Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry MChem
Course Overview - Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry MChem
Combine your passion for chemistry with the study of biology and prepare to play a role in the discovery of life-saving medical treatments. You’ll learn about every aspect of the drug development cycle: the design of molecules with the potential to treat disease, understanding how they will interact with the body, and testing the effectiveness and safety of new treatments.
The degree includes a six-month placement which could see you undertaking a research project at a pharmaceutical company, or at a university overseas. A university placement could take you to Australia, N...
Combine your passion for chemistry with the study of biology and prepare to play a role in the discovery of life-saving medical treatments. You’ll learn about every aspect of the drug development cycle: the design of molecules with the potential to treat disease, understanding how they will interact with the body, and testing the effectiveness and safety of new treatments.<br/><br/>The degree includes a six-month placement which could see you undertaking a research project at a pharmaceutical company, or at a university overseas. A university placement could take you to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Singapore or almost anywhere in the world. Most placements within industry are paid, and whichever type you choose you’ll gain specialist experience and transferable skills which will impress employers.<br/><br/>You’ll study in recently refurbished labs and learn from inspiring academics and were proud to rank 4th overall in the UK with th Guardian University Guide. This demonstrates our commitment to providing an excellent learning experience.<br/><br/>You’ll be well placed to take advantage of the many career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector. This course is also excellent preparation for a PhD, which is the next step for over 40 per cent of our chemistry graduates. It is also a pathway for graduate entry into medicine.<br/><br/><strong>Supporting your studies</strong><br/>You’ll be part of a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor to provide any extra help you need, both academically and personally. During the first two years we limit small group tutorials to a maximum of five students, so you’ll have plenty of time and attention from your tutors.<br/><br/>Between classes, the Chemistry department will be your ‘home’ on campus, where you can grab a coffee in the common room, catch up with friends and talk to staff.<br/><br/>CV and interview skills workshops will help you secure your placement and future employment after your degree, and we’ll support you with regular catch-ups throughout the six months that you’re on your placement.<br/><br/><strong>Outstanding undergraduate laboratories</strong><br/>Study in recently refurbished laboratories, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. In this spacious, bright and modern environment you’ll gain hands-on practical experience with equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student to record their practical work.<br/><br/>It’s the same high-tech equipment you’ll find in industry or academic labs, and you’ll learn to make and analyse your own samples, with full support and training – all excellent preparation for your placement and future career.<br/><br/>For your biology studies, you’ll use purpose-built facilities in the Life Sciences Building, which have benefited from a recent £50m investment.<br/><br/><strong>Learn about research as it happens</strong><br/>We’re a Russell Group university, this means you’ll learn from staff who are changing the world through research – for example by designing new cancer drugs and developing synthetic DNA for use in COVID-19 testing.<br/><br/>Our academics will share their expertise with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures. In addition, the breadth of their research activities gives you plenty of choice for your third-year project topic.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F1BC
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not Accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). Grade 7/A in GCSE mathematics is preferred for applicants not studying A-level mathematics
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level Chemistry, with a pass in chemistry Practical. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical. We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without additional A-levels. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year.
A level
A,A,A
AAA including chemistry We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows: ABB including chemistry If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry or AA from two A-levels including chemistry, and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £31,000 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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