Chemistry with a Placement Year Abroad

Chemistry is the science of matter at the molecular and atomic level, exploring how substances are structured, how they interact, and how they can be transformed into new materials with useful properties. It underpins the pharmaceutical industry, materials science, energy technology, food production, and environmental science, making chemists highly sought after across a wide range of sectors.

At Cardiff University this three-year full-time programme includes a placement year abroad, which means you will spend a period working or studying in another country as an integral part of your degree. This international experience gives you access to a different scientific culture and laboratory environment, develops your adaptability and independence, and is a significant asset in the graduate market. The chemical content of the degree covers organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, along with analytical techniques, spectroscopy, and computational methods.

Practical laboratory work is substantial and central, developing the experimental skills and rigorous approach to data that are essential in any scientific career.

Cardiff is a well-connected institution with strong research activity across chemistry, and studying in Wales gives you access to a distinctive academic community. The placement year abroad is carefully supported, with guidance on preparation and integration of the experience back into your final year of study.

Graduates of chemistry go on to careers in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, chemical manufacturing, environmental science, forensic science, materials development, education, and finance (where quantitative analytical skills are valued). The placement year abroad adds international experience that is increasingly attractive to graduate employers. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study, including research degrees and conversion programmes into areas such as medicine, law, or scientific management.