Course structure
Each year is made up of modules totalling 120 credits
In year one you take compulsory chemistry modules worth 110 credits, including 30 credits of practical, and an optional module worth 10 credits, which may be in chemistry or any other subject.
In year two you will take compulsory chemistry modules in various different subject areas, including a 30 credit practical module.
In year three you will take a 9-12 month research project (80 credits) in an overseas placement provider and a compulsory theory module in each branch of the subject across both semesters (40 credits) by distance learning.
In year four, half the credit comes from a specialised research project in one of the research groups in the school, working alongside PhD students and Post-doctoral workers. Optional modules (6 x 10 credits) are chosen and make up the remainder of the year.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
In year one we aim to stimulate your interest in the subject, whilst giving you a solid knowledge base to build upon in the following years. Our core chemistry modules are based around three principal subject areas, including coverage of key skills for chemists. These are complemented by a range of optional modules, allowing you to exercise choice over your studies and extend your breadth of experience.
You can also take optional modules in disciplines such as modern languages, which is encouraged if you intend to spend year three in a non-English speaking country.
Students must obtain a year 1 average of at least 55% overall in order to progress into year 2 of the MChem programme. Students who do not achieve a year 1 average of at least 55% will be required to transfer to the BSc programme.
Year two
In year two, core material is rigorously developed across all of the main areas of chemistry through compulsory modules.
Students must obtain a year 2 average of at least 55% overall in order to progress into year 3 of the MChem with a Placement Year Abroad programme. Students who do not achieve a year 2 minimum average of 55% will be required to transfer to a BSc programme. Students must obtain all credits from years 1 and 2 before commencing a placement.
You may transfer to the three year BSc Chemistry course or the four year MChem Chemistry course at any point prior to the start of year three. If a placement in industry appeals to you instead, you need to register an interest by the start of year two, and transfer to the corresponding BSc or MChem course by the start of year three. Advice and guidance in applying for placements is given throughout year two.
There are also opportunities for several students to undertake summer research projects in Cardiff, under staff supervision.
Year three: Sandwich year
Year three is spent at a university abroad, giving you the chance to experience the working practices and culture of a different country. Cardiff University currently has partner institutions in almost all European countries, as well as in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa and the USA. Your placement will be organised by the School depending on your interests and strengths, and we maintain close contact with you throughout your placement.
A research project supervised in the host institution but assessed primarily in Cardiff will form a significant part of your year abroad. You will also take modules by 'distance learning' in biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. This ensures that you have covered the same core material as students spending year three in Cardiff.
Year four
A substantial year-long research project in an area of your choosing gives you the chance to develop and demonstrate new skills through research. There are no compulsory theory modules in year four which will enable you to select available modules that match your interests.
