BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Queen Mary University of London
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, a chemistry degree exploring the chemical principles and design processes behind modern medicines. Core topics include Programming and Research Methods. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and includes an independent research project in the final year. Year 0 introduces basic principles through Communication in Science and Technology, Foundations of Chemical Science, Foundations of Physical Science, and Mathematics A. Year 1 builds core knowledge via Essential Skills for Chemists, Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry, Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Semester A, and Fundamentals of Spectroscopy. Year 2 advances the study with Programming and AI for Chemists, Practical Chemistry & Spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Semester A, and Physical and Quantum Chemistry. Year 3 focuses on advanced topics such as Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, and Professional Skills in Chemistry, while offering optional modules like Chemistry Investigative Project, Chemistry Research Project, Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy, and Bioorganic Chemistry.
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
Pharmaceutical Chemistry - BSc (Hons): A-Level: Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry. IB: International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level. BTEC: BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. Access HE: We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 credits must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. GCSE: Both GCSE English and Maths at grade C or 4 or an acceptable equivalent will be required. EPQ: Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq. Contextualised admissions: Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page . Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered.
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What students say
Based on about 43 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 21 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 78%
- South East: 9%
Who gets in
Based on about 145 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Access course: 1%
- Foundation course: 3%
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, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Communication in Science and Technology
- Science and Engineering Success
- Foundations of Chemical Science
- Foundations of Physical Science
- Foundations of Engineering
- Foundations of Biological Science
- Mathematics A
- Essential Skills for Chemists
- Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Semester A
- Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Semester B
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
- Foundations of Practical Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Spectroscopy
- States of Matter and Analytical Chemistry
- Programming and AI for Chemists
- Practical Chemistry & Spectroscopy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Semester A
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Semester B
- Physical and Quantum Chemistry
- Solid State & Inorganic Chemistry Semester B
- Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry Semester A
- Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry Semester B
- Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Professional Skills in Chemistry
- Chemistry Investigative Project
- Chemistry Research Project
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy
- Bioorganic Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Topics in Biological Chemistry
- Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
- Topics in Physical Chemistry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £28,000 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £46,000. The £36,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 130 UCAS points.
Is BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.