MChem Chemistry with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Chemistry
- UCAS Course Code
- F103
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Why you should choose us
100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Following the central structure of our MChem Chemistry, this course allows you to spend your third year studying overseas. Your year abroad will not only give you access to different research and teaching techniques, but it’ll also give you the exciting opportunity to be absorbed into university life within a different culture. Chemistry, often referred to as the central science, has far-reaching impact across complementary disciplines. From the sub-atomic particles and quantum science that underpin physics, atoms and molecules that build both commodity and high-technology materials, to the molecules that build, sustain and heal life itself, and everything around us.
Graduates from our RSC-accredited MChem integrated Master's degree are equipped with both advanced theoretical and experimental skills, which are seamlessly integrated throughout the course. The concepts learned in lectures, workshops and tutorials are brought to life in the laboratory, ensuring an integrated and immersive learning experience.
This MChem Chemistry with a Year Abroad course at UEA will cover it all, while also offering you the opportunity to specialise in the aspects you find most interesting. Our world-leading researchers will have shaped your degree programme with their contribution to lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals.
You’ll benefit from a modern and relevant curriculum, state-of-the-art laboratories and instruments, and dedicated lecturers and tutors. You'll utilise high-performance computing facilities, NMR, X-Ray crystallography, Mass Spectrometry, laser photonics and analytical chemistry suites to contribute to cutting edge research. You'll also further develop valuable skills in project and time management, teamwork and collaboration, problem solving, independent thinking and planning, presentation and scientific writing skills.
Graduates from UEA have the highest employability prospects amongst all UK chemistry programmes. Our graduates secure top positions in almost every conceivable sector – from research, operational, and management roles in leading chemical and pharmaceutical companies, to more wide-ranging roles, including as international patent attorney, entrepreneur, data-scientist, police forensic scientist, clinical trial coordinator, and cosmetic chemist. The experience of a year in an international university adds a distinctive element to your profile and will further widen your perspectives.
Year Abroad
You'll spend your third year studying overseas, where you'll study advanced core chemistry, as well as elective modules to further your interests. You'll have a year abroad director or academic adviser to guide you throughout.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you'll study subjects related to organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. You'll also study the core mathematics that will help you in your chemistry degree; this is especially beneficial in building confidence for those who did not study mathematics at A-level. There’ll be an emphasis on practical work, and you'll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your degree.
Compulsory Modules
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your first year, teaching will incorporate a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions, covering all core areas of chemistry including Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry. Some of these sessions will engage you in active learning, encouraging you to interact with your peers. There will be an emphasis on practical work, and you'll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your chemistry degree and subsequent careers.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for supported independent study throughout your chemistry degree as you complete a variety of assessment tasks and prepare for exams.
Assessment
Throughout the degree programme, you'll experience a wide variety of assessment methods. In every instance, before counting (summative) assessments take place we give you (formative) opportunities to practice the assessment. Examples of assessment types include online quizzes, practical work and their reports, short-answer coursework, and exams. Our modules are assessed either by a combination of coursework and exam, or through 100% coursework.
You'll have the opportunity to practice on each type of task, and this will include online quizzes and exam-like short answer questions. Tutorials are formative small group teaching sessions in which we guide you in how to approach questions and problems, and in how to formulate clear answers through systematic logical reasoning. You'll also be assessed on short write-ups that you produce for laboratory experiments.
Structure
Building on your first year, in year two, you'll study subjects relating to organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, developing your knowledge in these core areas and honing your practical skills. You'll also be supported to choose optional, specialist modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year, you'll continue to hone your scientific skills through lectures, small group seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. You'll also be able to select optional modules reflecting your developing interests.
Assessment
Tutorials, formative and summative assessments will continue throughout your second year, building on your experience and confidence from year one and equipping you for research-level studies in later years.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying at an overseas university. You’ll select a preference for placement in one of our partner universities in North America, Europe, Australasia, or Asia, subject to availability. Here, you’ll study advanced modules in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, and choose optional modules to suit your interests, all under the guidance of the year abroad director or your academic adviser.
Compulsory Modules
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to study at a university abroad. You'll have the option to indicate a preference for placement in North America, Europe, Australasia, or Asia, and depending on availability, you'll be allocated a place at one of our partner universities. During this time, you'll delve into advanced modules covering physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Additionally, you'll have the freedom to select modules that align with your interests, all while receiving guidance from the year abroad director or your academic adviser.
Assessment
In year three, you’ll study overseas in one of our partner universities. You’ll have the opportunity to select optional modules, and you’ll be supported under the guidance of your year abroad director or academic advisor.
Structure
In your final year, you'll study advanced topics in chemistry and undertake an extended research project, which could be either laboratory or computational based. You'll work in a research group alongside postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, providing an enriching and stimulating experience that will help develop your research skills. Additionally, your project could lead to publication(s) in a scientific journal, allowing you to share your work with the global scientific community.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, you'll study advanced topics in chemistry and undertake an extended research project, which could be either computational or laboratory based. You'll work in a research group alongside postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, which will be an exciting and stimulating experience to further enhance your research skills.
Your final-year research project will be the pinnacle of your studies, allowing you to take ownership of a specific area of chemistry that truly interests you.
Assessment
In year four, you'll choose from a diverse range of optional modules and undertake a substantial research project. The research project is a capstone assessment, giving you an opportunity to bring together all your assessment skills, combining practical work, dissertation writing and presentation.
Employability
After the Course
Our chemistry degrees will equip you with the essential skills to excel in the workplace and compete in the job market. In addition to advanced subject knowledge, you'll develop key skills such as project and time management, teamwork and collaboration, problem solving, independent thinking and planning, as well as presentation and scientific writing skills.
Many of our graduates secure positions in emerging chemistry industries, such as Iceni Diagnostics (a UEA spin off company developing lateral flow test technology), and leading pharmaceutical companies (Glaxo SmithKline, AkzoNobel or Sanofi), chemical and advanced technology companies (Johnson Matthey, Dell or British Airways) with roles in research, management, product development, and quality control.
Others have used their chemistry degree to pursue more diverse career options. These range from further research degrees (MSc or PhD), to teaching training (PGCE) to become schoolteachers, through to careers in drug approval (BioPharma Global), publishing (RSC and Wiley editors), computing (ANDigital) and even banking (Barclays) and insurance (Aviva), and almost everything in between.
At UEA, we have a great team to support graduates in securing excellent career starts through CareerCentral. In the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, our Director of Employability coordinates internal and external events and makes sure that all additional key skills training elements are present in our curriculum from year one, allowing you to present a highly competitive CV. Skills training is embedded within our modules, especially in years two and four, but in addition, you'll benefit from chemistry careers drop-in sessions and one-to-one guidance, plus chemistry-specific employer events and fairs.
We also encourage you to participate in the UEA Award, a university certificate that recognises a range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance your employability. To complement your studies, we offer a wide range of internships during the summer break (6-12 weeks) in years two and three, supported by the University and various other funders. These internships provide you with additional opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills in one of the many diverse research areas being pursued in the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Pharma, Agro and Cosmetic industries
- Process and sustainability chemist
- Energy sector, Manufacturing and project management
- International patent attorney
- Education professional
- Analyst or forensic scientist
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Chemistry
Contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below OR DDD plus B in A level Chemistry
Contextual offer: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) including all modules listed below OR DDM plus B in A level Chemistry
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry grade B, unless the following modules have been studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry AND Practical Chemical Analysis.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE DiplomaNot accepted
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction
Accepted Subjects: Health, Healthcare Science and Science
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Chemistry with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2 plus 2 subjects at H3 including Chemistry
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Chemistry
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Chemistry
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: