Chemistry (with an industrial placement year)

8th in the UK for the impact of our research outputs in Chemistry in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

About the course

New medicines, new materials, new sources of energy – they can all change lives. And they’re all down to chemistry. The more we understand, the more we’ll be able to make our world a better, more sustainable place to live in.

At Sussex, we have a long history of excellence in both our teaching and research – from Nobel Prize winners to our strong links with the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre. You’ll learn from leading chemists whose world-changing research influences their teaching. You’ll join a friendly and supportive community of students and scientists in the School of Life Sciences.

From Year 1, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in the lab. By Year 3, you’ll have the opportunity to collect and analyse data from our many facilities. These including Mass Spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. On your course, you’ll:

• study physical, organic and inorganic chemistry

• undertake experimental chemistry and chemical analysis

• develop skills in data acquisition and processing, programming, teamwork and time management.

When you graduate, you’re prepared for a variety of careers such as:

• medicinal chemist

• materials or environmental scientist

• technology consultant

• research and development chemist.

You could work for leading companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Deloitte or Johnson Matthey. You could also consider jobs in the NHS, science publishing or education. And with your data-handling and analytical skills, you could also develop a career outside of science.

In addition, the optional year in industry is a great opportunity for you to gain real-world experience of working in the chemistry sector. And in your integrated Masters year, you’ll develop advanced research skills by working alongside our chemists. All this prepares you for a future in scientific research or a variety of other careers.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

MChem or BSc?

We also offer this course without the industrial placement year, with summer research placements, or as a three-year BSc. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. This can be a fantastic opportunity to gain real-life insight into industry as well as skills valued by employers. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:

• find an employer

• draft an application

• prepare for interviews.

Don’t worry if you’re not successful, you’ll simply transfer to a non-placement version of your course.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

About the University of Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.