BSc Medicinal Chemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Medicinal Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on the intersection of chemical science and biological systems for pharmaceutical applications. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Communication & Writing. The course concludes with a dedicated research project in the final year. The first year covers core foundations through Cell Biology, Principles Of Analytical Chemistry, Periodicity And Reactivity Of The Elements, and Organic Structure, Reactivity And Functional Groups. The second year progresses to intermediate concepts in modules such as Organic Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation And Heterocyclic Chemistry, Applied Organic Spectroscopy, Advances In Analytical Instrumentation, and Bioorganic Chemistry And Drug Discovery, alongside optional modules like Pharmacology: Introduction To Drug Action. The final year involves advanced study in areas including Organic Synthesis And Spectroscopy and Medicinal Chemistry, with further options covering topics like Advanced Pharmacology - Selected Topics In Drug Action and Method Development And Applications In Analytical Chemistry, alongside the BSc Research Project.
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 / Required subjects: Chemistry and a second science subject. IB: 32 / Required subjects: Chemistry HL5/SL6 and a second science subject. BTEC: DDM
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What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Research and Development (RandD) and Other Research Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 34%
- South East: 44%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 93%
- Baccalaureate: 4%
- Access course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
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
- Cell Biology
- Principles Of Analytical Chemistry
- Periodicity And Reactivity Of The Elements
- Essential Skills For Chemists And Pharmaceutical Scientists Part 1
- Introduction To Principles Of Physiology And Practical Skills
- Organic Structure, Reactivity And Functional Groups
- Physical Processes In Chemistry
- Essential Skills For Chemists And Pharmaceutical Scientists Part 2
- Organic Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation And Heterocyclic Chemistry
- Applied Organic Spectroscopy
- Advances In Analytical Instrumentation
- Materials Chemistry: Fundamentals To Application
- Phases, Colloids And Electronic Transitions
- Bioorganic Chemistry And Drug Discovery
- Structure, Bonding And Reactions Of Inorganic Compounds
- Pharmacology: Introduction To Drug Action
- Computer Modelling In Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis And Spectroscopy
- Organometallic Chemistry, Molecular Symmetry And Inorganic Electronics
- Topics In Computer Modelling
- Advanced Pharmacology - Selected Topics In Drug Action
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Modern Methods In Physical Chemistry
- Method Development And Applications In Analytical Chemistry
- Bsc Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Medicinal Chemistry at University of Surrey earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £52,500. The £38,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Medicinal Chemistry at University of Surrey do next?
75% 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 University of Surrey?
95% 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 University of Surrey?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 117 UCAS points.
Is BSc Medicinal Chemistry at University of Surrey accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
How many students continue on BSc Medicinal Chemistry at University of Surrey?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.