MChem Chemistry with External Placement
About this course
Master of Chemistry in Chemistry with External Placement is a chemistry degree focusing on core scientific principles and practical skills. Core topics include Programming, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This four-year degree includes a placement opportunity of six months spent either in industry or on a research placement at an overseas university. The first year covers fundamental concepts through Foundations of Chemistry I, Foundations of Chemistry II, Mathematical and Analytical Methods in Chemistry I, and Practical Chemistry I. The second year progresses with Advanced Chemistry I, Advanced Chemistry II, and Practical Chemistry II, alongside optional choices such as Chemical Solutions to Environmental Issues, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry I. Third-year compulsory study includes Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry, Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry, Frontiers in Organic Chemistry, and Frontiers in Physical Chemistry, with optional modules such as Medicinal Chemistry III and Simulation Methods in Chemistry. The final year centres on Advanced Research Projects and Industrial Awareness and Skills Development, alongside optional modules including AI and Machine Learning in Chemistry, Advanced Chemical Biology, and Battery Technologies and Their Applications.
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.
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 35%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 90%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 120 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 18%
- South East: 44%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Chemistry I
- Foundations of Chemistry II
- Mathematical and Analytical Methods in Chemistry I
- Practical Chemistry I
- Advanced Chemistry I
- Advanced Chemistry II
- Practical Chemistry II
- Chemical Solutions to Environmental Issues
- Coevolution of Life and Earth
- Ethics in Science, Engineering and Technology: Jekyll and Hyde
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
- Geohazards
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
- Introduction to Energy in The Environment
- Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry
- Introduction to Programming
- Mathematical Methods in Chemistry II
- Medicinal Chemistry I
- Medicinal Chemistry II
- Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry
- Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry
- Frontiers in Organic Chemistry
- Frontiers in Physical Chemistry
- Advanced Characterisation Techniques
- Medicinal Chemistry III
- Principles, Techniques, and Applications of Electrochemistry
- Simulation Methods in Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
- Advanced Research Projects
- Industrial Awareness and Skills Development
- AI and Machine Learning in Chemistry
- Advanced Chemical Biology
- Advanced Functional Materials and Molecules
- Battery Technologies and Their Applications
- Chemically Sensitive Imaging of Materials
- Stereoselective Reactions
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry with External Placement at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £36,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,000. The £36,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Chemistry with External Placement at University of Southampton do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Chemistry with External Placement at University of Southampton?
98% 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 External Placement at University of Southampton?
The average entrant had 157 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry with External Placement at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MChem Chemistry with External Placement at University of Southampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry with External Placement at University of Southampton?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.