
- UCAS course code
- F152
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MChem
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades A*AA in any order including chemistry plus one other science or maths subject.
If you miss the MChem grades, but meet the BSc grades (AAA), you will automatically be offered a place for BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry.
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
Grades AAA including chemistry plus one other science or maths subject. If you miss the MChem grades, but meet the BSc grades (AAB including an A in chemistry), you will automatically be offered a place for BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
37 points overall. Grades 7,6,6 in Higher Level subjects to include Chemistry and one other Science or Mathematics.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at HL as the second science subject in addition to Chemistry HL.
- Number of places/applicants
- We receive approximately 1000 applications annually for 230 places in year 1.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- F152
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Gain strong foundation in core chemistry, supplemented by specialist knowledge of medicinal chemistry.
- Take course units that cover biochemistry, medicines and drug discovery, and the major disease areas to complement your core chemistry studies.
- Gain considerable practical laboratory experience.
- Study at a university ranked 5th in the UK for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings 2019).
- We're the most targeted university by the UK's leading graduate employers ( High Fliers Research 2020 ).
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Open days
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and visit the Department website .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Chemistry
- Contact name
- Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 543 4021
- ug.chemistry@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.manchester.ac.uk/chemistry
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades A*AA in any order including chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Duration of A-level study
a) sat your examinations early;
or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.
If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
AS-level
Subjects welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate
37 points overall. Grades 7,6,6 in Higher Level subjects to include Chemistry and one other Science or Mathematics.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at HL as the second science subject in addition to Chemistry HL.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, and two Highers at grades AA. This must include chemistry and another science or mathematics at Advanced Higher. Or three Advanced Highers at grades AAA including chemistry and another science or mathematics.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
Award of Baccalaureate with an average of 84% with at least 8.5 in chemistry and in another science or mathematics. Approved English language qualifications include at least 7.0 in English in four periods per week.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades A*AA to include Chemistry and another science or Mathematics and an EAP score of C without an acceptable IELTS qualification. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades A*AA to include Chemistry and another science or Mathematics and an EAP score of C without an acceptable IELTS qualification.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic Department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
We only offer access to BSc courses from this route. Please refer to the entry requirements for our BSc courses.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
Access to HE Diploma
We only offer access to BSc courses from this route. Please refer to the entry requirements for our BSc courses.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Conditional offers will be set on an individual basis but are likely to include achieving a minimum of grades D1 to D3 in Principal Subjects. Where A Level chemistry plus another science or mathematics A Level are not taken, then Principal Subjects must include chemistry and at least another science from mathematics, physics or biology.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
- GCSE English Language grade C or above (Grade 4 for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England), or;
- IELTS - minimum 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any component. TOEFL - minimum 80 (internet-based), or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college. We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance will be included in the referee's report. We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting Department. If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the Department to which you applied as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
Applicants are considered on their predicted grades, a good academic reference, their personal statement and an interview.
The personal statement is your opportunity to tell the admissions team why we should offer you a place here at Manchester. It will be read by an academic and administrative member of staff. We will be looking for evidence of the following:
- the nature and extent of the interest in your chosen course;
- your motivation to study your course and potential to contribute to the teaching and learning environment within the Department;
- your academic ability and potential (what do you know about chemistry; what have you read about chemistry; how have you engaged with chemistry at school/college or independently; what aspects particularly interest you);
- we are also keen to hear about you - your interests, hobbies, extra-curricular experiences, career aspirations - and how these have prepared you for success on your chosen course.
All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview with an academic member of staff.
Your academic reference will be read to ensure that we are aware of any mitigating circumstances to be taken into account when assessing your application.
Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on our University of Manchester Aspiring Students (UMASS) website or the UCAS website .
Interview requirements
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
We welcome applications from overseas. We have no quota limitations for international applicants and offer Chemistry International Scholarships. International applicants are also eligible to apply for the Faculty Academic Excellence Scholarships.
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and 2 years at the maximum. We normally also guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
Re-applications
Transfers
Course details
Course description

I'm glad I chose to study medicinal chemistry!
Learning about drug development and interactions of drugs in bodily systems is really interesting and I hope to do something similar after my degree.
Gul Zahra / 2nd year, Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry is a highly flexible degree programme covering a wide range of courses taught by chemists, pharmacists, biologists and industrial medicinal chemists. It provides a strong foundation in core chemistry, supplemented by specialist knowledge of medicinal chemistry.
In addition to core chemistry units you take top-rated courses such as foundation biology, medicinal biochemistry and a number of courses on drug discovery and development from experts within chemistry and other Faculties.
Special features

MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry is aimed at students with a strong interest in the biological aspects of chemistry. As well as traditional chemistry topics you will take courses that cover biochemistry, medicines and drug discovery, and the major disease areas. Some of these courses are taught by academics from the top-rated School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences while others are taught by industrialists from major pharmaceutical companies. For full details of all the courses see below.
A range of study options
It's possible to broaden your degree by taking units from the University College , Business and Management for all Programmes in exchange for a few units from your degree.
Foundation Year available
You can prepare for the full degree course if you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry by undertaking our foundation course first.
Flexibility to transfer between courses
It is generally possible to transfer between the various chemistry degrees we offer in years 1-3. This is subject to satisfactory academic performance and completion of the required pre-requisite modules.
Additional course information
ChemSoc is a student-run society with the aim of giving chemistry students the complete experience whilst at The University of Manchester. The year begins with the infamous lab coat pub crawl and concludes with a fantastic annual ball! In between ChemSoc hosts socials alongside other societies, allowing your inner passion for your subject to come out and show everyone that chemistry is the best subject.
The society has two successful sports teams, football and netball, with the football team winning the league last year! Teams comprise of first years right through to PhD students, so you will be able to meet lots of new faces!
Besides the social side the society has reinvented its academic aspects; ChemSoc hosts research talks accessible to all students featuring our high level of research from Manchester. Finally, the society encourages students to think about their employability, and have worked closely with the Careers Service to run events throughout the year, such as a LinkedIn workshop.
Our blog
You can read about our students' experience in studying chemistry, work placement and study abroad diaries, as well as alumni profiles in our department blog .
Teaching and learning
Undergraduates have around 20 hours contact time per week and are expected to spend around 30 hours in private study. Your week will be made up of:
- Lectures
- Small group tutorials
- Laboratory classes
- Group work
- Individual research projects
- Computer-based tuition - A range of ancillary mathematics, data handling, presentation and IT skills, and computer based chemistry are taught on the dedicated computer cluster
- Workshops
- PASS session - student-led peer-assisted study sessions where second and third year students help you to develop learning strategies and techniques.
Personalised learning support
Chemistry at Manchester offers a high level of learning support. You will have weekly tutorials in small groups of no more than 6.
You'll have three Academic Tutors, one each for Organic, Inorganic and Physical chemistry. You'll also be allocated a Personal Tutor to oversee your personal welfare - reflect on your academic and personal development, discuss future goals and agree action plans.
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring
We are also proud of our innovative PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring scheme. The PASS scheme provides additional support in the area of the current week's tutorial. It is entirely voluntary and second, third and fourth-year students help first years to tackle problems defined by the content of the current tutorial. The emphasis is on showing students how to think about the problems, how to develop problem-solving skills and how to get the most from the educational resources available.
Additional Maths support
We offer additional Maths support to all our students. In Year 1 this is by means of a programme of online, self-directed study with weekly support clinics if you need additional support or advice.
Practical chemistry
Practical chemistry is important in all areas of the subject, and is a key part of all our programmes. Throughout your degree you'll carry out practical work in our modern well-equipped undergraduate laboratories, built to a high specification. Our practical courses are designed to provide experience of the wide range of chemical techniques for measurement and synthesis necessary for the study of modern chemistry. As well as providing the opportunity to do interesting chemistry our practical courses train students to work safely and effectively in the laboratory.
Year 4 research project
Your extended individual project will be based within one of the research groups in our Department or in the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry. This will give you the opportunity work on a current problem in your chosen area of research, under the supervision of a relevant member of academic staff.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment is by a mixture of traditional examinations, coursework, laboratory practical and workshops:
- Lectures are usually assessed by written exam (multiple choice or essay-based), which are held at the end of an academic semester.
- Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment and/or written exam.
- The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Assessment methods vary widely to suit the nature of the course unit and each level of study. Examinations take place in January and May each year, with around one third of the marks from continuous assessment. The first year is a simple pass/fail, but from then on a percentage of each year's assessment counts towards your final degree classification.
Course content for year 1
First-year topics include:
- bonding in molecules
- organic reaction mechanisms
- natural product chemistry
- s, p, and d block chemistry
- thermodynamics
- kinetics
- quantum mechanics
You will also attend classes on foundation biology, medicinal biochemistry and the properties of medicines. In addition, you will attend courses covering presentational, computer and IT skills.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Biochemistry | BIOL10551 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introductory Chemistry | CHEM10101 | 30 | Mandatory |
Energy and Change | CHEM10212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Coordination Chemistry | CHEM10312 | 10 | Mandatory |
Structure and Reactivity | CHEM10412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chemists' Toolkit | CHEM10520 | 20 | Mandatory |
Practical Chemistry | CHEM10600 | 20 | Mandatory |
Properties of Medicines | PHAR10102 | 10 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
The second year continues developing the core and extends topics from your first year, introducing new areas such as:
- molecular spectroscopy
- bonding and reactivity
- surfaces and interfaces
- chemistry of the heavier elements
- molecular symmetry
- metal-ligand bonding
- polymer science
- structure determination
- stereochemistry and heterocyclic chemistry
- plus additional course units involving polymer, materials and computational chemistry.
In addition, you will attend two courses, taught jointly with the School of Pharmacy , on drug discovery and the roles of medicinal chemistry in tackling major diseases from infections to cancer and heart disease.
Eligibility for continuation on this MChem programme is at our discretion, based on your general performance and your second year mark. If you are not eligible you will be transferred to the BSc programme.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Core Physical Chemistry | CHEM20212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Group Theory: Fundamentals and Applications | CHEM20311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Inorganic Chemistry | CHEM20312 | 10 | Mandatory |
Organic Synthesis | CHEM20411 | 10 | Mandatory |
Structure and reactivity of organic molecules | CHEM20412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Drug Discovery | CHEM20421 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chemists' Toolkit II | CHEM20500 | 10 | Mandatory |
Integrated Spectroscopy and Separations | CHEM20611 | 10 | Mandatory |
Practical Chemistry | CHEM22600 | 30 | Mandatory |
The Big Killers | PHAR20302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 3
You can choose from a wide range of course units made up of core and advanced chemistry units and also some units from outside chemistry. These include advanced course units in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry, as well as natural product and biological chemistry, contemporary drug discovery and synthesis for drug discovery and development.
In addition options are available from outside the Department, in Enterprise and the History of Science. Practical work in the third year takes the form of a group research project. You will work in a team with other medicinal chemistry students on a medicinal chemistry-specific project.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Core Chemistry 3 | CHEM30211 | 10 | Mandatory |
Core Chemistry 2 | CHEM30311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Core Chemistry 4 | CHEM30312 | 10 | Mandatory |
Core Chemistry 1 | CHEM30411 | 10 | Mandatory |
Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry | CHEM30432 | 10 | Mandatory |
Advanced Drug Discovery | CHEM30441 | 10 | Mandatory |
Synthesis for Drug Discovery and Development | CHEM30442 | 10 | Mandatory |
Advanced Practical Training | CHEM30620 | 40 | Mandatory |
Personalised Learning Unit 2.10 | CHEM30112 | 10 | Optional |
Biosynthesis and Bioenergetics | CHEM30712 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
In your fourth and final year you will carry out an extended project in Organic Chemistry or Pharmacy, in association with one of the Department's research groups , relevant to biomedical research.
You will study enhanced core course material and also choose from our extensive list of specialist optional course units, which cover cutting-edge developments in chemistry and are taught by world-leading scientists, giving you the opportunity to tailor your final year to the areas which most inspire you. You will also attend specialist lectures chosen in consultation with your project supervisor.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
MChem Yr4 Project Report | CHEM41600 | 40 | Mandatory |
MChem Yr4 Project Execution | CHEM42600 | 20 | Mandatory |
MChem Yr4 Project Presentation and Viva | CHEM43600 | 10 | Mandatory |
MChem Project Planning & Literature Review | CHEM44600 | 20 | Mandatory |
Medicines Design & Application | PHAR41111 | 20 | Mandatory |
Personalised Learning Unit 1.10 | CHEM40111 | 10 | Optional |
Computational Modelling Techniques | CHEM40241 | 10 | Optional |
Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry | CHEM40311 | 10 | Optional |
Advanced Organic Synthesis | CHEM40411 | 10 | Optional |
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | CHEM40711 | 10 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and go to Department and university scholarships .
Facilities
The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Our modern teaching laboratories are equipped with a wide range of specialist facilities including:
- State-of-the-art synthetic labs for project work.
- Dedicated NMR spectrometer for exclusive use by undergraduates.
- A suite of dedicated analytical instrumentation.
- The undergraduate teaching labs also have 3 HPLC and one HPLC-MS instruments to help you learn the fundamentals and applications of measurement and of separation science.
- Ten spectrophotometers and a suite of infra-red spectrometers for measuring solids, liquids and gases.
You will also have access to:
- Open access research laboratories for Separations, EPR, NMR and Mass Spectrometry.
- Cutting-edge X-ray diffractometers.
- Research Computing Facility to support teaching & learning in computational and theoretical science.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Graduate with a degree from The University of Manchester's Chemistry Department and you'll be in demand among top graduate employers (most targeted university in The Graduate Market in 2020 - High Fliers Research ).
Our Chemistry graduates are skilled in scientific methodology and are numerate, versatile and creative, making them attractive to employers from a range of sectors. Around half of our graduates get their first job directly using their chemical knowledge; 25% go on to study a further degree; and the remaining 25% opt for diverse careers in such areas as finance, management, computing and IT.
Throughout the academic year, we run an extensive programme of employability events to further enhance your employment prospects, most of which are open to all students from all years. These events are run in collaboration with the University's award winning Careers Service , involving various alumni, employers and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and include numerous drop-in sessions.
Depending on your degree, you may have additional specialist knowledge in analytical or medicinal chemistry, or a European language. If you spend Year 3 abroad or in industry, you will gain highly sought after life skills and demonstrate a proven ability to adapt to new environments, attributes which will make you highly attractive to future employers. For more information visit the Chemistry careers page .