Study chemistry abroad

Chemistry is one of the core scientific subjects, and its influence is wide reaching. It’s the study of matter, its properties and how substances interact with energy. It affects everything we see around us, and it overlaps with pretty much all other science subjects.

This could the perfect subject if you have a love of numbers and analysis, are naturally curious, and question how things work. Chemistry has been at the heart of some of the greatest scientific discoveries, and as a chemistry graduate you could help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Chemistry degrees are offered at many universities all over the world, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to studying abroad. You could access some of the very best programs, using cutting edge technology that you may not have access to in your home country. Studying abroad is also an opportunity to leave your comfort zone and experience a whole new culture.

At undergraduate level you can study a BSc in chemistry over three or four years. Some universities offer a chemistry as an MSci, or MChem, which combines a bachelor’s and master’s course in one four or five year program.

You can study a master’s in chemistry as an MSc over one or two years If you already have a bachelor’s degree. Doctorate degrees are also available, and you can study a research based PhD which can take up to five years to complete.

Chemistry is a hugely wide ranging subject, with many different areas and specializations you can follow. Therefore, the content and structure of each program is likely to be different at each university.

Many programs will focus on the core areas of chemistry in the first year or two, and then allow more flexibility where you can choose the modules to tailor your program. The optional modules you can choose to study can cover a huge number of specializations including pharmacology, marine chemistry or medicinal chemistry.

Some of the main modules and areas of chemistry you can expect to study include:

You might think as a chemistry graduate you’d be restricted to a career wearing a white coat in a lab, but it will open up many opportunities in a range of sectors. Chemistry graduates have gone on to become British Prime Ministers, famous novelists and astronauts, so the options really are endless.

Here’s some of the careers that you might consider after you graduate:

• Chemical engineer
• Forensic scientist
• Pharmacologist
• Toxicologist
• Science teacher
• Research scientist
• Environmental consultant
• Laboratory technician
• Finance

Some of the core skills you’ll gain from a chemistry degree, like numeracy and problem solving, are transferable to many different careers - so don’t limit your search to a career in the science industry.