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BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • UCAS code
    F108
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Apply your knowledge of chemistry and biology to pharmaceutical practice with our BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry. 

Our new Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree has been developed together with our industrial partners to produce high quality graduates for the pharmaceutical sector – an area that already employs 67,000 people in the UK, and contributes £30.4bn to the national economy per year.

We go beyond organic chemistry – which is traditionally associated with pharmaceutical programmes – to cover many other areas of chemistry and biology. As such, we consciously address the needs of this modern and growing industry.

You will develop a strong grounding in basic chemistry and biology, and also cover advanced topics relevant to modern pharmaceutical chemistry. As well as underlying theory, the course applies skills and knowledge to areas of pharmacy:

  • metals in medicine, dosage and formulation
  • pharmacology and toxicity
  • analytical science
  • regulatory requirements.

These fundamental skills will help you to succeed in this diverse and dynamic sector.

Learn from internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, practical classes, workshops, and tutorials. As well as benefitting from hands-on, practical experience in our large, cutting-edge laboratories and purpose-built Chemical Analysis Facility, you will have access to our new £55m Health & Life Sciences building and pharmaceutical laboratories.

If you do not have an A level in maths, you will need to take the first-year Maths for Chemists module, which covers all the topics required for later years of the course. Depending on your level of maths, you may have the opportunity to take an option from outside the Department in your first year.

Our existing chemistry degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). As this is a new course, we will continue to work closely with the RSC and expect this programme to be accredited when the first cohort graduates.

Placement

We have many industry links with pharmaceutical companies based in the Thames Valley and beyond. Our dedicated placements officer is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of applications, as well as help you find a placement. Past students on our chemistry degree courses have secured placements at pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, GSK, Pfizer, and Procter & Gamble.

For more information, please visit the Department of Chemistry website. 

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

New international students: £24,500

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

This course has been developed in partnership with industry to provide good quality graduates for the pharmaceutical sector. We incorporate skills development into each year of the degree, giving you a better chance of securing work when you leave university. You will graduate with a range of skills that are essential for the pharmaceutical industry and a wide range of other careers.