Master of Science - Analytical Chemistry (Professional Placement)

The Analytical Chemistry course gives students a strong background in the theory of analytical techniques. They also learn how to apply these techniques to complex analytical problems. They have the chance to study recent trends in analytical science and the latest analytical techniques.

Students will study good measurement and scientific practice and the evaluation and interpretation of data. Students will also develop skills to prepare them for their career, including problem solving, organisation, data collation, review and synopsis, time management and teamwork. The independent project can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job promotion; students may be offered a placement within industry to carry it out. Past projects have looked at dust sources at Hampton Court Palace, determination of Hexavalent chromium, thermo-responsive polymers for water purification and radiochemical investigation of uranium 232.

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.

Recent graduates have gone on to a range of roles, including:

• chemists in large and SME chemical/pharmaceutical companies • teaching • PhD research • sales and marketing • managerial positions.