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MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry ( F104 )

UCAS Course Code:
F104
Duration:
4 years
Attendance:
Full Time
Award:
Degree of Master of Chemistry
School of Study:
Chemistry
Brochure:
School of Chemistry Undergraduate Course Brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:
AAB including Chemistry and one other science

Our “MChem with a Year in Industry” programmes offer you the opportunity of gaining industrial experience in any field of chemistry - a valuable asset with future employers.

There is one further bonus: you will receive payment during your industrial year. For the first two years of study you will carry out a normal chemistry degree programme according to your chosen programme stream. You will need above average marks during these two years to stay on the Year in Industry course. However, good marks are not the only requirement: just as important are commitment and communication skills.

In the first two weeks of year 2 you will be asked to write a Curriculum Vitae and to apply to a range of companies. The School liaises with a number of companies on a regular basis and will be able to provide up-to-date information. However, the onus is very much on the student to research and apply for their placements. We cannot guarantee any student a work placement, however we will offer our full support and guidance in this process. Students who have not successfully secured a work placement by the end of the second year will transfer onto the equivalent non-industry based MChem or BSc
programme. The University Careers Centre holds information on how to apply and offers a free help service for writing CVs and advice on interview techniques. Companies will decide on appointments to placements over the following months. Although there is a lot of competition, it is our experience that most students will have found a placement within six months, although this depends on prevailing economic circumstances.

You will take up your industrial placement at the start of year 3.

A wide range of companies are participating in this scheme, including:

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Pfizer
  • AstraZeneca
  • ICI
  • Infineum
  • Rhodia
  • BNFL
  • British Sugar.

Typical salaries are in the range of £13,000 - £15,000 per year.

Students are engaged in a wide range of projects: in organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals, analysis, physical chemistry, materials chemistry and environmental and forensic chemistry. Your assessment will be based on your industrial project, your report and on your performance in a distance learning unit.

The Course Directors will be happy to discuss your options at any time, provide information about companies and to help with your decision making. The Director of the Careers Centre and her staff will be only too pleased to offer advice based on many years of experience with industrial placement schemes.


Dr. Chris Richards

Why choose us?

During your first week at UEA, our staff will welcome you and provide a full induction programme; we aim to help our students settle in as quickly as possible. At the School of Chemistry we believe in offering each student individual care and guidance.

On your arrival at UEA you will be assigned to an adviser who will provide both academic and pastoral guidance. You will normally have the same adviser throughout your degree. We maintain an ‘open door policy’ so that students can see their adviser (or other members of staff) at any mutually convenient time. Your adviser will guide you through your academic career and provide a sympathetic ear during difficult times. If you study abroad for a year you will also be assigned an adviser at your host institution.

The University has excellent provision of specialist support services. Whatever the issue, be it financial, personal, academic or administrative - the University’s Dean of Students Office and the Union of UEA Students’ support services have experienced and sympathetic people, support groups and advice centres to help you.

Top-rated research

Research is a key activity in any major academic institution. It offers scope for advanced thinking, helps attract the keenest minds, and ensures that the institution’s work is at the cutting edge of the discipline. Most importantly, the creativity, resourcefulness and authority fostered by first class research feeds directly into the quality of teaching at the University. UEA’s School of Chemistry has an enviable reputation for its long and distinguished tradition of high quality research. In the latest RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) the School was ranked among the top 20 Chemistry departments. Our research work is currently financed by a grant holding of over £11 million won competitively from sources including the National Research Councils, charitable trusts (including the Wellcome and Wolfson Trusts), industrial companies (especially from the pharmaceutical industry) and the European Union. We have over 70 postgraduate research students, many of whom completed their undergraduate studies at UEA.

Key research in the School includes Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biological and Biophysical Chemistry, Nanoscience, Biomedicinal Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

Many of our core MChem degrees are accredited, and all other Chemistry programmes are recognised, by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the professional body for career chemists, or the Institute of Physics (IoP).

Reasons to choose us:

  • A top 20 research school (RAE 2008)
  • Research led, up-to-date teaching
  • The University has consistently been voted top five of English mainstream Universities for Student Satisfaction
  • Enthusiastic and friendly staff
  • Superb laboratory and IT facilities
  • Excellent academic and student support services
  • Varied and comprehensive range of degree programmes
  • A warm, welcoming campus environment
  • Active student social scene within the school
  • At the forefront of interdisciplinary research

UniStats Information

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name Code Credits
BONDING, STRUCTURE & PERIODICITY CHE-1C3Y 20
CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (A) CHE-1C0Y 20
CHEMISTRY OF CARBON-BASED COMPOUNDS CHE-1C1Y 20
ELEMENTS OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS CHE-1H26 10
ENERGETICS AND SPECTROSCOPY CHE-1C24 20
FORENSIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION CHE-1H57 10
GENETICS FOR FORENSIC SCIENTISTS CHE-1H56 10
MATHEMATICAL PRINCIPLES CHE-1H61 10
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS 1 ENV-1A61 10
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS II ENV-1A62 10
PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES CHE-1H63 10
PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS CHE-1H25 10
SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY 1 CHE-1H93 10
SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY 2 CHE-1H94 10

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name Code Credits
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHE-2F7Y 20
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LABORATORY CHE-2H04 10
FORENSIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION II CHE-2H57 10
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE-2C32 20
INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY CHE-2F52 20
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS III ENV-2A21 20
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS IV ENV-2A22 20
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY CHE-2F8Y 20
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND ENERGY LEVELS CHE-2F4Y 20
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE-2C11 20
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I CHE-2C2Y 20
POLYMER & MATERIALS CHEMISTRY CHE-2H11 10
POLYMERS & MATERIALS LABORATORY CHE-2H03 10
QUANTUM MECHANICS AND SYMMETRY CHE-2H45 10

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name Code Credits
CORE CHEMISTRY (DL) CHE-3ICY 40
PLACEMENT EVALUATION CHE-3I9Y 40
PROJECT AT INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT CHE-MI9Y 40

Compulsory Study (80 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:

Name Code Credits
ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 1 CHE-MF11 20
ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 2 CHE-MF22 20
RESEARCH PROJECT CHE-M49Y 40

Option A Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY CHE-3H24 10
FORENSIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION III CHE-3H57 10
NATURAL PRODUCTS AND DRUGS A CHE-3H16 10
ORGANIC MOLECULES: REACTIVITY & FUNCTION CHE-3H13 10
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - CHEMICAL PHYSICS CHE-3H46 10
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SCIENTISTS II CHE-3H94 10
PROTEIN ENGINEERING CHE-3H84 10
PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND CHEMISTRY CHE-3H81 10

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Year In Industry

Completion of a Year in Industry programme will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience, putting you one step ahead of other students. This exciting degree programme provides you with this opportunity.

There is no greater asset in today’s competitive job market than relevant work experience. A Year in Industry will give you first-hand knowledge of not only the mechanics of how your chosen field operates but it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector as you seal valuable contacts and insight. These courses will also enhance your studies as theory is transformed into reality in a context governed by very real, time and financial constraints.

Our Industrial Links

A wide range of companies participate in this scheme, including: GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Infineum, Xennia, Napp and British Sugar to name but a few. Students are engaged in a large range of projects: in organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals, analysis, physical chemistry, materials chemistry and environmental and forensic chemistry.

Financial Benefits

A big attraction to this type of course, apart from the enhanced career prospects, is that students spending a year in industry as part of their degree will only pay £900 tuition fees for that year (2012 figures). There is also a realistic chance of being paid by the placement provider during the year which is a great way to help fund your continued studies. For the latest on financial arrangements for our Year in Industry students please visit the UEA Finance webpage.

How it Works

The Year in Industry degree programmes are four years in length with the work placement taking place during your third year. They are a minimum of nine months full-time employment and a maximum of 14 months.

Throughout the work placement, you keep in close contact with an assigned mentor at UEA who will also visit you at least once during the year. You keep a regularly updated work diary, so that your mentor will be able to ensure you are fulfilling all of the necessary learning objectives. Some introductory sessions are provided prior to commencing the work placement to help you gain the most from your year in industry, and you will enroll on a Work Based Learning module during you final year back at UEA.

We expect students to seek their own work placements and in the first two weeks of your second year you will be asked to write a curriculum vitae and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field of chemistry, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.

Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and students will be expected to source these placements themselves. The Faculty of Science will provide support for students trying to obtain a placement in preparation for the year in Industry placements and students are expected to make use of any help offered within the Faculty/School as well as the Careers Centre.

If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent three-year degree programme without a Year in Industry.

“I have secured an industrial placement as a medicinal chemist at the pharmaceutical company Novartis for next year. During this year I will earn a decent salary as well as complete distance learning modules which count towards my MChem. This year should help me decide which area of research I would like to work in once graduating, or if I would prefer to do a PhD first. It will also look excellent on my CV, as I will have a year of experience in an industrial environment, learning some of the essential skills needed for the work place.”

Helen Newson
MChem Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Entry Requirements

A Level:
AAB including Chemistry and one other science
International Baccalaureate:
33 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 6 and one other HL Science or Maths at grade 6
Scottish Highers:
AAAAB including Higher Level Chemistry and one other science
Scottish Advanced Highers:
AAB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and one other science
Irish Leaving Certificate:
AAAABB including Chemistry at Higher Level and one other science
Access Course:
See below
HND:
Please contact institution for further information
European Baccalaureate:
Overall 80% to include Chemistry and one other science

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

  • IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
  • TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
  • PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

All applicants are required to have A2 Chemistry and one other A2 science from Physics, Mathematics and Biology or equivalent.

Offers made to applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications will also include the requirement to pass a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

Fees and Funding

 

Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.  Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.  Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year in Industry Fees

For Home/EU students opting for  Year in Industry the tuition fee is currently £1,250.  The Year in Industry tuition fee will be subject to an  annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year in Industry and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships.  To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support      

International Students -  The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.    Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international



How to Apply

Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

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