Don't just imagine your future at University, experience it first-hand!

Step into the shoes of an undergraduate student and join us for our upcoming on-campus Discover Days in Science, Engineering and Fashion. These days are tailored exclusively for Year 12s who are interested in taking their academic journey to the next level. Find your favourite subject now!

Find out more about our Discover Days in Science, Engineering and Fashion

BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
BSc
Duration
3 years
Typical A-level offer

AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

Typical contextual A-level offer

AAB, including A in Chemistry and B or above in at least one other science or mathematics subject.

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer

Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements. A-level Chemistry will still be required at grade A. 

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Full entry requirements

Number of places/applicants
For September 2022 entry, we received approximately 1000 applications annually for 230 places across all first-year courses within the Department of Chemistry.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 3: Good health and well-being
  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Course overview

  • A flexible degree providing a solid foundation in all core aspects of chemistry supplemented by specialist knowledge of medicinal chemistry. Over 80% of our recent graduates were in a graduate level job or further study within 6 months of finishing their course (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey).
  • We are ranked 4th in the UK and 7th in Europe for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Loading
Chemistry student Zaynah tells us why she chose to study at Manchester.

Open days

For details of the next University Undergraduate open day, visit our  open days and visits  page. You can also view our Chemistry Virtual Open Day , and if you have any questions please just get in touch .

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £34,500 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 .

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 3: Good health and well-being

    Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

    Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

    Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • Goal 15: Life on land

    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Contact details

Department
Department of Chemistry
Contact name
Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 306 0888
Email
Website
https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk
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

AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .

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.

Contextual offer

AAB, including A in Chemistry and B or above in at least one other science or mathematics subject. 

Find out more about contextual admissions .

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

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

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

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Subjects welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer

General Studies

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, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics.

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Including grade 1 or 2 in the Oral exam component, if applicable.

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

Scottish requirements

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

Or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.

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 Department Admissions Team.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including Chemistry and one science or mathematics subject.

European Baccalaureate

Typically we require 83% overall with 8.5 in three written subjects, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate.

The A-level requirements for the Department of Chemistry are AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

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 are required to achieve grades AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Programme are required to achieve AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Department Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD. Please note that acceptability is dependent upon completing specific modules.

The Biomedical Sciences pathway is not suitable for entry.

The Analytical and Forensic Science pathway is suitable, but the following specific modules must be completed:

Group A Optional Units must include:

  • Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
  • Applications of Organic Chemistry

Group B Optional Units must include:

  • Industrial Chemical Reactions

We highly recommend students take the module in Practical Chemical Analysis in Group A. The Physical Science pathway is suitable, but following specific modules must be completed:

Group A Optional Units must include:

  • Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
  • Industrial Chemical Reactions

Group B Optional units must include:

  • Applications of Organic Chemistry

We highly recommend students take the module in Practical Chemical Analysis in Group A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD when taken with a science A-level, preferably Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Biology, with grade A. Please note that acceptability is dependent upon completing specific modules. Please refer to subject-specific criteria for the Extended Diploma in Applied Science above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science for entry with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including Chemistry and preferably one of Physics, Mathematics or Biology. Please note that acceptability is dependent upon completing specific modules. Please refer to subject-specific criteria for the Extended Diploma in Applied Science above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate in Applied Science for entry with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including Chemistry and preferably one of Physics, Mathematics or Biology. Please note that acceptability is dependent upon completing specific modules. Please refer to subject-specific criteria for the Extended Diploma in Applied Science above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate

We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy BTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two A-levels with grades AA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject. We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Qualifications (CTEC) alongside two A-levels or equivalent in Chemistry plus at least another science or mathematics. Entry requirements will depend upon the type of CTEC qualification being studied alongside the A Levels.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Qualifications (CTEC) alongside two A-levels or equivalent in Chemistry plus at least another science or mathematics. Entry requirements will depend upon the type of CTEC qualification being studied alongside the A Levels.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Qualifications (CTEC) alongside two A-levels or equivalent in Chemistry plus at least another science or mathematics. Entry requirements will depend upon the type of CTEC qualification being studied alongside the A Levels.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Qualifications (CTEC) alongside two A-levels or equivalent in Chemistry plus at least another science or mathematics. Entry requirements will depend upon the type of CTEC qualification being studied alongside the A Levels.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)

We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy CTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or very similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 45 graded credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in chemistry and 15 in another science (mathematics, physics or biology), and remaining 6 credits at Merit.

We may request a copy of your modules.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, D3, D3 in Principal subjects, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject.

We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

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.

Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A-level.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.  We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.

Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines .

If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department for your chosen course.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Chemistry directly.

Further information for mature students .

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
  • GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
  • IELTS 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subskill
  • TOEFL iBT 90 with no less than 20 in all other subscores
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

English language test validity

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Factors contributing to a successful application include:
  • past academic performance;
  • predicted academic performance;
  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Further guidance on how to apply .

Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.

We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the two years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than two years should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.

You should not normally apply for more than one course offered by the Department of Chemistry at The University of Manchester. If you register with us as a 3-year BSc student, it is possible to transfer onto our 4-year MChem courses at the end of your first year or, in some cases, later, subject to academic achievement and approval.

How your application is considered

All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person.

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.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process .

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 at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.   

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.  

We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings, provided they were taken over the standard two-year period.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. 

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We are happy to consider students who want to transfer to the first year of this course from other courses within the University. Transfers from other institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Transfers into the second year are not normally considered.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team if you require further advice.

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, BSc 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 will 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

Loading
Join Harry for a tour of the Chemistry labs.
BSc 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

Our student community

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.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is by a mixture of traditional examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and workshops. 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. If you are on a BSc course and have performed to the standard required for MChem, you have the opportunity to transfer from BSc to MChem at the end of Year 1 and the end of Year 2.

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 as well as attend courses which cover a range of 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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/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.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/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

In your final year you can choose from a wide range of course units made up of core and advanced chemistry units as well as 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 series of mini-projects in different areas of chemistry.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/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
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 CHEM30112 10 Optional
Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry CHEM30432 10 Optional
Environmental Challenges: Waste Disposal EART33102 10 Optional
The Nuclear Age: Global Nuclear Threats from Hiroshima to Today HSTM31212 10 Optional
Advanced Technology Enterprise MCEL30011 10 Optional
Advanced Technology Enterprise MCEL30012 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 13 course units for year 3

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 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

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

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.* 

Our chemistry graduates are skilled in scientific methodology and are numerate, versatile and creative, making them attractive to employers from a range of sectors. As a medicinal chemistry graduate you will benefit from having an interdisciplinary grounding in both traditional chemistry and biochemistry, taught by leading academics in their field and industrialists from major pharmaceutical companies.

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 a variety of industries. Roles that graduates opt for include: 

  • Analytical Chemistry;
  • Biotechnology
  • Science Communication;
  • Finance;
  • Management;
  • Computing;
  • IT.

Whatever field you choose, a chemistry degree can open the doors through a variety of opportunities, preparing you for work in a lab, or providing you with the analytical skills vital for success as a graduate in both a scientific and non-scientific environment.

Careers Service

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. Additionally, the Careers Service commits to supporting you for two years after your graduation, helping you to have the best start possible after university. 

* (Graduate Market in 2023 - High Flier's Research )

Accrediting organisations

BSc Chemistry  with Medicinal Chemistry is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry as satisfying the academic requirements for admission to Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) and the award of CChem (Chartered Chemist) for graduates with a first or second class honours degree. 

Associated organisations

Graduates are eligible for Affiliate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry at a reduced rate. On graduation you can proceed to Associate or Full membership and Chartered Chemist Status (depending on degree class).