MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery
About this course
MChem (Hons) in Chemistry for Drug Discovery, a chemistry degree centred on the preparation and development of medicines. Core topics include Research Methods. Major pharmaceutical companies contributed to the design of the course curriculum. The first year covers foundational concepts through Analytical and spectroscopic techniques, Biological chemistry and physiology, Medicinal chemistry, and Skills for chemists. The second year progresses with Characterisation, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy, Fundamental concepts of chemistry, Major therapeutic areas, and practical laboratory work. The third year involves Advanced chemistry 1, Advanced practical skills, Problems and solutions in modern chemistry B, and Synthesis, development and design of pharmaceuticals, alongside a literature review project. The final fourth year focuses on advanced academic study through 21st century research challenges B, Advanced chemistry 2, Future of drug discovery B, and an independent Masters research project A.
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.
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.
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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 120 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
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 120 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other qualifications: 1%
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
- Advanced chemistry 1
- Advanced practical skills
- Problems and solutions in modern chemistry B
- Project and literature review
- Synthesis, development and design of pharmaceuticals
- 21st century research challenges B
- Advanced chemistry 2
- Future of drug discovery B
- Masters research project A
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery 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 MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery 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 MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery 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 MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery at University of Bath?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery at University of Bath accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry for Drug Discovery at University of Bath?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.