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.

Master of Chemistry (MChem)

The MChem degree provides you with the same core skills and knowledge as the bachelor’s but with greater exposure to research and advanced practical techniques, including a major research project throughout the final year.

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.

• Read research news and reports from students in the department.

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.

• Take a look at an undergraduate lab session in our 360 video.

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.

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.