University of Southampton

Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (MChem)

University of SouthamptonHighfield, Southampton

Course overview

This integrated 4-year master's combines chemistry and medicinal chemistry. You’ll learn how to develop new drugs to treat disease. During the first two years, you’ll build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.

In your third year, you’ll study core chemistry modules and explore specialist topics in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. You’ll also choose an optional module from: advanced analytical techniques principles of electrochemistry simulation methods in chemistry sustainable chemistry In your final year you’ll complete an advanced research project leading to a master’s qualification, known as an integrated master’s degree. You can carry out your project: in our research facilities as part of a year-long industrial placement as an external placement at a university overseas Whichever option you choose you’ll gain specialist experience and transferable skills to support your career.

You’ll study in our modern refurbished labs a

Key highlights

  • Learn how new drugs are developed to treat disease
  • Strong foundation in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry
  • Specialist third-year topics in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis
  • Optional modules include electrochemistry, simulation methods and sustainable chemistry
  • Final-year research project in-house, on industrial placement or overseas
  • Study in modern refurbished laboratories

Entry requirements

  • A-level: AAA — to include including chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed
  • A-level: AAB — to include including chemistry with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately; with EPQ
  • BTEC: DD — BTEC National Diploma; combined with A levels

Scholarships

  • Biological Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Business School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Economic, Social and Political Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Education School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Engineering Global Talent Scholarship

    Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering.

    Up to £2,000
  • Geography and Environmental Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Health Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Law School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Ocean and Earth Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Psychology Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • School of Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

    Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000
  • Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

    If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.

    Up to £5,000
  • Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship

    There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each.

    Up to £5,000
  • Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship

    The scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study (subject to continuing academic performance) for up to £20,000 total. There are 10 stipend scholarships of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Medicinal chemist
  • Pharmaceutical research scientist
  • Synthetic organic chemist
  • Analytical chemist
  • Drug discovery scientist
  • Formulation scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £31,000 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2025 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide