About this course
With this course, you’ll learn how chemistry and the biological sciences combine to help us understand every aspect of the treatment of disease. This allows scientists to create new treatments and therapies.
This MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences degree specialises in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. You’ll study topics such as natural product chemistry, physiology and biochemistry.
Key features of the course are an individual research project based in Southampton and a 6-month placement either in industry, or in another academic institution. These projects prepare you for medicinal chemistry careers in areas such as pharmaceutical chemistry, biological chemistry and life sciences.
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and when you graduate you will be eligible for full membership status (MRSC).
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Accreditations
Why study Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences?
Learn more about these subject areas
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
AAA including chemistry or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject
A-levels additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
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 or ABB including chemistry and an additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry or Pass, with 34 points overall with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and an additional science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
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.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject.
DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry.
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. 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. .
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject.
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level 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.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry or H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and an additional science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, mathematics, physics and geography
Scottish Qualification
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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and an additional science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry or AA from two A-levels including chemistry, and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject or AA from two A-levels including chemistry and one additional science subject, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
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
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This 4-year degree will give you in-depth knowledge and practical training in all aspects of chemistry, and develop your understanding of its impact on modern society. In addition, 25% of your degree will be made up of medicinal and biomedical science study.
A research project in year 3 lets you take the practical skills developed in the teaching laboratories and develop them in an independent, research-oriented environment, studying an area in-depth.
In your final year, you'll take a 6-month placement to apply your scientific knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
Year 1 overview
You’ll study a set of core topics that are essential to your developing knowledge, giving you a solid grounding in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
Topics include:
- Molecular Structure
- Reactivity
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetics
- Atomic Structure
- Bonding
- Chemistry of the Elements
Medicinal science modules focus on topics such as Macromolecules of Life and Metabolism. You can also choose options from the wider university including mathematics, physics, biology and languages.
Year 2 overview
You'll study core topics in chemistry such as:
- Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Organic Synthesis
- Atomic and Molecular Interactions, Change and Equilibrium
- Symmetry in Chemistry
- Transition of Metal and Organometallic Compounds
- Bonding Theories of Solid-State Chemistry
In medicinal sciences you can study topics such as Systems Physiology and Mammalian Physiology. You can also choose options that may include Mathematical Methods in Chemistry, Ethics in Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Aquatic Chemistry and Pharmacology.
Year 3 overview
This year, you'll take advanced modules in the core practical and theoretical areas of chemistry such as:
- Pigments and F-block Chemistry
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Electrochemistry, Energy Storage, Pollution Control and Fuel Cells
- Organometallic Chemistry
- DNA and RNA
- UV/visible Spectroscopy and Quadrupolar NMR
- Kinetics of Interface Chemistry (gas/solid, liquid/solid)
A key element of this year is an individual chemistry research project in a field that interests you. This provides an excellent opportunity to apply your practical skills through over 150 hours of laboratory work. You'll choose from biomedical topics such as:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicity
- Neuropharmacology
Year 4 overview
This year you'll do a 6-month industrial experience placement, or a research placement at another university.
You'll also carry out an advanced research project in an area of your choice, supervised by a member of academic staff. You'll work in the laboratory, carry out literature research and write your dissertation.
In semester 2 you can take 3 advanced chemistry taught modules such as:
- Exploring Polymer Chemistry and the Properties
- The Impact of Plastics on Society and the Environment
- Understanding the Behaviour of Atoms and Molecules
- Fundamental Concepts in Electrochemistry
You'll also take options from biological sciences such as Biomedical Technology, Cellular Signalling or the Molecular Basis of Disease.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Analytical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry is a measurement science consisting of a set of powerful ideas and methods that provide qualitative or quantitative information about the chemical composition of a sample. Analytical measurements are required in a wide range of fields...
Fundamentals of Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
Introduction to Practical Chemistry I
This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of...
Introduction to Practical Chemistry II
This course follows on from CHEM1051 and teaches slightly more advanced basic skills, with the application of the Semester 1 skills and knowledge. More complex work-ups will be undertaken, with more emphasis on student input (or decision making) in the pr...
Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry
This module will provide an introduction into the fundamentals of main group and transition metal chemistry, and introduce NMR.
Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I
The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data science and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...
Mathematical Skills for Chemists
Reactions in Organic Chemistry
Structure and Bonding
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Coordination Chemistry
This module will build on the principles of Transition Metal chemistry covered in Part 1. Through developing a molecular orbital approach, you will be taken from the basics of ligand interactions and binding modes to understanding a transition metal's...
General Practical Chemistry I
General Practical Chemistry II
Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module prov...
Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
Retrosynthesis and Aromatics
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry
In this module you will learn about the fundamental theory of bonding in solids – band theory, and show how this can be used to understand the optical, magnetic and optical properties of solid phase materials. You will also be taught about X-ray diffracti...
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...
Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
This module develops understanding of the components important for cell function and looks at how cells function in organs and whole organisms. Lectures will be accompanied by practicals, some of which involve the use of animal tissue, with alternative...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Organic Chemistry (Bioorganic)
Fundamentals of Bio-organic Chemistry Nucleic Acids Chemistry • Chemical structure and properties of nucleosides, nucleotides, nucleic acids. • Structure and properties of DNA – A, B, and Z-DNA structures, Watson-Crick base pairing. • The biological...
Chemistry Research Project
The project involves approximately 300 hours of commitment between the beginning of week 1 and the end of the last week before the Easter vacation (the finish date is to be confirmed). This corresponds to a minimum of 150 hours in the laboratory/ researc...
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry is pivotal in the design, synthesis and evaluation of new medicines, and involves multidisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. This module will introduce key molecular concepts and methods in Medicina...
Pharmacology
The aim of this module is to build on the first year introduction to pharmacology to progress students understanding of pharmacology. The course is structured to firstly provide a platform of core concepts that widely pertain before developing this to som...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy
This module aims to develop an intermediate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, including familiarity with its mathematical formulation. It is intended to bridge the gap between the qualitative, pictorial approach used in the core modules of the fir...
Cancer Chromosome Biology
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of selected topics associated with the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and lead to tumour progression. This will involve exploring the genetic drivers of disease, the mechan...
Inorganic Materials Chemistry
Molecular Cell Biology
The organisation of the eukaryotic cell has always fascinated researchers. This module illustrates the upkeep of cellular structure and function.
Selective Toxicity
This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, antimalarials, antisense oligonucleotides and antiviral compounds. The m...
Sustainable Chemistry
Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
Carbon-carbon bond forming reactions lie at the heart of organic synthesis. In this course we will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation using carbanions and radicals, and through thermally and photochemically induced pericyclic processes. The si...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Advanced Chemical Biology
Advanced Spectroscopy and Applications
Modern spectroscopic techniques underpin a wide range of chemical and biological research as well as serving as a valuable analytical tool. This module will introduce some of the key principles, tools and techniques that govern spectroscopic measurements ...
Biofilms and Microbial Communities
BIOL6047 ‘Biofilms and Microbial Communities’ aims to provide an understanding of bacterial biofilms and the environmental, industrial and health care problems related to complex microbial consortia of societal importance. Students will learn to describe ...
Biomedical Parasitology
The aim of this module is introduce third year students to the main clinically relevant parasite classes, it will consider their lifecycles, the human/veterinary pathology caused and the treatment methods both of the primary and where applicable intermedi...
Biomedical Technology
This course is designed to illustrate the ways in which the theoretical principles of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology presented in previous courses can be applied to yield important commercial or therapeutic products or processes.
Molecular Pharmacology
This module provides fourth year students with an introduction to the molecular basis of receptor pharmacology. The module detailed analysis of the mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level through the application of biochemical and molecular biolo...
Molecular Recognition
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. The module discusses selected examples and explains techniques used to study molecular interactions.
Neurodegenerative Disease
This module describes the neurobiology that underpins the aetiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease that has been a focus of intense and exciting research activity over the last several decades. The course is largely a research-led unit wher...
Stereoselective Reactions
Supramolecular Chemistry of Functional Molecules and Materials
This module will explore the fundamental basis of intermolecular interactions and illustrate how these can be exploited to form diverse supramolecular assemblies ranging from small molecules, soft gels and hard extended inorganic solids. The course will p...
The Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
The course provides an insight into how molecular studies can be employed to further medical research and aid in the development of novel treatments and therapeutics. The course will cover a number of areas including the role of epigenetic in disease, amy...
X-Ray Crystallographic Techniques, Advanced Main Group Chemistry and Applications
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Russell Minns is the course leader.
Careers
Your completed project prepares you for a career as a professional chemist because you'll fulfil the requirements of the Royal Society of Chemistry for the CChem qualification.
You'll be ready to enter medicinal chemistry jobs in areas such as:
- analytical chemistry
- programming and computational chemistry
- nanotechnology and other chemical industries
- biomedical sciences
Many of our graduates move on to a PhD qualification, and most stay with Southampton University to do so.
There are also research and teaching opportunities and options to branch out into other fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, law or science journalism.
The degree is supported by our key skills training, which helps you develop the essential attributes needed for career success.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £29,400.
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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