  • Graduate pathways: Many alumni continue into research or postgraduate study thanks to the University’s strong research environment in chemistry and physics.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this MSci, you could continue with an MSc or PhD in areas like advanced materials, nanoscience, computational modelling, or physical chemistry. The programme gives you a solid foundation to thrive in any research-focused postgraduate study and opens doors to cutting-edge scientific careers.

Program Key Stats

£31,300
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


59 %

Eligibility Criteria

A*AA
3.2
38
90

NA
NA
6.5
88

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Research Scientist (Materials/Nanoscience)
  • Process Engineer
  • Data/Modelling Scientist
  • R&D Specialist
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Quality Control Scientist
  • Computational Chemist/Physicist
  • Product Development Scientist
  • Scientific Consultant

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