Year in Industry Option
Students have the option to complete a Year in Industry in Year 4 of a 5 year MSci degree programme.
A year in industry is highly valuable as it provides students with an opportunity to learn about industrial applications of chemistry and to appreciate their academic studies in a wider context. It also gives students a competitive edge when applying for jobs on graduation.
Other benefits include:
- reduced tuition fees whilst being paid a salary!
- trialling graduate level jobs in sectors of interest to enable better informed onward career choices
- making contacts with potential future employers
- enhancing employability through increased maturity, learning technical knowledge beyond a normal degree and gaining transferrable professional skills
Further information
Where can I spend a Year in Industry?
A diverse range of industries are able to offer year-long industrial placements. These include large established companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in:
- drug discovery
- plastic electronics
- oil and gas
- cheminformatics
- materials science
- food, beverage and perfumery
- catalysis
- laser technologies
Many placements take place in the UK however students also have the opportunity to travel with some placement providers being based in mainland Europe, Australia and the US.
How to find an Industrial Placement?
It is important to get prepared early as some application deadlines are in November.
Ultimately finding a placement will be your responsibility however help is available. The Careers Service advertise placement vacancies on JobsLive listed as Placement (4 - 12 months) and students are able to set up profiles to receive details of new vacancies. For other tips see the Careers Service page on searching for a job.
In addition the department of chemistry has a dedicated Industrial Liaison Officer who will advertise opportunities directly to students and provide support with the application process.
Application procedures will vary from company to company. They can include CV and cover letter submissions, online tests, skype interviews, technical interviews and assessment centres.
FAQs
- Will I have support during my placement?
Yes. You will be connected with an academic supervisor from the Department before your placement starts and will be visited at least twice onsite during your Year in Industry.
- Do I need to do any course work whilst on a Year Industry?
Students on a Year in Industry degree programme are required to complete a formal research project report . This is assessed by both your academic and industrial supervisors. If satisfactory you will be awarded your final degree with ‘A Year in Industry’ and an additional ECTS credits (+60 ECTS).
- Will I be paid during my placement?
You will be paid by your respective company during your Year in Industry. Although there is no guaranteed salary this is typically around £17,000.
- Do I have to pay tuition fees ?
You will continue to pay tuition fees during your Year in Industry however these will be charged at a reduced rate. Students who have been receiving financial assistance from Student Finance England will continue to do so. This includes the tuition fee loan and a reduced rate living cost loan.
- Can I transfer on to a Year in Industry Degree Programme?
Students are able to transfer degree programmes on the condition that they meet the minimum requirements for the programme and have studied the appropriate ancillary subjects.