Degree Apprentice - R&D Review

planning experiments with my team, attending team meetings, formulating products for testing, measurement of products and analysis of data. Synthesis of new materials for use in new products. Presenting results of studies to my team and sometimes the wider team/third parties. Reading of literature to come up with new ideas/methods.

product formulation, rheology, foam analysis, JMP data modelling, proton NMR, TGA, DSC, organic compound synthesis, enzyme analysis with konelab, presenting scientific data to an audience, presenting data to a non-specialised audience, general good lab practice, safe working practice, understanding of the FMCG industry and chemical industry. Development of time management skills.

Programme is very well ran and there is lots of support available if needed. Colleagues are helpful and are willing to lend their time to assist you. Lots of opportunities and flexibility in what skills you want to develop. Uni course is challenging but more manageable than I expected originally.

well organised overall from both Unilever and MMU. You change departments/roles each year to gain experience from a variety of projects. You have input into which new role you would like to go to next which is great. Some confusion from MMU regarding deadline dates and marking criteria occasionally but nothing major at all.

Lots of support available from Unilever including mental health support if needed. Unilever management are very aware of the importance of your university work and allow 1 full day a week to attend lectures and complete coursework, with more time given in the lead up to exams. The BSc is structured over 4 years and the material is spread more thinly than a regular course so 20% off the job time has been plenty for myself to complete all required work.

MMU are also generous in their approach to deadline extensions and exceptional factors if required. Tutors reply quickly to questions and can provide extra one to one calls and materials to help with coursework/exams. Extra revision webinars are held in the weeks leading up to exams to focus your revision on exam topics. Feedback from exams/coursework is usually detailed and constructive.

MMU business improvement project unit has been applicable to my role as the project I planned and researched for this unit has been carried out in the workplace. Organic chemistry, spectroscopy and instrumental analysis, workplace regulations, materials science and green chemistry have all helped in some way with my actual day to day work.

Lots of extra curricular activities and clubs at lunch time or after work. Knitting club, running club, football etc. Opportunities to travel (UK and abroad) for networking events and conferences. Departmental social events after work or organised at weekends/holidays etc. Also school talks and q&a sessions available to attend.

Yes

Welcoming company with plenty of opportunities for skills development and furthering your career. Very understanding when it comes to university work and give extra time if needed. State of the art laboratory and world class research performed, innovative new materials and products and a satisfying result as your work potentially ends up in products anyone can buy and use.

Show a passion for chemistry and science in general, show you have good problem solving skills and can work in a team effectively and provide suggestions for improvements. Show an eagerness to innovate and provide solutions to problems. Don't worry if you think you lack specialised knowledge at the moment, they are more interested in a willingness to learn and passion for chemistry. You will learn a lot in a short space of time when you join.