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Chemistry for Drug Discovery BSc (Hons)

4 years with professional placement or study abroad, starting in September 2025

Combine your passion for chemistry with a desire to make a real contribution to the development of new pharmaceuticals.

If you’re interested in the drug discovery process and want to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry, this is the course for you.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in chemistry with a focus on the preparation of drugs and medicines, how they work, and the steps involved in the drug discovery process. Major pharmaceutical companies have contributed to the design of the course so you can be sure your studies will be relevant for industry. You’ll develop in-depth knowledge of the drug design process, and the skills to carry out experimental and computational drug discovery projects.

Tailor to your interests

You’ll be able to specialise in areas that interest you most with optional units and a research project. Our chemistry degrees all have the same core units in the first year, giving you the flexibility to switch courses in the second year if your interests change.

Supporting your studies

As a student here, you’ll be part of a supportive department with friendly staff, an open-door culture and an active student community, including our chemistry society and Chem Crew student mentors.

Put your learning into practice

Alongside teaching, our academics carry out research in all branches of chemistry and you’ll have the chance to contribute to the world-leading research they are working on. You can also apply what you’ve learnt during your degree in research laboratories, at public engagement events, and in schools.

Develop your professional skills

You'll be exposed to a wide variety of opportunities to develop professional and transferable skills. These skills (e.g creativity, problem-solving, numeracy, IT, communication, and analysis) will support you throughout your time in Bath and your future career. After graduating, you will be adaptable and able to analyse problems critically in an ever-changing world and confidently develop creative and logical solutions.

Use specialist facilities

You'll learn core experimental skills in our well-equipped undergraduate teaching laboratories, specifically synthetic, analytical and computational methods. You will also have access to the University's world-class characterisation facilities including hands-on NMR, mass spectrometry, diffraction, microscopy and chromatography.

Get ready for your future career

A wealth of career opportunities are open to you as a chemistry graduate. You could go on to work in chemistry specific areas but would also be well-suited to roles in education, scientific publishing, administration, banking and finance, or further study such as a PhD or PGCE.

Examples of recent employers include:

  • Johnson and Johnson
  • AstraZeneca
  • PwC
  • Estee Lauder Companies
  • Rebellion Brewing Company

Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

Learn more on our Virtual Experience page

You can learn more about studying Chemistry at Bath by visiting our Chemistry Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.

2025/2026 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Analytical and spectroscopic techniques

    10 credits

  • Biological chemistry and physiology

    5 credits

  • Foundations and applications of chemistry

    20 credits

  • Medicinal chemistry

    5 credits

  • Skills for chemists

    10 credits

  • Year 1 laboratory

    10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Characterisation, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy

    15 credits

  • Fundamental concepts of chemistry

    20 credits

  • Major therapeutic areas

    10 credits

  • Year 2 laboratory

    15 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Professional placement or study abroad

    60 credits

Year 4

Compulsory units

  • Advanced chemistry 1

    15 credits

  • Advanced practical skills

    5 credits

  • Problems and solutions in modern chemistry B

    10 credits

  • Synthesis, development and design of pharmaceuticals

    15 credits

Options

  • Final year project options

    15 credits

Study abroad or placement


You can choose to go on professional placement or study at one of our overseas partner institutions in your third year. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain valuable new skills, make new contacts or try out a career option.

Professional placement

Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to work in industry. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and gaining new transferable skills. This could give you a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.

We have links with some of the industry’s leading companies. Recent employers include:

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Syngenta
  • AkzoNobel
  • Pfizer

Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

Find out more about going on placement.

Study abroad

Broaden your horizons by studying at a university abroad. You’ll experience another culture whilst studying a course that complements your studies at Bath.

We have links with universities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Australasia, Asia and Europe, including the Simon Fraser University, National University Singapore, Stellenbosch University and the University of Helsinki.

Opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help secure a study abroad.

Find out more about studying abroad.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Closed book written examination
  • Open book written examination
  • Oral assessment
  • Oral presentation
  • Practical
  • Report
  • Visual or recorded presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 15 and 20 hours a week in your first year.

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.

The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Independent learning

In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 15 to 25 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.

Assessment breakdown

You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These include examinations (written and oral), presentations, practical work, literature reviews and laboratory reports.

In year one 65% of your course will be assessed through examinations, and 35% through coursework, including practical work. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree and will depend on your choice of optional units.

In your final year, you will be expected to complete a project or dissertation, which will primarily be assessed individually.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Professional accreditations

By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.


Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘The Chemistry department placements team are very good at sorting placements out. They have a database of possible placements listed and the support is really good.’
Lewis Dixon MChem Chemistry including placement year (Graduating year, 2020)

Entry requirements


Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying your chosen degree. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

Our typical offers for this course depend on the amount of science and mathematics you have studied before you join it. You will always need a strong performance in Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications. If you have studied additional science or mathematics subjects the grades we require may be lower, as detailed in the relevant entry requirements section.

Science and mathematics subjects we accept include:

  • Biology or Human Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Electronics
  • Environmental Science
  • Food Science or Food Technology
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Further Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Statistics

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

AAB or AAA

Your typical offer depends on how many science and mathematics subjects you study in your A level subjects.

If you study Chemistry and at least two other maths or science subjects:

AAB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and two other science or mathematics subjects.

If you study Chemistry and only one other maths or science subject:

AAA in three A levels including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.

If you study four or more subjects and could meet either set of requirements, our typical offer will normally be the lower of the two (AAB).

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level for our AAA offer. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Contextual offer

ABC or ABB

If you study Chemistry and at least two other maths or science subjects:

ABC in three A levels including A in Chemistry and BC in two other science or mathematics subjects.

If you study Chemistry and only one other maths or science subject:

ABB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

If you study four or more subjects and could meet both the ABC and ABB set of requirements, our contextual offer will normally be the lower of the two (ABC).

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level for our ABB contextual offer. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Alternative offer

ABB or AAB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

If you study Chemistry and at least two other maths or science subjects:

ABB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and B in two other science or mathematics subjects plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
  • grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include Mathematics or Statistics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

ABBB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and B in two other science or mathematics subjects and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you study Chemistry and only one other maths or science subject:

AAB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ
  • grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
  • grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your second science A level is Mathematics or Statistics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

AABB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you study four or more subjects and could meet both the AAB and ABB set of requirements, our typical alternative offer will normally be the lower of the two (ABB).

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

6, 6, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry and 5 in a second science or mathematics course.

We accept either HL Mathematics course and Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences as a second science or mathematics subject for this degree.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in essential subjects

Chemistry is required at Higher Level.

If you are not studying a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level and you are taking it at Standard Level we may be able to consider you. In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.

Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations cannot be accepted as a second science or mathematics subject.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

To be considered for this course you will need Chemistry at Higher Level.

If you are studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma (RQF) in Applied Science we may be able to consider you on the basis of that alone - please see our Pearson Edexcel BTEC requirements section.

Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient additional science content.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

To be considered for this course you will need Chemistry at Higher Level. Your study must also include sufficient additional science content.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 5, 4 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

35 points overall and 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry and 5 in a second science or mathematics course.

We accept either HL Mathematics course and Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences as a second science or mathematics subject for this degree.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Standard Level in essential subjects

You must study Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level to be eligible for a contextual offer for this course.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

DDD

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in Applied Science.

You must be studying the following units as part of your BTEC qualification: Applications of Organic Chemistry, Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Industrial Chemical Reactions. We prefer you to have also studied Practical Chemical Analysis.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Chemistry or BTEC Applied Science. We cannot normally consider Biology as a second science alongside a BTEC in Applied Science.

T Level Typical offer

Distinction and A plus A at A level

D overall with grade A in the core component in a Science T Level plus grade A in A level Chemistry.

You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your T Level qualification.

We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Science. We cannot consider a T Level in Healthcare Science for this course.

Your GCSE profile will be an important part of selection if you apply with a T Level. You will also be required to undertake an interview as part of the application process if your application is assessed as suitable.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AB or AA in Advanced Highers

If you study Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject:

AB in two Advanced Highers including A in Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject.

If Chemistry is your only science or mathematics Advanced Higher:

AA in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

36 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 36 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 12 credits in Chemistry units achieved at Distinction (including units in both Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, but excluding Biochemistry) and a further 12 credits in Mathematics, Physics or Biology units achieved at Distinction.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Chemistry (or equivalent).

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or B
  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

English language requirements

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
  • LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Chemistry for Drug Discovery BSc (Hons) with professional placement or study abroad


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

If you choose to take Science education in practice or University Ambassador Scheme as an optional unit, you may need to pay for an enhanced DBS check and for travel to local secondary schools. The DBS check is payable before the start of your final year at an approximate cost of £55.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information


  • Course title
    Chemistry for Drug Discovery
  • Final award
    BSc (Hons)
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    I121
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    29 January 2025
  • Overseas application deadline
    29 January 2025
  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma or T Level, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Course enquiries


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