BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
About this course
BSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on the application of chemical and biological principles to pharmaceutical practice and drug discovery. Core topics include Programming, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course offers an optional placement year and an optional foundation year, and is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The first year covers foundational concepts through Mathematics for Chemists, Chemistry Practicals 1, Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, and Cell and Molecular Principles of Life. The second year builds core knowledge with Further Inorganic Chemistry, Further Organic Chemistry, Further Physical Chemistry, Chemistry Practicals 2, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1. The final year includes compulsory modules such as BSc Chemistry Project, Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic), and Further Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Students can also choose from optional modules including Further Cosmetic Science, Chemistry in the Natural World, Polymers in Nature and Industry, Solid State Chemistry, and Python, AI and Machine Learning for the Chemical Sciences.
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: BBB, including grade B in A level Chemistry IB: 30 points overall including at least 5 in Chemistry at higher level
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What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 99%
- Learning opportunities: 97%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 24 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 18%
- South East: 47%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 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): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Mathematics for Chemists
- Chemistry Practicals 1
- Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
- Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation
- Cell and Molecular Principles of Life
- Further Inorganic Chemistry
- Further Organic Chemistry
- Further Physical Chemistry
- Chemistry Practicals 2
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
- BSc Chemistry Project
- Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic)
- Chemistry Core 2 (Physical and Analytical)
- Further Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Further Cosmetic Science
- Chemistry in the Natural World
- Polymers in Nature and Industry
- Solid State Chemistry
- Python, AI and Machine Learning for the Chemical Sciences
- Innovation and Product Development
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £41,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading?
99% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 104 UCAS points.
Is BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Reading?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.