Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree offers a strong foundation in chemistry, research methods, and laboratory techniques, while providing the specialist skills and understanding that you’ll need to pursue a future in drug discovery.

Course Information

• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the UK's leading professional body for chemical scientists.
• The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities, and collaborative study zones.
• We have invested half a million pounds to enhance our undergraduate lab experience and extend our wide range of analytical instrumentation.
• Our teaching is supported by a range of technological innovations, including videos, specialist software, and interactive simulations via VR.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 104-112 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score: 6.0 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date
• UK students:
  • Level 3 qualifications: 104-112 UCAS tariff points
  • A levels: grades BCC or equivalent, to include grade C or above in Chemistry (with Pass in Practical Assessment)
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (1080) in Applied Science: DMM to include relevant Chemistry modules
  • Pass Access to HE Diploma in Science with a minimum score of 106 UCAS tariff points to include relevant Chemistry units
  • IB Diploma: Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Chemistry
• International students:
  • IB Diploma: Pass the IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Chemistry
  • IELTS: 6.0 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalised for all courses.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of our UK-domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation
• Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22 leavers, HESA data
• Through our Careers Service, you will be supported and encouraged to get ready for further study or working life, including starting your own business

Course Structure

• Year 1:
  • Atoms to Molecules
  • Chemical Analysis and Data Skills
  • Rates and Reactivity
  • Professional Chemist
• Year 2:
  • Pharmaceutical Analysis
  • Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Structural Characterisation and Spectroscopy
  • Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
• Year 3:
  • Horizons in Chemistry and Techniques
  • Drug Discovery in Action
  • Modern Approaches to Chemical Challenges
  • Research Project

Study and Assessment

• Study:
  • Year 1: 30% lectures, seminars or similar; 70% independent study
  • Year 2: 30% lectures, seminars or similar; 70% independent study
  • Year 3: 40% lectures, seminars or similar; 60% independent study
  • Year 4: 40% lectures, seminars or similar; 60% independent study
• Assessment:
  • Year 1: 75% coursework; 25% examination
  • Year 2: 70% coursework; 30% examination
  • Year 3: 70% coursework; 30% examination
  • Year 4: 65% coursework; 35% examination

Placements

The full-time four-year placement route gives you the opportunity of spending your third year on an industrial placement, where you will get a taste of professional life. A placement not only gives you the opportunity to develop your core skills and experience, but also shows employers that you’re ready to get to work.

Taught by Experts

BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is part of the Department of Natural Sciences at Manchester Met. Discover more about the department and who you’ll be working with if you choose to study this course.

Your City, Your Community, Your Campus

Life in Manchester offers an inspiring and welcoming setting for your studies. With a history of driving progress, it’s home to a diverse community of bold creatives, sport obsessives, and pioneers in science, engineering, health, education, business, and law.

Related Courses

• MChem (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Foundation Year Science and Engineering degrees with a foundation year (Biology and Chemistry route)
• MChem (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry

Disclaimers

Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6-year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our terms and conditions.

The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk.

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our student protection plan.