Chemistry with Summer Research Placements MChem

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The Chemistry with Summer Research Placements MChem at Sussex is designed for students who want to go beyond the classroom and get real hands-on research experience. You’ll not only study the foundations of chemistry but also spend your summers working alongside active research groups, gaining practical skills that make you stand out for future careers in industry or research.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in chemistry with modules like Chemistry Laboratory 1, Electrons in Atoms and Molecules, and Transferrable Skills for Chemists. You’ll gain essential lab experience and develop key skills like data analysis, programming basics, and scientific problem-solving — all crucial for more advanced work later.

Year 2
Your second year dives deeper into the heart of chemistry. Modules such as Physical Chemistry of Molecules and Materials, Reactivity of Organic Compounds, and Reactivity of the Elements will give you a well-rounded understanding of how chemicals behave. Plus, you’ll complete your first summer research placement, applying what you’ve learned in a real lab setting and experiencing day-to-day scientific research.

Year 3
In year three, you’ll get hands-on with advanced instruments like NMR and mass spectrometry while studying higher-level organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry modules. Another summer research placement allows you to refine your experimental skills, manage projects, and gain confidence working in a professional lab environment.

Year 4 (Integrated Master’s year)
The final year is all about independent research. You’ll work closely with Sussex academics on a substantial research project, pushing into cutting-edge chemistry topics. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to step straight into industry, continue with postgraduate study, or even lead your own research projects.

Focus areas

Chemical synthesis and analysis, physical and inorganic chemistry, instrumentation and data-handling, summer research placements.

Learning outcomes

Graduates leave with strong practical and analytical chemistry skills, hands-on experience from multiple research placements, and the ability to design and execute experiments independently. You’ll be fully prepared for research, industry roles, or further study.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meeting the academic standards required for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Sussex is ranked 4th in the UK for graduate prospects in Chemistry (Complete University Guide 2026) and top 5 in the UK for Chemistry in the Guardian University Guide 2026. Its research impact is also highly regarded, ranked 8th in the UK for Chemistry (REF 2021).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, learning chemistry isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting your hands on real experiments from day one. You’ll work in top-notch labs with equipment like NMR and mass spectrometers, joining research teams that let you collect and analyse your own data. The program is designed so you’re actively solving problems, working in teams, and building the kind of skills that make you ready for a career in research or industry.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the course:

Summer research placements every year (except the final year) within the Department of Chemistry, giving you real lab experience, mentorship, and a stipend.
Access to advanced labs and instruments including mass spectrometry and NMR for hands-on data collection and analysis.
Research-focused modules like Researching and Communicating Chemistry, where you’ll present posters, deliver talks, and practice scientific writing.
Opportunities to work in teams on experiments and projects, developing collaboration, problem-solving, and data-handling skills.
Connections with research centres and institutes, such as the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, offering exposure to cutting-edge chemistry research.
A strong support system with modern laboratories, libraries, and digital tools to support both independent and group projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave Sussex ready to take on a variety of exciting roles, whether it’s conducting research in a lab, developing new materials or drugs, or working as a consultant in the chemical industry. Typical job paths include medicinal chemist, R&D chemist, materials scientist, and technology consultant — giving you flexibility to follow your passions.

Here’s what makes your career preparation so strong:

Careers & Entrepreneurship support: Sussex offers dedicated guidance to help you secure work experience, internships, and graduate roles — with most students completing work experience by the time they graduate.
Employment stats: Chemistry graduates from Sussex report average starting salaries around £26,500, 15 months after finishing their degree.
Industry connections: The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), helping you move toward Chartered Chemist status — a valuable long-term professional qualification.
Real-world experience: The summer research placements give you hands-on lab experience and build credentials that employers and postgraduate programs value.
Graduate destinations: Past students have gone on to work in pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental sectors, and chemical industries worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MChem gives you a strong foundation for postgraduate research, including PhD programs in chemistry or materials science. The research experience you gain during your summers and in your final year prepares you to take on advanced projects and make a real impact in your field.