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With a mix of hands-on practical skills in chemical synthesis and analysis alongside research techniques, this course provides the complete toolkit for a future in drug discovery and testing.
Watch our video of Dr Paul Smith, Senior Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry, explaining the impact chemists can have on the world and why he loves the subject.
Our BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree not only offers a firm grounding in general chemistry, research methods and laboratory techniques, but also provides...
3 years full-time
4 years with placement
4 years with study abroad
4 years with foundation
Abby“One of my favourite projects was in the drug discovery module. We looked at traditional and combinatorial chemistry methods and I was able to apply drug discovery lab techniques to biological samples. I found it really interesting to take my own experimental data and try to problem solve which compounds were active.”
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Chemistry is often called the ‘central science’ because its applications form the basis for so many different scientific disciplines. Study chemistry with us now and you’ll open up a vast range of pathways and possibilities. Whether you’re looking ahead to a career in education, the pharmaceutical, materials, food and drink, utility, healthcare, aerospace, or automotive industries – to name just a few – you can make your start with us.
As a physical science, chemistry considers the origins, behaviour and properties of matter, from the atomic level to the macro scale. Chemistry has a huge impact on daily life, from our health and wellbeing to the materials we use. Ultimately, chemistry tells us how the material world works – so studying it will give you the power to apply your knowledge and make a difference to the world around us.
All of our chemistry degrees are designed and led by research-active staff, whose work informs their teaching to make sure you are learning about the cutting-edge advances in your chosen field. In your final year project, you can get hands-on experience by working with an academic on real-world investigations – enhancing your problem-solving and employability skills along the way.
Our diverse chemistry and environmental science research activities focus on facing up to many emerging global challenges of the 21st century to create a sustainable and healthy future. These interests include fuel cells, biosensors, drug discovery, green and sustainable chemistry, and the chemical monitoring of environmental change and pollution control.
Our research expertise includes designing advanced functional materials tailored to deliver novel or enhanced properties, catalyst design, nanotechnology, green chemistry and drug design. We are also home to the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, which is leading the way in harnessing renewable energy, and PrintCity, our 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre where you can learn how to design and print bespoke materials including coloured resins, fibre-reinforced nylon, and metal alloys.
Royal Society of Chemistry
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,250 per year for the foundation year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £21,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Laptop
Students often choose to buy a laptop, and occasionally a printer (prices may range from £200 - 700 depending on choice), but there are drop-in computer labs and printing facilities on campus and laptops for loan in the library. Students will be expected to print out some assessments such as posters (approx. £10 per year).
Textbooks
Textbooks are recommended for purchase (usually £50 - £150 per year). All recommended texts are available in the Manchester Met library, and most are available as e-textbooks or e-books through the library for remote access via the internet. These are reviewed on an annual basis.
Laboratory Deposit
All chemical consumables, glassware etc. are provided free. There is a laboratory equipment breakage deposit fee of £50 per year. This is returnable if there are no breakages. The value of breakage deposit fee will be reviewed annually and is subject to change.
All costs are subject to change and are based on costs in January 2023.
Placement and study abroad years
The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
The placement year involves full-time work experience work placement. This lasts for a minimum of 36 weeks and normally attracts a salary/weekly wage. but this is not guaranteed. Placements are competitive and based on successful interviews with the placement provider. Students will have to pay travel and accommodation costs (including for interview) plus personal insurance.
The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
For students opting to study abroad in third year at one of our partner universities on an approved exchange programme, some partner universities may charge additional fees for mandatory administrative and recreational services, non-mandatory language classes, courses including fieldwork or non-mandatory project costs. If this applies, the partner university is responsible for informing the student of any additional costs. During the study year abroad, the student will need to budget for the general cost of living as well as additional costs for visas, travel, medical insurance and vaccinations (depending on the destination), study materials and field trips. Applicants should visit the Manchester Metropolitan University web pages for more details, including sources of travel funding.
Short Placements
Students undertaking short placements as part of the Rise Award (approx. 3 – 4 weeks), or the optional school ambassador project (approx. 1 – 2 days per week in Semester 2), should expect to pay travel expenses to placements (approx. £10 - 20 / day). The department works to ensure these projects are based locally, where possible, to minimise these costs.
Students are encouraged to become student members of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Student membership fees are currently waived for all undergraduate students studying at RSC accredited institutions in the UK.
Manchester Met provides free travel insurance for students, in most cases, when they travel in connection with their programme of study, for example, placements, field trips, exchanges, etc. However, students should also take out personal insurance cover for belongings, as items such as mobile phones are not covered by this policy (may range between £20– 50 depending on length and country of travel).
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersA medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry degree opens the door to varied career opportunities in sectors that include the fine chemical and/or pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, environmental monitoring, food and drink, materials, utility, aerospace, automotive, information technology and telecommunications.
Recent graduates have secured roles in a wide range of industries – from drug safety specialists working for global pharmaceutical companies to technical project leads supporting the development and manufacture of life-changing medicines.
Your chemistry degree will also equip you with a wide variety of transferable skills that can be applied to non-subject specific career pathways such as local government, teaching, recruitment, law, journalism, business, finance, IT and retail.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With a newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)MPC1
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.