BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

Medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists play a crucial role in improving global health, applying chemical principles to design, test and refine the drugs that underpin modern medicine. Our BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree is designed for those who want to learn and understand how new medicines are created - from the chemistry behind drug molecules to the processes that turn them into safe, effective treatments. You’ll build a strong foundation in core chemistry while developing specialist skills in areas such as drug design, drug efficacy, safety testing and pharmaceutical quality control, whilst ensuring you leave with the specialist knowledge you’ll need to pursue a future in the pharmaceutical sector.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Biological and Chemical Sciences | Duration: 3 years full-time; 4 years with placement; 4 years with study abroad; 4 years with foundation | Study mode: full-time, placement year available | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Our medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry degree will prepare you for a career in one of the most innovative and fast-moving industries. From day one, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in our specialist laboratories to explore how atoms bond, how reactions occur and how molecules behave. Year 1 core: Atoms to Molecules, Chemical Analysis and Data Skills, Rates and Reactivity, Professional Chemist. Year 2 core: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Structural Characterisation and Spectroscopy, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis. Year 3 core: Horizons in Chemistry and Techniques, Drug Discovery in Action, Modern Approaches to Chemical Challenges, Research Project.

Career pathways

BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduates may go on to a wide range of subject‑specific careers across the fine chemical, pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental monitoring, food and drink, materials and technology fields. You will be equipped to: Apply chemical, analytical and problem‑solving abilities in roles across pharmaceutical development, drug safety, quality control and chemical manufacturing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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. Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. The equivalent of A level grade C in a relevant subject will be required as part of any offer. A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement. AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A level-equivalent qualifications. Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course. GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language or Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English. and GCSE grade C/4 or above in Mathematics or Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics. IB: Pass the IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Chemistry. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English and Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 4 in Mathematics. IELTS: 6.0 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Standard UK and Channel Islands full-time fee for 2027/28 as stated on the course page Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time; 4 years with placement; 4 years with study abroad; 4 years with foundation

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucas.com

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