Chemistry Programs in the UK

In the current globalised world, the demand for science and technology is ever increasing. Thus, there has been a drastic surge in demand for science graduates. This surge has also lead to an increment in demand for chemistry graduates. Chemistry is an integral part of the Science curriculum. Chemistry involves a depth study of all things “chemical”. In Chemistry, students study chemical processes, chemical compositions and chemical manipulation; all this aids them in understanding the compositions of materials. If the student has gained knowledge at the primary level, they will have numerous pathways to choose from. A Chemistry graduate can indulge in research. They can even indulge in Chemistry-oriented science fields, like Biochemical engineering.  

Why study Chemistry courses in the UK?
 

The United Kingdom is a prime place to study Chemistry. It has a rich heritage of Universities, which have been bestowed at the helm of education in the west. They have top of the lots Universities like the University of Oxford, Durham University, Lancaster University and the University of Sussex. Chemistry graduates from these institutes are highly regarded. Elite corporations usually offer them employment.
 

Further, the student also gets the opportunity to interact with the brightest minds. Moreover, the balanced curriculum of these Universities encourages the students to intern and volunteer as this would aid them in gaining real-world skills. So, the graduates of these Ivy universities are well sought after. 
 

Corporate giants like Fisons, Ineos and Unilever all run chemical centric factories in the UK. Further, various organisations such as the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the Chemical Industries Association, and the Society of Chemical Industry. These organisations aids in the regulation of the Industry. So, the industry can be termed as blooming. There Is a due redress mechanism in place too. All in all, it would be a balanced and fair workplace to get into. The Chemistry graduates from the UK also have the opportunity to explore the nearby European mainland. 

Job Prospects
 

Chemical graduates have an abundance of opportunities. The opportunities are, of course, contingent upon the course they take up, but in a general sense, there are enough opportunities for most Chemistry Graduates. If the graduate is fluent in practical application and is familiar with most processes, then he can be considered eligible for a suitable position. 

Some of the Main Industries that can employ Chemical graduates are – Scientific research, the healthcare sector, Law and Policy and Pharmaceuticals. The Universities in the UK have technical recruitment drives also, so the chances of a graduate getting a due job opportunity also increase. 

Some of the Job options which a Chemistry graduate from the UK can get are enlisted below – 

• Research scientist.
• Chemical engineers.
• Chemists.
• Biochemists.
• Pharmaceutical chemists.
• Forensic experts.
• Environmental consultancy.

Income of Chemistry Graduates
 

There are many prospects for a Chemistry graduate, owing to which he can choose whatever lucrative opportunity he may find. We cannot break down the Income pattern of every Chemistry profession, but we have tried to give you an estimate of how much a Chemical Engineer earns in the UK. So on average, a Chemical Engineer earns around £41,136 per year. Corporations like Shell, BP and Argos, pick them up. The rough sum of 42 Pounds per annum can be termed a great start to one’s professional career. 
 

Certain specific factors can play a role in one candidate getting the opportunity or not. So, organisations look for calm and collected personnel with at least some experience in the working field. They also recruit fresher candidates, but the fresher candidates do not get a very high salary. 
 

If you stay in one Corporation, then you may even get promoted. A brand new Chemical Engineer can expect his said average starting salary to be £26,000. If the students can stay in one corporation, they can even start earning up to £150,000. For instance, a Junior Chemical Engineer may earn around £27,000 gross per year. 
 

A Chemical Engineer with experience of 4-9 years may earn anywhere between £47,400 to £50,000. Senior Chemical Engineers can even earn around £84,900/year.

If you have an immense curiosity and you want to learn and study Chemistry, the UK can be the ideal place for you. 

Universities in The UK
 

The United Kingdom is a homeland of elite universities. These esteemed universities offer various Chemistry courses in the UK. Esteemed UK Universities where you can Chemistry study in the UK are enlisted below – 

• University of Oxford
• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• University of Sussex
• Loughborough University
• University of Surrey

Other popular schools which you can try out includes – University of Bristol, Warwickshire and Edinburgh.

Courses offered
 

The universities offer both undergraduate and graduate Chemistry Degrees Courses in the UK. They also offer courses in various fields. They have kept the older era of the subject intact too. They have also introduced the subject in the new fields. Some of the new fields upon which courses are available – Biochemistry, Genetics, Healthcare, Agriculture and many more.

The degrees available in Chemistry at the undergraduate level are:

• BSc Chemistry.
• MChem Chemistry.
• MChem Chemistry (with an industrial placement year).

MChem Chemistry with Summer Research Placements. The degrees available at the postgraduate level are: 

• MSc Analytical Chemistry.
• MSc Applied Chemistry.
• MSc General Chemistry.
• MSc Industrial Chemistry

Entry Requirements
 

The entry criteria are also contingent upon the number of vacancies available in the Universities. If you have passed science subjects of chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject with the A-level grade, then you can have considered. Literacy and Numeracy criteria should be equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.

Some universities might also require their students to send essays and write cover letters; each university has different criteria. The same should be thoroughly looked at before applying for these openings.