This four-year degree will give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of chemistry with an emphasis on research. Our MChem graduates are eligible to apply for Chartered Chemist status.

If you're interested in studying a PhD and embarking on a career as a scientific researcher, our accredited MChem Chemistry is the course for you.

During the first two years, you will focus on developing your understanding of how chemistry shapes our world. There is greater emphasis on critical analysis, synthesis and problem-solving in years three and four, with an extended research project in an area of your interest during your final year.

You will study core topics on physical, organic, inorganic, and solid-state chemistry, with the opportunity to take a wide range of optional modules from green and sustainable chemistry and drug development to heterogeneous catalysis and engineering biosynthesis.

Although this course is designed to help you achieve your potential as a researcher, the problem-solving skills you'll develop are applicable to a wide range of careers from education to finance and more.

Graduates are eligible for full membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) and may apply for the title of Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Career prospects

Chemists play a vital role in tackling society’s most urgent challenges – from biofuels and clean water to developing new pharmaceuticals. A degree in chemistry opens the door to a wide range of careers both inside and outside the lab, with the MChem providing excellent grounding for future research scientists.

Our graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers looking for excellent communication skills, experience in a lab environment, advanced IT skills and confidence in analysing varied information. With a chemistry degree, you can pursue a range of exciting research careers in areas such as the discovery of new medicines and vaccines, improving understanding of environmental issues and the development of new chemical products and materials using greener processes.

The logical and practical training you’ll gain on your course is also highly valued in fields such as marketing, sales, management or finance. Scientific journalism, publishing and teaching are also potential career routes. Previous graduates have gone on to work as development chemists, technical graduates, patent analysts, accountants, and quality control scientists.

Graduate careers

• Research scientist
• Technologist
• Associate consultant
• PhD researcher
• Formulation Scientist

Placements

There are a variety of opportunities to undertake summer research projects at Cardiff University under the supervision of our academic staff.

All students undertake a two-semester research project within a Cardiff Chemistry research laboratory in their fourth year.

If you’re interested in a placement abroad or an industry placement, there is the opportunity to transfer to the relevant MChem by the end of your second year.