Year 4 Studying at an Overseas University

The development of the European Union has seen a steady increase in the number of companies who have bases both in the UK and on the continent. This is creating a growth in the demand for chemistry graduates who are fluent in a second European language, particularly if this includes scientific terms, and who have direct experience of living in another culture.

After three years at York I spent my final year at Universität Münster, Germany, to complete the MChem Year Abroad degree. Spending a year in Germany was a great way to experience a different country, language and culture with a safety net. Supervisors were on hand in York and Münster in case a problem arose and the Erasmus team handled all of the paperwork!

Jennifer, Year 4 MChem

As well as the career advantages of the year of study abroad, it also represents an opportunity:

  • to explore a new city and country
  • to make new friends
  • to experience a different lifestyle.

Our student exchanges bring students from continental universities to York, and give you the opportunity to spend an academic year in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore or Spain. The following universities are involved:  

During your year abroad you will have:

  • a University of York supervisor with whom you are encouraged to stay in regular contact
  • a supervisor at your host institution
  • your York supervisor will visit your host institution to discuss progress and plans for the rest of the placement.

The exact programme undertaken will vary according to which overseas University you attend, but all involve a research project. Dr John Slattery, who has responsibility for all our student exchange programmes, can provide details (email: chem-exchanges@york.ac.uk).
If you wish to study in France or Germany, where we have exchange agreements with more than one university, your final choice of university can be left until the middle of year 3.

Students on European exchanges receive financial support from the EU to help with extra expenses, such as travel, through the SOCRATES scheme.

Language Requirements

Students applying for this course are generally required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B in an appropriate European language.

  • Further training in the language of the country in which you wish to study is also provided by the University during the first three years of the MChem course through the "Languages for All" programme. This is free of charge to Chemistry students registered for our "Year in Europe" courses.
  • Note that in Helsinki courses are given in English, so a knowledge of Finnish is not required.

Other Opportunities to Study Abroad

There are also opportunities to study at universities in the United States, Canada and Hong Kong under the University of York’s exchange arrangements with its partner institutions there. However, applications are not required until after you have started your course at York. View further information about study opportunities abroad.

MSc Placements Map

Read a profile from a Year 4 MChem student in Helsinki