BSc Medicinal Chemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Medicinal Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on the design, development, and mechanisms of drugs and pharmaceutical compounds. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques and Communication & Writing. Students may undertake an optional placement year in industry during their studies. The first year covers core principles through Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry, Fundamental Synthetic Chemistry, and Laboratory and Computer Skills 1. The second year progresses to advanced concepts with Structural Characterisation, Spectroscopy and Analysis, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Quanta, and Laboratory and Skills 2 (MPC). The final year focuses on specialized applications and research methods, featuring modules such as Investigative Projects for Medicinal Chemists, Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry, and Drug discovery: from bench to bedside.
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: ABB including Chemistry and preferably one other Science or Maths IB: 34 (6,5,5 HL) including HL Chemistry and preferably one other science or Maths at HL BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science: DDM to include optional modules 13, 14, 18 and 19 BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Grades Distinction Distinction plus A level Chemistry Grade B BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Grade Distinction plus A level Grades BB including Chemistry Preferred BTEC: Applied Science
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 77%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 58%
- Academic support: 82%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 8%
- East Midlands: 17%
- West Midlands: 12%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 15%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
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
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
- Fundamental Synthetic Chemistry
- Laboratory and Computer Skills 1
- Spectroscopy and Analysis 1
- Energetics and Equilibria 1
- Structure and Reactivity 1
- Structural Characterisation, Spectroscopy and Analysis
- Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Quanta
- Laboratory and Skills 2 (MPC)
- Structure and Reactivity 2
- Principles of Biological Chemistry MPC Option
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Investigative Projects for Medicinal Chemists
- Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry
- Drug discovery: from bench to bedside
- Science Communication
- Current Trends in Inorganic Chemistry
- Energy, Molecules and Applications
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £27,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,500. The £35,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University 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 Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University?
77% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 136 UCAS points.
Is BSc Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does BSc Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.