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BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad

University of Bath

About this course

BSc (Hons) in Chemistry for Drug Discovery, a chemistry degree centred on the preparation, function, and design of medicines. The course includes a professional placement year and a period of study abroad in the third year. The first year covers core subjects through Analytical and spectroscopic techniques, Biological chemistry and physiology, Foundations and applications of chemistry, Medicinal chemistry, Skills for chemists, and Year 1 laboratory. The second year progresses to Characterisation, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy, Fundamental concepts of chemistry, Major therapeutic areas, and Year 2 laboratory. The third year consists of Study abroad and Professional placement. The final year focuses on advanced topics via Advanced chemistry 1, Advanced practical skills, Problems and solutions in modern chemistry B, and Synthesis, development and design of pharmaceuticals.

Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.

Institution
University of Bath
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Chemistry for Drug Discovery
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
I121
Typical offer
A-level AAB, IB 36
Median salary
£39,500 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A level: AAB including A in Chemistry and two other science or mathematics subjects. IB: 36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry and 5 in a second science or mathematics course.

See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 51 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university

  • Teaching on my course: 94%
  • Learning opportunities: 88%
  • Assessment and feedback: 74%
  • Academic support: 94%
  • Organisation and management: 79%
  • Learning resources: 91%
  • Student voice: 89%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Continued on course: 100%

What graduates do next

Based on about 27 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Working: 50%
  • Working and studying: 5%
  • Further study: 30%
  • Unemployed: 5%

Most common jobs

  • Natural and social science professionals: 35%
  • Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
  • Administrative occupations: 10%
  • Elementary occupations: 10%
  • Engineering professionals: 10%
  • Find their work meaningful: 90%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 50%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North West: 4%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
  • East Midlands: 2%
  • West Midlands: 4%
  • East of England: 15%
  • London: 23%
  • South East: 30%
  • South West: 16%
  • Wales: 3%
  • Northern Ireland: 1%

Who gets in

Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • A levels: 100%

Accreditation & quality ratings

  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Analytical and spectroscopic techniques
  • Biological chemistry and physiology
  • Foundations and applications of chemistry
  • Medicinal chemistry
  • Skills for chemists
  • Year 1 laboratory
  • Characterisation, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy
  • Fundamental concepts of chemistry
  • Major therapeutic areas
  • Year 2 laboratory
  • Study abroad
  • Professional placement
  • Advanced chemistry 1
  • Advanced practical skills
  • Problems and solutions in modern chemistry B
  • Synthesis, development and design of pharmaceuticals

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath earn?

The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £53,500. The £39,500 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.

What do graduates of BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath do next?

85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).

Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath?

94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.

What grades do I need for BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath?

The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 180 UCAS points.

Is BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath accredited?

Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Does BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.

How many students continue on BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Professional Placement or Study Abroad at University of Bath?

100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.