MChem Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad
About this course
MChem in Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad, a chemistry degree centred on fundamental chemical principles and practical laboratory experience. Core topics include Statistics and Mathematical Modelling. This four-year degree programme includes a compulsory nine to twelve month overseas placement during the third year. The first year covers core theory through Foundations of Physical Chemistry, Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry, Foundations of Organic Chemistry, and Mathematical Methods for Chemistry. The second year progresses to Further Physical Chemistry, Further Organic and Biological Chemistry, and Applications of Molecular Spectroscopy alongside laboratory work. The third year consists of distance learning modules including Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids for Distance Learners and the Placement Experience Abroad (MChem). The final year centres on an independent Project alongside optional modules such as Modern Materials and Catalysis and Interfaces for Sustainable Chemistry.
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: AAB (B in Chemistry)
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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
- Advanced Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry for Distance Learners
- Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids for Distance Learners
- Strategies in Organic and Biological Chemistry for Distance Learners
- Placement Experience Abroad (MChem)
- Project
- Metals in Medicine and Bioimaging
- Molecules for Health and Life
- Modern Materials
- Catalysis and Interfaces for Sustainable Chemistry
- Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem 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 MChem 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 MChem 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 MChem Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
Is MChem 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 MChem 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 MChem Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad at Cardiff University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.