Medicinal Chemistry
UCAS code F1B2
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Chemistry graduates are at the heart of science, underpinning some of the world’s most dynamic and exciting industries. This Medicinal Chemistry degree makes an ideal foundation for a wide range of career pathways or further study.
Introduction
Our BSc programmes offer flexibility to choose optional modules from outside Chemistry. On this course 25% of your time will be allocated to studying pharmacology and biomedical sciences.
This programme will give you a solid grounding in all aspects of chemistry combined with an introduction to pharmacology, making it ideal for a wide range of career pathways, or further postgraduate training after your degree.
The first two years of this programme are identical to the MChem Chemistry with Pharmacology (F1BF) programme. Students take designated modules in biomedical and biological sciences and medicinal chemistry. You will progress rapidly during the first two years, studying a mix of theory and practical modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject.
Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics (which is essential for studying chemistry to a high level) we provide a flexible tiered maths for chemistry course allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.
In year three, you only take organic and practical sections of the BSc Chemistry (F100) programme and take designated pharmacology modules that aim to help you apply your knowledge of chemistry and pharmacology to pharmaceutical problems, with particular reference to drug design and development.
If you decide during the first 18 months that you want to aim for a research career in chemistry, then you can transfer to the MChem Chemistry with Pharmacology (F1BF) or MChem Chemistry (F102) programmes provided you have obtained an average mark at the 2:1 level or above (60%).
This degree programme has a year abroad option. The year abroad is an incredible new opportunity to spend one academic year at one of our partner universities expanding your academic and cultural horizons. You’ll spend this time abroad in between your second and third years of study and your degree will extend by one year.
The Department of Chemistry is committed to continuous improvement of our curriculum. We are undergoing a curriculum review to further prepare our graduates for the next stage of their career by developing our degree programmes to incorporate knowledge and skills for the future workforce and ensure a positive learning experience for all students. Module and programme structures may change as we further develop an inclusive curriculum with enhanced sustainable, digital, and analytical chemistry elements. These aspects will sit alongside all the expected core chemistry components including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and professional skills.
What you'll learn
- Computational modelling
- Foundations of medicinal Chemistry
- Maths for Chemistry
- Key quantitative skills
- Aspects of chemical research
- How to present data effectively
Accreditation
This programme has bachelor accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.
Accreditation in detail
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned society for chemists in the United Kingdom.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
You will study selected components from the BSc Chemistry (F100) programme plus 30 credits of modules from Pharmacology.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Laboratory classes in years one and two prepare you for independent laboratory work in year three. In year three you will carry out mini research projects.
Computational modelling and molecular visualisation are introduced as interactive animated models from year one, reinforced as a key skill in later years.
How you're assessed
You are assessed by examination at the end of each semester (January and May/June) and by continuous assessment of laboratory practicals, class tests, workshops, tutorials and assignments.
You have to pass each year of study before you are allowed to progress to the following year. Re-sit opportunities are available in September at the end of years one and two.
If you take an industrial placement, a minimum standard of academic performance is required before you are allowed to embark on your placements. You are expected to perform at a 2:1 level if you wish to continue on a MChem programme.
All years of study (with the exception of year one) contribute to the final degree classification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC (including Chemistry: B and ) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
Not Accepted – due to test and time constraints. |
| BTEC combinations |
Not Accepted - due to test and time constraints. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include Chemistry grade B and a science grade B at A level. |
| Access |
Not Accepted - due to test and time constraints. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
If you'd like to undertake a year in industry, you can transfer to Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons) during your studies, subject to meeting the academic requirements of your course.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Our excellence in research strongly influences our teaching, and ensures that you are engaged in frontier science in optional modules and in project work. Our state-of-the-art Central Teaching Laboratories offe a unique environment in which to study Chemistry.
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Chemistry.
Explore where you'll study
A day in the life of Chemistry student Amy
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
The research that takes place in the chemistry department here in Liverpool is internationally leading. It makes huge impacts around the world.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Inside Chemistry. A conversation with Dr Cate Cropper and Dr Konstantin Luzyanin
Careers and employability
Visits to the department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year. Graduates find employment in many areas, from the pharmaceutical industry to business management.
Typical careers of our graduates include:
- assistant analyst
- development chemist
- research assistant
- site chemist.
Recent employers of our graduates are:
- AstraZeneca
- GlaxoSmithKline
- IOTA Nansolutions Ltd
- Johnson Matthey
- Perstorp Caprolactones
- Shell
- Towers Watson
- Unilever
- United Utilities.
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Victoria Brown, BSc (Hons) Chemistry 2020
Victoria is graduated from our BSc Chemistry with a year in industry degree in 2020. She received an offer to work as a Global Operations Graduate Associate at AstraZeneca.
Fizah Sulaiman, BSc (Hons) Chemistry 2018
Fizah is a graduate from 2018 who completed a degree in chemistry, nonetheless has started a graduate career in commercial at Johnson Matthey, and has gone on to be appointed Strategy Execution Analyst.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee covers almost everything but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions