About this course
To help you stand out in the pharmaceutical industry, this course gives you both a solid understanding of the theory and practical skills required to succeed. For working in big pharma, it’s everything you need it to be.
Chemists have been instrumental in ridding the world of killer diseases and developing drugs that improve the lives and outcomes for millions of people worldwide. As a medicinal chemist, you’ll be at the forefront of this battle as you discover how chemicals and drugs work.
Become a specialist
Rather than the broad range of modules and knowledge you’ll get on a traditional chemistry course, this course is designed to give you the specific specialist knowledge to work in the pharmaceutical or drug development industry. The in-depth study of pharmaceutical techniques you’ll be learning will support you when you graduate to save lives through the development of the next generation of drugs and treatments.
Relevant to industry
Working with industry and future employers like AstraZeneca, we developed this course and annually consult with them to update it. This gives you the best work-like learning experience, familiarising you with the protocols and processes used in industry all before you graduate.
Get industry experience
Through group work and the Professional Practice module you’ll start designing your own experiments and trying things out. Developing problem solving skills by testing and learning are valuable skills for any chemist to have and we make sure you get this experience right from the start of your course. We’ve also embedded employability skills in the course so you are not only learning theory and skills, but you know where to find your dream job and how to apply for it.
Supporting you
You’ll be joining a course where you’re truly supported – both academically and personally. The Royal Society of Chemistry commended our pastoral support, recognising the commitment of our staff to student wellbeing and success.
But the support doesn’t stop there. In your first year, you’ll be paired with a student mentor – someone who’s already been through the transition to university and can offer advice, encouragement, and guidance as you settle into degree-level study. Whether you need help navigating your timetable, preparing for assessments, or just adjusting to student life, your mentor is there to help.
What’s the difference? BSc vs MChem
- The BSc (Hons) is a three-year undergraduate course — or four years if you choose to complete a work placement. If your academic performance is strong enough over the first two years, we’ll automatically offer you a place on the MChem course.
- The MChem (Hons) is a four-year course that leads to a single postgraduate qualification. The first two years are the same as the BSc course, with advanced, Masters-level study then spread across the third and fourth years.
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94% of chemistry students were positive about the academic support on their course. National Student Survey 2024.
What you’ll study
This course is packed with work-like learning experiences designed to prepare you for the real world of chemistry from day one.
You'll build over 300 hours of hands-on lab experience throughout your course, developing the skills and confidence you'll need in the workplace. You'll also benefit from strong connections with industry – employers are involved in shaping the skills you develop, and many take part in our careers fairs, offering invaluable advice and networking opportunities. Our alumni are also on hand to share their experiences and help you navigate your own career path.
A standout feature of the course is our professional skills modules, which were praised by the Royal Society of Chemistry for their innovative approach. These modules are built around real-world problems set by employers. In one, students work in teams on a medicinal chemistry project, where they design, synthesise, and present potential drug targets to industry professionals. In another, students are challenged to analyse contaminated river water, identifying pollutants and producing an environmental report for a mock client.
Organic Structure and Function (20 credit points)
Learn about the bonding and structure in organic molecules and functional group chemistry, with an emphasis on reactivity and mechanism.
Inorganic Bonding and Solid-State Materials (20 cp)
Learn the fundamental concepts of theoretical and practical chemistry as well as aspects such as inorganic complexation reactions, indicator theory and acid-base systems.
Physical States of Matter (20 cp)
Study physical chemistry including kinetic theory of gases, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, phase equilibria and distillation processes.
Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Analysis (20 cp)
Learn basic chemical principles including chromatography, applied optical spectroscopy, statistical tests, electroanalytical techniques, and appropriate specialist methods.
Professional Development (20 cp)
Engage with real-life examples of how chemistry works, and understand the influence of social, economic or environmental factors on the way chemical sciences operate.
Introduction to Specialist Areas of Chemistry (20 cp)
Explore key specialist areas of chemistry, including the biological chemistry of drugs, polymeric materials, and environmental challenges. This module also introduces sustainable chemistry, examining the principles of green chemistry and its role in tackling environmental issues. You'll learn how to assess sustainability using Life Cycle Assessment and carbon footprints.
This year we will be exploring more advanced concepts and you’ll have the opportunity to take a short placement to get you thinking about the world of work. We’ll also start to explore the processes involved in drug discovery and development.
Organic Chemistry (20 cp)
Learn more advanced concepts in synthetic organic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms and reactivity, as well as advanced structural analysis through organic spectroscopic techniques.
Inorganic Chemistry (20 cp)
Develop the concepts introduced in Year One and learn about structural chemistry in relation to chemical behaviour, functionality, reactivity and identification of inorganic molecules.
Physical Chemistry (20 cp)
Learn about the basic principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Analytical Chemistry (20 cp)
Builds on Year One by focusing on interfering sample matrices, quantitative and qualitative identification of multicomponent samples and measurements under non-ideal conditions.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry (20 cp)
Introduces you to the processes involved in drug discovery and the steps taken by the medicinal chemist in order to take a lead compound and develop a drug for market.
Professional Practice (20 cp)
Get prepared for the world of work through a short placement. You’ll be able to apply and observe, analyse and evaluate a range of vocationally relevant processes and attitudes.
Optional Integrated Work Placement
You have the opportunity to take a work placement during your third year.
Core modules
Research Methodology (20 cp)
Develops your research and presentation skills, ready for independent study in your final year.
Advanced Chemistry (20 cp)
Study advanced topics across the spectrum of chemistry including heterocyclic chemistry, reaction mechanisms at metal centres, and molecular self-assembly and polymer chemistry in solution.
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry (20 cp)
Integrates academic and industrial aspects of learning and applying medicinal chemistry. You’ll learn about drug action and synthesis as well as gaining an introduction to disease states.
Advanced Organic Chemistry (20 cp)
Builds on previous concepts presented in organic chemistry, and introduces you to concepts of total synthesis, asymmetric synthesis and advanced theories in pericyclic reactions.
Advanced Chemical Analysis (20 cp)
Develop through advanced topics in the theory and practice of chemical analysis, including method development from first principles through to final presentation, method validation, and group work.
Optional modules – choose one of the following:
Advanced Physical Chemistry (20 cp)
Study the principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (20 cp)
Study a range of topics including bioinorganic chemistry, the chemistry of lanthanides and actinides, and single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction to name a few.
Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds (20 cp)
Active Compounds Builds your knowledge and skills for effective design and implementation of the synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules.
Drug Detection Analysis and Screening (20 cp)
Develop concepts of analytical chemistry applied to the detection and analysis of drugs and drug containing materials by standard methods.
Computational Chemistry and Drug design (20 cp)
In this module you will develop: concepts of quantum chemical approaches to molecular drug design, and the properties which can be determined with this approach; concepts in the dynamics of molecules in complex molecular environments using molecular dynamics simulation techniques and concepts of the potential energy surface.
Project (60 cp)
Develop plans and carry out a substantial independent research project of publishable quality. Understand the principles of analytical work and the limitations of experimental design.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
Staff and student community
Whatever the support you need – whether it’s support around your studies or university life in general – you can be sure we’ve got you covered. On the academic and practical side of things you’ll get the support of your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, so there’s always someone to turn to. They will get to know you during your course and can help you target support where you need it most.
Our mentoring scheme gives you support from other students on your course. They can give you practical advice on how to tackle a particular part of your studies or more general guidance on life as a student. They’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective.
Hands-on learning
You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment, such as our mass specs and x-ray crystallography, right from the very start of your course. From developing risk assessments and COSSH assessments you’ll know how a professional lab works and how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry – all valuable skills to have before you graduate.
Get published
During your project you’ll be working on real research projects often alongside our chemistry researchers. Our research papers are frequently published in international scientific journals with our students named as one of the contributing authors – a great start to your career.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- Practical assessments - Because there is a lot of practical work in this course, the majority of assessments will involve reviews of your coursework and practical experience.
- Group and Lab assessments - We will be assessing group projects and laboratory work, as well as the portfolio that you’ll develop throughout the course.
- Exams and dissertation - You'll also give oral presentations and produce a final year dissertation. Some assessments will be in the form of written exams and in-class written tests.
Careers and employability
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent Chemistry students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Scott Bader, Alpha Analytical Laboratory, AkzoNobel and Institute Medical Research. They secured varied roles such as Research Assistant, Trainee Ink Chemist and Logistics Analyst.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
Your future career
Our Chemistry graduates have excellent employment prospects because they possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills that are suited to a broad range of roles and industries. Your studies at NTU will prepare you well for employment in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and related industries. Over the years we have developed strong links with some of the biggest names in the industry and many of our students have secured work placements and careers with these companies.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- Scott Bader
- Alpha Analytical
- Eurofins Laboratory
- SATRA Technology Centre
- AkzoNobel
- Institute Medical Research
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Research Assistant
- Trainee Ink Chemist
- QA Analyst
- Site Chemist
- Technical Support Chemist
- Logistics Analyst
Many graduates also choose to go onto further study on an MPhil and PhD research degrees.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and Rosalind Franklin Building with your own allocated fume hood and access to equipment including mass spectrometers and NMR machines.
Our first-class facilities support our high quality teaching and world-leading research across subjects and disciplines. As a Chemistry student you will have access to the:
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research facility
- Natural Sciences Research facility
- on-campus crime scene training facility
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
- Standard offer: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
- Contextual offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
