Program Overview

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Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc/MSci

The Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc/MSci degree programme provides a thorough training in the main branches of chemistry and concentrates on the study of areas of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology most relevant to carrying out research with medicinal and other biologically active compounds.

Programme Structure

Year 1

The topics covered include the periodic table and main group chemistry, transition metal chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical kinetics, states of matter, chemical energy changes, aqueous equilibria & pH and macromolecules.

Year 2

The topics covered include molecular thermodynamics, organic stereochemistry, quantum mechanics & chemical bonding, organometallic chemistry, main group chemistry, enols & enolates, spectroscopy, solids & surfaces, aromatic chemistry, coordination chemistry, organic synthesis, electrochemistry and applied organic chemistry.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will choose courses from a list of topics which includes anticancer compounds, antibiotics, analgesics and antivirals. In the final year you will undertake a project involving research in chemistry with medicinal or pharmacological applications: for example, making selected compounds and testing them for specific biological activity. You can take Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry as an MSci degree, which includes an additional work placement year in the UK or overseas, between the third and final years of the degree.

Course Details

Year 1

• Core course: Chemistry 1

Year 2

• Core courses: Chemistry 2X, Chemistry 2Y
• You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will choose courses from a list of topics which includes anticancer compounds, antibiotics, analgesics and antivirals. In the final year you will undertake a project involving research in chemistry with medicinal or pharmacological applications: for example, making selected compounds and testing them for specific biological activity. There is an opportunity to take Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry as an MSci degree, which includes an additional placement year. Placements are usually in the UK, but can also be taken overseas. They happen between third year and the final year of the degree.

Year 3

• Organic Chemistry 3
• Inorganic Chemistry 3
• Physical Chemistry 3
• Frontiers Of Chemistry 3M (MSci students only)

Year 4 (BSc)

• Organic Chemistry 4H
• Physical Chemistry 4H (Half)
• Inorganic Chemistry 4H (Half)
• Chemistry Special Topics 4H
• Medicinal Chemistry 4H
• Chemistry Project 4H

Year 4 (MSci)

• Chemistry With Medicinal Chemistry MSci: Work Placement Year

Year 5 (MSci)

• Inorganic Chemistry 4M (B)
• Medicinal Chemistry 4M
• Organic Chemistry 4M
• Physical Chemistry 4M (A)
• Chemistry Special Topics 4M (A)
• Chemistry Problems 4M (B)
• Chemistry Project 4M (A)

Entry Requirements

For Entry in 2026

Summary of Entry Requirements for Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry

• SQA Higher entry requirements: BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
• Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
• Typically offers will be made at ABBB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
• Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Chemistry at AB/BA

SQA Higher Adjusted Entry Requirements (by end of S5 or S6)

• MD20: BBBB (also other target groups)
• MD40: ABBB
• Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools

A-Level Standard Entry Requirements

• ABB BBB
• Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Chemistry

IB Standard Entry Requirements

• 32 (5,5,5)
• Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Chemistry

Career Prospects

Our graduates are employed in research in the pharmaceutical industry, forensic science and related areas. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study or directly into employment in the chemical industry. Recent graduates have been employed by:

• EDF Energy
• Quotient Clinical
• Reckitt Benckiser
• Sterling Medical Innovation
• Synergy Outsourcing

Degrees and UCAS Codes

• BSc (Hons): Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry: F103 (4 years)
• MSci: Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (work placement): F104 (5 years)

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where youre from. All Chemistry degrees require students to purchase a 100% cotton lab coat and safety goggles.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence.

• STEM in Scotland Award
• Little Helpers Scholarship
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
• World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
• World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
• Beaconhouse Schools
• James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
• Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary
• World Changers RUK Access Bursary
• Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
• Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
• Travel Bursaries
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

How to Apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.

Application Deadlines

• 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
• 14 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
• 30 June: international students

We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.