About this course
On this flexible, three-year degree you’ll learn how chemistry and medicinal sciences combine to help us treat disease.
You’ll study every aspect of the drug development cycle, including:
- the design of molecules with the potential to treat disease
- Understanding and predicting how medicines will interact with the body
- testing the effectiveness and safety of new treatments;
Your chemistry practical work will take place in recently refurbished, modern laboratories using high-tech equipment.
For the biological sciences aspects of your degree, you’ll use purpose-built facilities in the Life Sciences Building, which have benefited from a recent £50m investment.
You’ll learn from staff who are changing the world through research, including designing new cancer drugs and developing synthetic DNA for use in COVID-19 testing.
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).
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202425
A-levels
AAB including chemistry or ABB 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: ABB including chemistry, plus grade A in the EPQ or BBB including chemistry and an additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ
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: ABB including chemistry or BBB including chemistry and one additional science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in chemistry or Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in chemistry and a minimum of 5 at Higher Level in an additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geography
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 Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in an additional A-level subject or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus 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 or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level chemistry and an additional A-level science subject.
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus 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
To be confirmed
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry or H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 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 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry or D3 M2 M2 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
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry or AA from two A-levels including chemistry, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or ABB including chemistry and one additional science subject or AB 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.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Access to Southampton 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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This three-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.
This will provide you with a strong underpinning of the interplay between chemistry and biology, whilst equipping you with skills that will be beneficial whatever your future career.
Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it easy to transfer if you decide you would like to move onto the MChem programme. Switching to other chemistry degrees can also be possible, depending on the optional modules you have chosen.
Year 1 overview
You’ll study a set of core topics that are essential to your developing knowledge, including:
- 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 will give you 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
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.
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...
Advanced Practical Chemistry
This module represents an advanced practical course designed to build on the practical skills developed through lab modules undertaken in years 1 and 2 of the Chemistry degree programmes. The course will extend this vital skill by enabling students to un...
Chemistry Literature Project
This module requires students to produce a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor extending the skills developed in the Advanced Practical module. The dissertation may take the form of a literature review or other extended written report, the pr...
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...
Communicating and Teaching: The Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme
This unit runs under the Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme and provides an opportunity for students to act as ambassadors for their disciplines.
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...
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)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Peter Birkin is the course leader.
Careers
There are many roles outside of scientific research where a strong scientific underpinning is beneficial. This bachelor’s level degree gives an excellent grounding in chemistry and its interface with biology. It is ideal for those who may not want to pursue research but see a place for science in their future career.
You’ll be prepared to enter fields as diverse as:
- drug discovery and development
- public health
- laboratory services;
- chemical science
- programming and software development
- project management
- scientific journalism
- scientific sales
- teaching
If you’re not sure what path to choose, a career-focused module in year two will help you understand the options and map them to your strengths and interests. This module includes talks from industry speakers, giving you an idea of different career paths.
Students interested in teaching can enhance their CVs by volunteering in outreach or chemical education research. There will also be opportunities to get involved in research.
Careers services at Southampton
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £27,400.
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 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 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: F109
- 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'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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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