Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Chemistry is a central science that’s at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us. From energy to the environment, groundbreaking medicine to cleaning products, chemistry is integral to all aspects of our life, which puts chemical scientists at the forefront of delivering invaluable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and health.

The diverse nature of this field — and the widely transferable skills like teamwork and data analysis you’ll develop along the way — means chemistry graduates will always be highly sought after across a wide range of industries worldwide.

Studying this chemistry degree at Leeds will teach you the fundamental concepts of the field alongside a variety of optional modules available so you can tailor your degree to what really interests you the most. You’ll also be taught by expert academics, with the unique opportunity to get involved in real-world research happening in the University.

Practical work features heavily in this course. As such, you’ll have access to a range of facilities right here on campus including specialist teaching laboratories and research facilities with the latest equipment for synthetic, physical and analytical chemistry to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.

Industrial placement year
This programme gives you the opportunity to spend your third year working in a paid industrial placement year within a chemistry-based setting as part of the course . Here, you’ll gain a unique insight into working in this sector whilst building industry contacts and developing the experience you’ll need to stand out to employers when you graduate. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever and AkzoNobel.

Why study at Leeds:
- This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

- Our School’s globally-renowned research feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking in areas like sustainable and digital chemistry, materials chemistry and atmospheric chemistry to drug design.

- Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a paid industrial work placement in third year.

- Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of chemistry disciplines.

- Access specialist facilities throughout your degree, including computer clusters and teaching laboratories that give you an industry-standard environment to perform experiments and conduct project work.

- Contribute to the community by undertaking community projects or a teaching placement in a local school.

- Our highly flexible chemistry programmes enable you to transfer to other chemistry courses at the end of your first year.

- Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society ChemSoc where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events, join the football or netball team and attend careers events.