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).
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAA including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or AAB including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science Practical components
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 plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical or ABB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry and an additional science subject, with a pass in all science Practical components
A-levels 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, as follows:
AAB, including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry practical or ABB, including chemistry and one additional science subject with a pass in all science practical components
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 Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and grade A in an additional A-level subject.
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level Chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Science Foundation Year
BTEC 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.
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
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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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Molecular Structure
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Reactivity
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Thermodynamics
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Kinetics
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Atomic Structure
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Bonding
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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:
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Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Organic Synthesis
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Atomic and Molecular Interactions, Change and Equilibrium
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Symmetry in Chemistry
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Transition of Metal and Organometallic Compounds
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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:
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Pigments and F-block Chemistry
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Natural Product Chemistry
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Electrochemistry, Energy Storage, Pollution Control and Fuel Cells
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Organometallic Chemistry
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DNA and RNA
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UV/visible Spectroscopy and Quadrupolar NMR
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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:
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Pharmacology
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Toxicity
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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:
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Exploring Polymer Chemistry and the Properties
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The Impact of Plastics on Society and the Environment
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Understanding the Behaviour of Atoms and Molecules
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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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Paul Duckmanton 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:
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analytical chemistry
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programming and computational chemistry
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nanotechnology and other chemical industries
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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 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. 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 £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. 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 that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre 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
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F1BC
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
