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9th
The Guardian Uni Guide 2026
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Course overview
Take a leading role in solving complex problems in healthcare and medicine with MSci Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery. Master all aspects of medicinal chemistry and unlock endless career possibilities in the pharmaceutical sector and beyond.
Take the first step in your pharmaceutical career. Guided by world class researchers and educators, you'll graduate with advanced analytical abilities, the confidence to propose innovative solutions, and highly developed lab skills. Continue on a purely scientific path or use your transferable analytical skills in diverse career possibilities.
Why Study Chemistry at Birmingham?
The School of Chemistry is constantly focused on improving the learning experience for its students, which makes them very receptive to feedback and means that our time at university is shaped by us
Course structure
The course will introduce you to the breadth and depth of chemistry, integrating skills development with core theory and lab classes accompanied by a focus on chemistry's role in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry in theory and research projects.
Year 1
Year 1
All students take the same modules in year 1 to develop a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts, in inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry and data analysis, that underpin more advanced study across the breadth of chemistry.
Your classes will help you develop independent problem-solving and critical analysis skills, all while building your communication, presentation and team-working skills. Practical classes are carefully designed to complement the lectures and build up your skills and competencies in the lab. A Themes in Chemistry module introduces Medicinal Chemistry while also giving you the opportunity to explore other frontier areas of chemistry of interest to you.
Year 2
Year 2
You’ll investigate broader aspects of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry, encountering topics of significance to professional chemists and exploring how these areas overlap and extend into other disciplines. Research-linked experiments further develop your skills in experimental design and the interpretation of laboratory results.
Alongside modules advancing your understanding of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, you have the opportunity to personalise your learning by choosing from chemistry options courses ranging from fundamental to multidisciplinary and applied areas.
Year 3
Year 3
Shape your own distinctive degree based on your interests and career ambitions through the chemistry options modules and your research project. The options modules cover advanced topics across the breadth of our research expertise, and you'll build on the areas of introduced in years 1 and 2 through specialised medicinal-chemistry and drug-discovery courses, while being able to explore other areas of wider interest to you.
You will also carry out independent research into a cutting-edge aspect of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery with project work where you'll work as part of a team and with your project supervisor on an aspect of your research interests.
In the Structure, Strategy and Spectroscopy module, you’ll learn about a range of advanced spectroscopic and analytical techniques used by professional chemists, and link these techniques to previously covered topics to promote your holistic view of chemistry and further hone your problem-solving skills.
Year 4
Year 4
Aside from your specialised medicinal-chemistry and drug-discovery modules, you have a free choice from a range of courses exploring the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject and will attend research seminars from leading academic and industrial visitors.
You’ll join one or more of the School's research groups in the Molecular Sciences Building to develop advanced research skills and choose a project in medicinal chemistry or drug discovery.
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Course highlights
- 9th
in the UK for Chemistry
The Guardian University Guide 2026
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities
State-of-the-art scientific instrumentation in modern teaching and research facilities
National Student Survey
We are committed to providing the high-quality teaching, learning and support. Our strong results in the most recent NSS (2025) show that our students are happy with their experience. We have been ranked Top 3 in the Russell Group for four of the themes:
- 3rd in Russell Group for Theme 1 ‘Teaching on my course’
- 1st in the Russell Group for Theme 3 ‘Assessment and feedback’
- 2nd in the Russell Group for Theme 4 ‘Academic support’
- 1st in the Russell Group for Theme 5 ‘Organisation and management’
Meet Tamsin Durrant - Graduate story
Tamsin studied MSci Chemistry graduating in 2020. She is now a Supervisor at Thermo Fisher Scientific working in the Speciality Diagnostics group, developing kits for different types of blood cancers and immune disorders.
Join the dynamic world of chemistry. During this four-year course, you'll gain a high level understanding of medicinal chemistry and the drug discovery process. Join one of the School's internationally-recognised research groups to take on a major research project focused on a particular aspect of medicinal chemistry or drug discovery.
Develop your multidisciplinary, creative problem-solving and communication skills. Learn from international experts who’ll introduce you to the most exciting aspects of modern chemistry, as we tackle challenges in sustainable materials, clean energy and drug discovery.
Experience the pioneering teaching and cutting-edge research that has been offered here for more than 100 years, producing several Nobel Prize-winners along the way. You’ll be ready for a range of careers where highly skilled, practical chemists are in great demand.
- Benefit from recent £125 million investment in Chemistry teaching and laboratory facilities and staff
- Learn through our innovative skills-based curriculum, turning you into a top-quality chemist
- We conduct internationally leading research addressing global challenges in health, sustainability and energy
- Join an inclusive and supportive community - in a School who received excellent feedback from our students in the 2025 National Student Survey
A fantastic environment to thrive in
The home of Chemistry, the new Molecular Sciences Building, provides a stimulating and friendly scientific environment to study in, all right alongside the world-leading research going on in the School. As well as your study space, computer facilities and tutorial rooms, you'll find the dedicated educational support team for Chemistry undergraduates and your academic lecturers and tutors.
Our large, modern and superbly well-equipped teaching labs are just across the road and you'll spend a day a week there developing in-depth lab skills and confidence in experimental design and critical analysis, all supported by academics, technical staff and postgraduate demonstrators.
You'll use modern techniques on industry-standard instruments to build your research skills and be part of the next generation solving global health, energy and sustainability challenges.
Course delivery
You'll learn in different environments including interactive lectures, workshops, small-group tutorials, computer classes and peer-group sessions. Lab-based practical work is an integral part of your studies building to a major research project in your final year.
Lecture
Projects
Workshop
Seminar
Practical assignments
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest from world-leading researchers in their fields
- Small group tutorials promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Learn collaboratively in workshops through group work which will enhance your teamwork skills and your ability to appreciate others perspectives
- Develop a spectrum of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Assessment
As you focus on developing all your skills as a chemist, your assessment is equally diverse and comprehensive. You will take exams, produce written assignments, give oral and poster presentations, take computer-based tests and write lab and project reports.
Innovative and inspiring teaching
Step into a world of innovation with our internationally acclaimed academics who are pushing the boundaries of chemistry and its intersections with other disciplines. Their groundbreaking expertise informs your lectures, projects, and hands-on practical work, providing you with direct access to cutting-edge science.
You'll benefit from a dynamic team who are dedicated to educational excellence, delivering advanced content through the most effective modern teaching methods and skill development techniques.
You'll have a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who'll provide advice on maximising your abilities, guiding your career aspirations, and acting as a sounding board for key academic decisions. Our School's Welfare Tutor and the University Wellbeing team are always available year-round to support you, ensuring that you thrive throughout your studies.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 20 credits. Core modules covering the fundamentals of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are complemented by maths, data analysis, laboratory /project and options modules.
Year 1
Year 1
2026/27
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discover: Themes in Chemistry | 20 |
| General Chemistry | 20 |
| Inorganic Chemistry I | 20 |
| Organic Chemistry I | 20 |
| Physical Chemistry I | 20 |
| Practical Chemistry I | 20 |
In Year 1 you will take General Chemistry (20 credits), which builds upon key topics covered pre-university and acts to support the transition to university, including coverage of the core mathematical skills you will need to be a successful chemist.
Core Chemistry (60 credits total) covers the fundamentals for organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and theoretical chemistry, and includes related practical chemistry. Your practical skills will be further developed in the Laboratory module (20 credits) that consolidates fundamental theory and embeds professional chemistry skills development.
You will also take a Theme in Chemistry module which provides the opportunity to start exploring the world of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery alongside the development of coding and employability skills.
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chemistry Options | 20 |
| Inorganic Chemistry II | 20 |
| Organic Chemistry II | 20 |
| Physical Chemistry II | 20 |
| Practical Chemistry II | 20 |
| Structural Analysis | 20 |
In Year 2 you will build on the core theory and skills learnt in Year 1 with further Core Chemistry (80 credits) and Laboratory modules (20 credits), including a Structural Analysis module to introduce and develop key skills in molecule and materials characterisation.
The Options course (20 credits) allows you to select from the subjects that interest you as well as starting to focus more on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Year 3
Year 3
2028/29
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Molecules and Materials | 20 |
| Properties of Matter | 20 |
| Structure, Strategy and Spectroscopy | 20 |
| Synthesis and Reactivity | 20 |
| Year 3 Research Methodology I | 20 |
| Year 3 Research Methodology II | 20 |
Year 3 presents the opportunity for you to define your own degree pathway through options taken within the modules Molecules and Materials, Properties of Matter and Synthesis of Reactivity. These cover the breadth of chemistry and within that you'll have a major focus on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Alongside this, you study Structure, Strategy and Spectroscopy (20 credits) which covers advanced spectroscopic and analytical techniques and their application to synoptic problems across the breadth of chemistry.
You will undertake research within the field of drug discovery and medicinal chemistry as best suits your interests and supports your career aspirations.
Year 4
Year 4
2029/30
2029/30
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| 4P1 Masters Research Project | 60 |
| Modern Drug Discovery | 10 |
| Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds | 10 |
Optional modules
Select 40 credits of options. Examples of optional modules below:
You will join one of the School’s internationally-recognised research groups, and become a member of the Research School as you undertake a major research project (worth 60 credits) in an area of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery and contribute to the School’s efforts to solve global healthcare challenges. You will work closely with your project supervisor to tailor your project to your particular interests and ensure you develop those research skills that you feel will be most beneficial to you after completing your degree.
You’ll be given training and access to the School’s state-of-the art equipment, expert guidance from our academics and their research teams and the opportunity to contribute to our efforts to make the world a better place! Many students enjoy their research project so much that they choose to go on to study for a PhD after graduation.
Your 60 credit research project is complemented by 60 credits of taught material. Significant flexibility in this, your final year, means that as well as the topics on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, you can choose from a range of courses that reflect the state-of-the-art of the discipline, which not only allows us to showcase the cutting-edge research interests of the School, but also ensures that you are aware of the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject.
In addition to 60 credits of taught modules, you will join one of the School’s research groups, and become a member of the Research School as you undertake a major research project (worth the remaining 60 credits) focused on a particular aspect of medicinal chemistry or drug discovery.
You will work closely with your project supervisor to tailor your project to your particular interests and ensure you develop those research skills that you feel will be most beneficial to you after completing your degree. Many students enjoy their research project so much that they choose to go on to study for a PhD after graduation.
Teaching staff
Dr Joseph Beames
Admissions Tutor
Staff profile for Joseph Beames
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
A*AA - AAA to include A-level Chemistry. Further details below.
- IB
7,6,6 - 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry at Higher Level, with a minimum of 32 points overall. Further information below.
- BTEC
only considered when combined with other qualifications.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades:
A*AA - A-level Chemistry and no supporting subjects.
AAA - A-level Chemistry and a supporting subject from Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Biology, Computing (not ICT).
Minimum Maths requirement GCSE grade 6.
We accept resits for both A Levels and GCSEs.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Maths are not accepted.
If you have accepted an MSci offer as your Firm choice and then miss the MSci grades but meet the associated BSc grade (AAA-AAB - depending on subjects), you will automatically be accepted for the BSc course.
International Baccalaureate
7,6,6 - 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry at Higher Level, with a minimum of 32 points overall. One or more additional science subjects at Higher Level is advantageous.
A minimum of 5 at Standard Level English and 4 at Standard Level Maths is required for those students who do not have a minimum of grade 4/C in English at GCSE and of grade 6/B in Maths at GCSE.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Bachelor guarantee
If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for the MSci but do achieve the grades needed for the BSc you’ll still have a guaranteed place on the BSc so long as we are your firm choice on UCAS.
You could also have the chance to transfer back to the MSci later on, depending on academic performance.
Foundation Year
Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:
- UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
- international students
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
ABB to include Chemistry OR BBB to include Chemistry and supporting subject.
- Contextual Offer
AAA to include Chemistry OR AAB to include Chemistry and supporting subject.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,790
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Apply
The UCAS code for this course is F1M4.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Whether you choose to follow a scientific path as a professional chemist or move into an area unrelated to chemistry, MSci Chemistry with Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery will help you develop advanced technical and transferable skills prized by employers and in postgraduate education.
Our Chemistry graduates are making an impact across a wide range of sectors such as Education Management, Research, Management Consultancy, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals. They have gone on to work for leading employers such as GSK, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Shell. Cancer Research UK.
As a chemistry graduate from Birmingham, you’ll be highly sought after by a wide range of industries
Pursue diverse careers inside and outside of science
I have very fond memories of my undergraduate days at Birmingham and the quality of teaching there was outstanding. I currently work at Nature Publishing Group in London and after spending a couple of years as an associate editor at Nature Nanotechnology, I have been made chief editor of Nature Chemistry.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
Explore student and alumni profiles
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Tilly is studying MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry at the University of Birmingham.
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Charlotte is studying MSci Chemistry with a Year in Industry at the University of Birmingham.