Chemistry, MChem at University of Greenwich

With our MChem degree in chemistry, you start as an undergraduate but leave with advanced skills and a valuable postgraduate qualification – ideal for standing out in the job market.

Our integrated Master's in chemistry meets the current needs of employers and will prepare you for successful careers in a range of fields. Our graduates have gone on to roles in research and development, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, forensic science, and health and safety.

Your subjects include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical and physical chemistry, and colloids and nanoparticles. You'll also develop scientific problem-solving skills in the lab, which will be important to future employers. The final year includes a Master's-level project for you to demonstrate that you can work independently in a research area of your choice.

What you should know about this course

•  An integrated masters degree that can provide a professional qualification in 4 years
•  Our course specifically targets the needs of industry
•  Gain extended lab skills to develop your problem-solving abilities (a high priority for employers).

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing. 

• Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
• IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
• We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.

How long is my placement?

Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.

What are the financial arrangements?

The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Chemistry is a central science, and a qualification in this subject will offer a wide variety of career opportunities in research and development, teaching, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (production development, analytical science, quality assurance and information science), forensic science, environmental pollution, and health and safety.

Are internships available?

Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access programme internships.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. We have an Employer Partnerships Manager developing relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities. Other members of the team focus on helping students to develop their knowledge of job markets, production of effective CVs, cover letters and application forms, understanding HR selection processes, preparing final year students for graduate job applications and applying for placements. Visit our Employability & Careers Service pages.