BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad
About this course
BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad, a chemistry degree incorporating core scientific theory and laboratory practice. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Research Methods. This four-year degree includes a compulsory overseas placement year in the third year. The first year covers core theory and practical work through Foundations of Physical Chemistry, Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry, Foundations of Organic Chemistry, and Mathematical Methods for Chemistry. The second year advances core knowledge via Further Physical Chemistry, Further Organic and Biological Chemistry, and Applications of Molecular Spectroscopy. The third year is spent on a compulsory placement year abroad. The final year involves advanced study including Training in Research Methods, Advanced Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry, and Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids, alongside a compulsory research project and optional modules such as Heterogeneous Catalysis and Engineering Biosynthesis.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (B in Chemistry)
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 78 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 32 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 57%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 14%
- South East: 12%
- South West: 24%
- Wales: 29%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Modules
- Foundations of Physical Chemistry
- Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry
- Foundations of Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to University Chemistry
- Year 1 Chemistry Foundation Practical
- Mathematical Methods for Chemistry
- Introduction to Drug Development
- Introduction to Green and Sustainable Chemistry
- Further Physical Chemistry
- Structure, bonding and reactivity in compounds of the p and d-block elements
- Further Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Communicating Chemistry: Key skills for chemists
- Introduction to the chemistry of life
- Applications of Molecular Spectroscopy
- Further Chemistry Laboratories
- Placement Year Abroad
- Training in Research Methods
- Advanced Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry
- Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids
- Strategies in Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Project
- Advanced Spectroscopy and Diffraction
- Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry
- Homogeneous Catalysis
- Engineering Biosynthesis
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University earn?
The median salary is £28,500 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £34,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £41,000. The £34,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University do next?
87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
Is BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.