Chemistry with Year in Industry / Research

Chemistry is the science of matter, of what things are made of and how they interact, transform, and combine. It provides the molecular-level understanding that underpins medicine, materials science, environmental science, food production, energy, and almost every other field of applied science and engineering. Chemists work at the boundary between the fundamental and the practical, using theoretical principles to explain the world and experimental skill to test, synthesise, and create.

The discipline is rigorous, quantitative, and endlessly surprising.

At the University of Reading, this four-year programme gives you a thorough grounding in the core areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, alongside the mathematical and computational tools that modern chemistry requires. You will develop strong laboratory skills, the ability to design and interpret experiments, and a growing capacity for independent scientific reasoning. The programme runs over four years and includes a dedicated year spent in industry or a research environment, which is a defining feature of this degree.

That year gives you the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, to apply your knowledge in a real setting, and to develop the professional skills and industry awareness that are increasingly expected of chemistry graduates.

The year in industry or research is genuinely valuable both for your learning and for your career prospects. Many students secure strong professional contacts and, in some cases, job offers as a result of their placement year. Graduates in chemistry go on to careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemical manufacturing, environmental consultancy, food and drink, forensic science, materials development, and science education.

Many also proceed to postgraduate study, including research degrees and conversion courses in related fields such as medicine and pharmacy. The University of Reading's strong research base means you will be learning chemistry in a genuinely active scientific environment throughout your degree.