Chemistry (with placement year)

Our MChem degree in pure chemistry provides a thorough grounding in the subject with a substantial research project in the final year - taught within Loughborough's state-of-the-art STEMLab facilities by our renowned academic staff.

Chemistry powers many aspects of our lives, from the clean water we drink to the air we breathe. The materials we use in our everyday lives, much of the food we eat, and the energy that runs our homes, schools and workplaces we owe to the work of chemists. Chemistry is a vibrant, fascinating subject that enhances our understanding of the natural and physical world and often provides the key to solving global challenges. This is why students of chemistry can go on to make a real difference in the world tackling issues like climate change, hunger and disease.

Our MChem (Hons) degree in Chemistry provides a comprehensive study of the subject with the opportunity to tailor your degree towards your passions and career aspirations through a range of optional modules. Ideal for students considering careers in industrial research or a PhD, the final year of the MChem Chemistry allows you to undertake an extensive research project, supervised by a member of our academic staff and working in research laboratories alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.

As your knowledge of chemistry grows, you will also develop analytical and problem-solving skills that have value in a wide variety of employment contexts. Our placement scheme gives you the opportunity to gain highly sought-after workplace experience and apply what you have learnt in a real job with real responsibilities, often working with major companies and organisations (for example, GlaxoSmithKline, RB, Lubrizol, and Pirelli). You could also broaden your horizons with a year studying abroad.

You will also benefit from our exceptional pastoral support, peer-mentoring scheme, and the compelling insights of our academic staff, many of whom are active in research with far-reaching impact.

In Years 1 and 2 the core areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry form the backbone of the MChem Chemistry degree, with additional modules in spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, and mathematics. Laboratory classes, workshops and seminars support these lectures. After Year 2, the development of core chemistry continues along with optional topics which include drug synthesis and action, advanced analytical research methodologies, energy and equilibria, and inorganic chemistry. In the third year of your Chemistry degree you will study research techniques and methods that are complemented with further advanced modules in chemistry. Two investigative projects, often working in teams, are undertaken - building your research skills and teamworking abilities.

In your final year you will study advanced research techniques that are complemented with further optional modules in chemistry, and a substantial research project (worth 60 credits). This makes an MChem in Chemistry ideal for students who may be considering PhD study or a career in industrial research.

What's the difference between MChem and BSc?
Both the Chemistry BSc (Hons) degree and the Chemistry MChem (Hons) degree are orientated towards the practice of chemistry in the world outside the University. Our 3 (or 4 year sandwich) BSc equips you for employment in chemistry, scientific and other sectors. The 4 (or 5 year sandwich) MChem is suited for students who may wish to pursue a PhD or a career in industrial research.

For a full list of areas studied, see the 'What You'll Study' section of the course page on our website.

You are assessed by examination and coursework. Depending on the module, coursework may include written laboratory reports, oral presentations, poster presentations, research papers, peer review and dissertations.

MChem students must obtain an average of 55% or above in Years 2 and 3 to progress to the next year of the course. Your MChem degree classification will be determined by the weighted average of your marks obtained in years 2, 3 and 4 in the ratio 20:40:40.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

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