Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MSci (Hons)

International student

Course overview

Chemistry is central to solving the world’s most pressing challenges – from clean energy and climate change to food security and new medicines. At Nottingham, you’ll examine these global issues through the lens of sustainable chemistry, gaining the practical, digital, and professional skills needed to make a real-world impact.

Medicinal and biological chemistry explores the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design.

You’ll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, including pioneers in green chemistry and AI-driven discovery. Our curriculum is designed with industry input and student collaboration, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.

The School of Chemistry at Nottingham is one of the largest in the UK. Our award-winning Carbon Neutral Laboratory enables world-leading research in sustainable chemistry, supporting our mission to develop innovative solutions for a greener future.

How you will learn

You’ll learn through:

laboratory sessions in our state-of-the-art facilities
interactive tutorials and workshops
lectures and seminars led by world-class researchers
group projects and problem-based learning
digital tools and data analysis training

You’ll also benefit from a supportive academic community, with staff tutors guiding your development throughout your degree.

How you will be assessed

An overall mark of 55% or above for the second year is required to progress into the third year of the MSci degree. Students may be considered for progression into the third year of the BSc degree depending on their credit-weighted average at the end of the second year.  Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study.

Assessment methods

Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world skills. You’ll receive clear marking criteria and regular feedback to help you improve.

You’ll be assessed through:

coursework and lab reports
group project
presentations
research project
written exams

Contact time and study hours

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules totalling 120 credits each year. As a guide, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work including consolidation.

There are typically 8 to 10 one-hour lectures per week. In addition, you will spend 8 to 10 hours in laboratory classes per week. A typical week will also include an academic tutorial covering one of the core modules.

Core modules are typically delivered by Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, or Professors. Lab classes will also include demonstrators and technicians.

Modules

7 modules

Exploring the Periodic Table

This module provides an introduction to the periodic table and corresponding aspects of atomic and molecular structure. Molecular and ionic species will be explored in terms of structure, bonding, properties and applications, including coordination chemistry of metals.

Organic Molecules and Mechanisms

This module provides a comprehensive foundation in organic chemistry, focusing on the structure, reactivity, and analysis of organic molecules. You will develop skills to name and draw molecules, understand bonding and reaction mechanisms, predict the outcome of organic reactions. Emphasis is placed on the broader significance of molecules and chemical reactions in life and society.

Energy and Chemical Change

Uncover the fundamental principles that drive chemistry at a molecular level. Learn how atoms combine to form molecules, how energy is quantised, how molecules store energy, the ways in which molecules interact with light and with one another, and why molecules react.

Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry

This module introduces key chemical techniques, providing students with the essential skills for safe and effective laboratory work. Students will gain hands-on experience with fundamental synthetic, computational and analytical procedures and explore spectroscopic analysis. The module also focuses on time management, scientific report writing, and the development of professional competencies. These foundational skills lay the groundwork for more advanced studies.

Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Innovation

This module introduces the concepts of green chemistry, sustainability and innovation. By use of examples, we demonstrate how chemistry underpins the delivery of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. You will learn how chemistry can be performed in a greener manner, what this means and how you can evaluate it. The module also explores the process by which novel technical ideas are converted into successful commercial ventures for the benefit of the global society.

Analytical and Mathematical Methods in Chemistry

Learn the mathematical techniques necessary for modern chemistry and confidently use them in a wide variety of chemical problems and data analyses. Explore the modern instrumentation used to separate, identify, and quantify the properties of atoms, molecules and materials.

Building Blocks of Life

This module will explore the basic chemistry of the building blocks necessary for life. An overview of the structure and functions of cells, including the molecules that control cellular functions. The module will present the foundation knowledge for the medicinal and biological chemistry course, building on fundamentals of organic chemistry such as stereochemistry, functional group reactivity, and covalent and non-covalent interactions to understand the chemical nature of life, bridging the gap between molecular chemistry and biological function.

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6 modules

Structure, Bonding and Reactivity

Metals lie at the heart of many catalytic and biological processes. We explain the reactions, mechanisms and spectroscopy of a wide range of metal-containing compounds. You will explore organometallic chemistry, bonding, and chemical applications of metals.

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

The module explores the influence of heteroatoms and stereochemistry on the reactivity and conformations of organic compounds. You will learn how to design reaction sequences towards target molecules, and investigate how spectroscopy can be used to elucidate the structural identity of organic molecules.

From Atoms to Solids

Discover how quantum mechanics governs the atomic and molecular building blocks of matter. Learn how diffraction and spectroscopy enable chemists to study molecules and solid-state materials. Explore how the relationship between matter and energy is captured by thermodynamics and kinetics in terms of physical quantities relevant to chemical change.

Applying Skills in Practical Chemistry

Building on the skills developed in the Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry module, students will further develop experimental techniques and learn how to integrate a range of skills to conduct experimental work safely, applying theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. Students will continue to develop professional competencies, accurately recording experimental observations and communicating their findings through a variety of formats. The module provides a solid foundation for further studies, developing the transferrable skills required for team research mini-projects.

Sustainable Products and Processes

This module focuses on key challenges and opportunities in sustainability, energy use, and supply chain resilience. It introduces a broad range of chemical strategies aimed at addressing global environmental and societal issues. You will also learn how businesses identify and solve problems and manage projects. You will explore how ideas and products are protected and how to build and pitch successful business cases.

Biological Chemistry

This module will introduce the concepts underpinning biological chemistry from a chemical perspective. It will explore basic cell biology and how this can give rise to disease. You will be introduced to molecular biology techniques and how these can be applied to understand and manipulate cells.

2 modules

Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The module provides an introduction to the Python programming language, with an emphasis on applications relevant to students studying in areas related to chemical sciences (e.g. Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences). Content includes:

basic syntax and data types in Python: variables, values, datatypes, simple mathematical operations, comparisons and logical operators
data structures: lists and tuples, dictionaries and sets
flow control: loops, conditional statements, errors and exceptions
program organisation: packages, libraries and modules
data manipulation with Numpy
graph drawing with Matplotlib
chemical data manipulation with RDKit

Medicinal Chemistry and Biomedical Imaging

This module will explore fundamental concepts in medicinal chemistry - the use of molecules to effect biological systems. We will explore a range of different therapies, including antibiotics, antivirals and anticancer agents, and the features which impact their application, such as metabolism and bioavailability. The mechanisms of action of biopharmaceuticals including antibody-drug conjugates and vaccines will also be explained. You will also be introduced to the chemistry behind biomedical imaging. Nottingham is the home of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and you will explore how chemistry can be used to enhance the images of the technique that was discovered here. Through this module you will gain an appreciation for how small molecules interact with cells and enzymes in the treatment, monitoring, and diagnosis of disease.

6 modules

Metal Catalysis and Supramolecular Chemistry

We explain the importance of metals in catalysis, with applications in industrial and biological processes. You will explore the roles that metal centres play in controlling the structure and function of supramolecular systems and metal-organic frameworks.

Selectivity and Control in Synthesis

This module examines how organic chemists influence the outcomes of chemical reactions through careful control of reaction conditions. It focuses on how the choice of reagents affects the selectivity of organic transformations and introduces the role of highly reactive intermediates in enabling the synthesis. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to design synthetic pathways for constructing complex organic molecules.

Investigative Project Skills in Practical Chemistry

This module develops essential transferable research skills while enhancing proficiency in synthetic and analytical techniques. Emphasising safety, precision, and critical evaluation, students will continue to develop skills to identify and mitigate hazards, plan and conduct experiments collaboratively, and maintain accurate records to ensure reproducibility and reliability. The module also includes conducting comprehensive literature reviews to inform experimental design and contextualise findings.

Additionally, it fosters teamwork and communication skills, with a strong focus on producing high-quality laboratory reports and effectively presenting scientific findings in various formats. Reflective practice is embedded throughout the module, encouraging students to critically assess their own learning, laboratory techniques, and decision-making processes. This approach supports continuous improvement and prepares students for independent research and professional practice in chemistry.

Small Molecule Drug Discovery

This module explores modern strategies for designing small organic molecules that target specific biological sites to treat diseases. You will learn how chemical structure influences drug-like properties, including potency, selectivity, and the ability to reach the site of action. Topics include drug-target interactions, lead optimisation, physicochemical properties (e.g., lipophilicity, pKa), pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. Case studies of successful and failed drugs illustrate key medicinal chemistry principles.

Protein Characterisation and Bioinformatics

This module focuses on characterising proteins and enzymes to understand their roles in biochemical processes and real-world applications. You will explore physical and chemical methods for analysing protein structure and behaviour, using tools from analytical chemistry and bioinformatics. The module also covers how structural data is interpreted and compared across growing datasets to reveal functional insights.

Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering

This module explores the structure and function of enzymes, focusing on how they can be harnessed and engineered for catalysis and the production of valuable compounds. You will learn how enzyme-catalysed reactions are understood chemically and how enzymes serve as biocatalysts in synthesis. Building on knowledge of protein structure and reaction mechanisms, the module introduces bioengineering tools to show how simple organisms can be modified to create new products.

5 modules

Astropharmacy and Astromedicine

Astronauts, as well as Antarctic explorers, submariners, and many in similar extreme environments, face serious challenges in receiving safe and effective medical care. It is known, for example, that how the body processes medications, the effectiveness of drugs, the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics, blood volume, muscle mass, bone density, visual acuity (to name but a few) change in spaceflight. If humans are to work in space and widen exploration to planets such as Mars, then a new paradigm of providing remote medical care is required.

This module will focus on the known changes to biology, physiology, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics and dynamics that occur in flight. It will explore hypotheses for why these occur and facilitate discussion on the design of experiments that may be undertaken to study these effects. It will encourage forward thinking as to how safe and effective pharmaceuticals may be manufactured and delivered to these patients, and then how such advances may impact upon the role of the pharmacist, e.g. in testing, companion diagnostics and personalized medicine, training and in regulation.

Contemporary and Alternative Medicines

In this module, you will explore a wide range of topics related to contemporary and alternative medicines. You will examine legal issues associated with the manufacture and sale of herbal medicines; study commonly used herbal remedies and understand the mechanisms behind herb-drug interactions.

You will investigate traditional medicines, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Medicine and African Medicine, alongside nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The module also covers the role of pharmacists in identifying adverse effects of herbal medicines and educating patients about herb-drug interactions.

Additionally, you will explore other complementary and alternative therapies including acupuncture, reflexology, chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy and hypnosis. You will learn how to apply meta-analysis and critical appraisal techniques and engage in discussions on the placebo effect, including its evidence and underlying mechanisms.

Frontiers of Sustainability and Innovation

This module explores emerging trends and transformative ideas at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. You will examine cutting-edge developments in sustainable chemistry and consider their potential impact on industry and society. The module teaches how chemistry innovations can be developed into successful and sustainable products, services and processes. You will learn how to communicate professionally, lead and collaborate effectively.

Medical Diagnostics

This optional module will introduce a range of diagnostic technologies and discuss their current and future roles in Pharmacy.

Medical diagnostics can be defined as the study of the procedures that provide information to aid the screening, detection, diagnosis and monitoring of a human disease, whether symptomatic or not. This module will focus on diagnostic technologies used both in the hospital (MRI, radiology, ultrasound, lab tests) and in the community (glucose, cholesterol and pregnancy testing). It will also encourage forward thinking as to how technological advances may impact upon the changing role of the pharmacist, for example, genetic testing, miniaturization nanotechnology, companion diagnostics and personalised medicine.

Advanced Molecular Techniques and Diagnostics

This module will bring students up to date with the latest technological developments in molecular biology. We will discuss the impact of these technologies on scientific research and development, examining how scientists use these technologies to answer complex problems in biomedical sciences. A focus throughout will be on how the methods are applied and how the resulting data are analysed and interpreted.

2 modules

Chemistry Research Project

This module develops advanced practical skills in chemistry, emphasising safety, precision, and critical evaluation of experimental work. Students will identify and mitigate hazards, plan and conduct experiments collaboratively, and maintain accurate records to ensure reproducibility and reliability. The module also fosters teamwork and communication skills, with a focus on producing high-quality laboratory reports and presenting scientific findings effectively through various formats. These competencies prepare students for independent research and professional practice in chemistry.

Biosynthesis and Biotherapeutics

This module delves into the forefront of chemical biology, exploring the mechanisms of biosynthesis of a diverse range of natural products and the engineering of biological molecules to develop innovative new therapies. You'll explore cutting-edge techniques in disease treatment leveraging designer biological molecules as therapeutics. By the end of this module, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how these advanced strategies are revolutionising the field of therapeutics and paving the way for future medical breakthroughs.

9 modules

Contemporary Organic Synthesis

This module focuses on the synthesis of natural and unnatural compounds relevant to biology and medicine. You will explore modern synthetic methods used to tackle challenges of chemoselectivity, regiocontrol, stereoselectivity, atom economy, and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on the efficient construction of biologically active molecules and the importance of mechanistic understanding in contemporary organic synthesis, illustrated through case studies.

Enterprise for Scientists

This module explores the journey from technical innovation to successful commercial enterprise. Students will gain insight into the key factors that drive innovation, including idea evaluation, intellectual property, market awareness, and strategic management. Emphasis is placed on understanding the pathways to market from both academic and industrial perspectives.

Advanced Quantum Calculations

This module will introduce the theory underpinning quantum-chemical calculations, including Hartree-Fock and density-functional theories, the electron correlation problem and the inclusion of relativistic effects. Computational laboratory sessions will feature a range of applications of quantum calculations to molecular structure, properties and reactivity. These will provide hands-on experience in the design, setup, execution and interpretation of quantum chemical simulations and their results.

AI for Drug Design

The field of drug design is introduced, highlighting the aspects where computational approaches, and especially AI-based techniques, can be applied. Areas that will be covered include quantitative structure-activity relationships, molecular docking, biomolecular simulation and protein structure prediction. Wider implications, such as AI and ethics in molecular discovery applications, will be considered. Computer laboratory sessions featuring a range of applications of machine learning to drug design.

Molecular and Materials Modelling

This module introduces applications of computational modelling techniques to molecules and materials research. This will focus on functional materials (such as semiconductors and energy materials) and their structure-property relations, for which atomistic simulations can provide insight and understanding for their design, development and optimisation. Applied techniques will include quantum chemical calculations, molecular dynamics and the use of machine-learned models, and computer laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience of these methods.

Functional Materials

This module provides students with the understanding of how external stimuli can control the electronic states of materials, and hence their functional properties, with a particular focus on how these materials will enable our transition to a sustainable society. The module will explore a diverse range of functional properties and applications, including magnetism, photovoltaics, and photocatalysis.

Nanomaterials

The module aims to allow students to appreciate the variety of properties that can be created by changing the dimensions of material. The module will explore a range of nanomaterials with an emphasis on carbon-based materials including diamond, graphene, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, and will link different physicochemical and structural properties with the modern applications of these materials.

Self-assembly and Non-covalent Interactions

The module aims to provide students the tools to understand the fundamental covalent and non-covalent interactions that govern the atomically precise assembly of supramolecular materials. The students will learn a diverse range of systems including mechanically interlocked molecules and self-assembly at interfaces. They will explore cutting-edge technologies to characterise these materials and learn how to design them and predict their functional properties.

Nature and Process: Approaches to Medicines

You will explore two complementary approaches to how new medicines are created. The first focuses on how nature produces biologically active molecules—compounds found in plants, microbes, and marine organisms—and how chemists study, replicate, and adapt these natural products in the laboratory to develop new drugs. The second approach examines how these laboratory based discoveries are transformed into viable medicines through pharmaceutical process chemistry, where synthetic routes are optimised and scaled up for safe, efficient, and cost-effective industrial production. Together, these perspectives provide a holistic view of the journey from natural inspiration to large-scale manufacture in modern drug development.

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Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

AAA-AAB

34-32 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

AAA-AAB at A level including chemistry at grade A

Typical offers will vary depending on the A level subjects offered in addition to chemistry.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, science and society, leisure studies

GCSEs

Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or equivalent
English at 4 (C) or above

IB requirements

IB score

34-32 overall or 666 in 3 Higher Level certificates

IB requirements

34 points or HL Certificates 6,6,6 including HL 6 in chemistry
32 points or HL Certificates 6,6,5 including HL 6 in chemistry

Typical offers will vary depending on the HL subjects offered in addition to chemistry.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration, and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD Applied Science case by case
Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF D*D plus A (A level chemistry)
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D plus AA (A level chemistry)

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 D36M9P0
Distinctions in Inorganic Chemistry, Core Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

All applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient chemistry has been studied.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.

You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Optional placement year

If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

Books

You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

Printing

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we do not print lecture notes, but these are available digitally.

Study abroad

If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

Equipment

To support your studies, the university recommends you have a suitable laptop to work on when on or off campus. If you already have a device, it is unlikely you will need a new one in the short term. If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows. Other equipment will include an examination approved calculator and a molecular modelling kit (optional).

Although you will not need a powerful computer, it is wise to choose one that will last. The university has prepared a set of recommended specifications to help you choose a suitable laptop.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are struggling to manage your costs, the Hardship Funds may be able to assist you.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

34-32 points overall

A levels

AAA-AAB

IB requirements

IB score

34-32 overall or 666 in 3 Higher Level certificates

IB requirements

34 points or HL Certificates 6,6,6 including HL 6 in chemistry
32 points or HL Certificates 6,6,5 including HL 6 in chemistry

Typical offers will vary depending on the HL subjects offered in addition to chemistry.

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

AAA-AAB at A level including chemistry at grade A

Typical offers will vary depending on the A level subjects offered in addition to chemistry.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, science and society, leisure studies

GCSEs

Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or equivalent
English at 4 (C) or above

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD Applied Science case by case
Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF D*D plus A (A level chemistry)
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D plus AA (A level chemistry)

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 D36M9P0
Distinctions in Inorganic Chemistry, Core Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

All applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient chemistry has been studied.

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.

Mature students

Optional placement year

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

Books

You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

Printing

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we do not print lecture notes, but these are available digitally.

Study abroad

If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

Equipment

Although you will not need a powerful computer, it is wise to choose one that will last. The university has prepared a set of recommended specifications to help you choose a suitable laptop.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are struggling to manage your costs, the Hardship Funds may be able to assist you.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Careers overview

A degree in chemistry will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You will develop the necessary academic and practical skills for a career in industry, whether that be in pharmaceutical, petrochemical, cosmetics, or others.

You’ll also enhance your written and oral communication skills, and develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, numeracy and data analysis.

Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.

Graduate destinations

Recent graduate destinations include:

Boots
Cancer Research
GlaxoSmithKline
HSBC
NHS
Unilever

Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.

Job prospects

The average starting salary for School of Chemistry undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £31,186 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Careers advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Royal Society of Chemistry

Our programmes have recently been redesigned, guided by the latest educational best practices and industry standards. Aligned with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s accreditation criteria, we are actively collaborating with the RSC to secure formal accreditation – ensuring our students receive a high-quality, future-focused education, recognised across the sector.

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Medicinal and Biological Chemistry - U7UMDLBC

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

7 modules

Exploring the Periodic Table

Organic Molecules and Mechanisms

Energy and Chemical Change

Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry

Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Innovation

Analytical and Mathematical Methods in Chemistry

Building Blocks of Life

Core modules

6 modules

Structure, Bonding and Reactivity

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

From Atoms to Solids

Applying Skills in Practical Chemistry

Sustainable Products and Processes

Biological Chemistry

Optional modules

Core modules

6 modules

Metal Catalysis and Supramolecular Chemistry

Selectivity and Control in Synthesis

Investigative Project Skills in Practical Chemistry

Small Molecule Drug Discovery

Protein Characterisation and Bioinformatics

Enzymes, Biocatalysis and Bioengineering

Optional modules

Core modules

2 modules

Chemistry Research Project

Biosynthesis and Biotherapeutics

Optional modules

Language study as part of this degree

Select student type

Entry requirements

4 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

4 years full-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

Accreditation

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