MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
About this course
Master of Chemistry in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on pharmaceutical discovery and molecular science. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The fourth year includes an extended research project requiring approximately 750 hours of practical work and a dissertation, which can be completed on an industrial placement or at an overseas university. Throughout the four years, the curriculum progresses from foundational scientific principles to advanced specialisms. The first year establishes baseline knowledge through Foundations of Chemistry I, Foundations of Chemistry II, Mathematical and Analytical Methods in Chemistry I, and Practical Chemistry I. The second year expands into specialized concepts via Advanced Chemistry I, Advanced Chemistry II, Medicinal Chemistry I, Medicinal Chemistry II, and Practical Chemistry II. The third year incorporates core subjects such as Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry, Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry, Frontiers in Organic Chemistry, Frontiers in Physical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry III, and Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry, alongside optional modules in areas like Advanced Characterisation Techniques, Principles, Techniques, and Applications of Electrochemistry, Simulation Methods in Chemistry, and Sustainable Chemistry. The fourth and final year focuses on high-level study and research through Advanced Chemical Biology, Advanced Research Projects, Industrial Awareness and Skills Development, and Stereoselective Reactions.
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: AAA including chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed) IB: Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry
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What students say
Based on about 38 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 35%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 90%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 120 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 18%
- South East: 44%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 100 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Foundation course: 3%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Chemistry I
- Foundations of Chemistry II
- Mathematical and Analytical Methods in Chemistry I
- Practical Chemistry I
- Advanced Chemistry I
- Advanced Chemistry II
- Medicinal Chemistry I
- Medicinal Chemistry II
- Practical Chemistry II
- Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry
- Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry
- Frontiers in Organic Chemistry
- Frontiers in Physical Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry III
- Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
- Advanced Characterisation Techniques
- Principles, Techniques, and Applications of Electrochemistry
- Simulation Methods in Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Advanced Chemical Biology
- Advanced Research Projects
- Industrial Awareness and Skills Development
- Stereoselective Reactions
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £36,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,000. The £36,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at University of Southampton?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.