MSci Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and a Year in Industry
Focus on the industrial development, production and quality control of new drugs in a course that includes a year in industry.
Key information
Award
MSci
Duration
5 years
full-time
Applications : admissions ratio
6 : 1
Based on 2021 entry data
- UCAS course code: F125
- ECTS: 300
- Start date: October 2023
- Department: Department of Chemistry
- Campus: South Kensington, White City
Overview
Chemistry at Imperial is designed to produce chemists of the highest calibre, who are capable of pursuing a career in the chemical sciences.
All of our Chemistry courses are professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and cover modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in all years of study.
This degree combines our Single Honours MSci Chemistry degree with modules that focus on the identification, development and production of new drugs. It is ideal for students intending to work in the pharmaceutical and similar industries, and for those interested in biomedical research.
Years one and two of all of our chemistry courses follow the same core lecture module content supplemented by two ancillary modules. These modules are not always chemistry modules, and have been chosen to support specific degree programmes.
Your study reaches Master’s level in the fourth year. Our wide choice of advanced topics makes it possible for you to follow a broad or specialised programme to suit your individual interests. You will also complete a substantial research project.
Year in industry
This degree allows you to gain paid experience of using chemistry in an industrial context. It is one year longer than its standard counterpart to accommodate the year in industry between your third and final year, while still achieving the same comprehensive chemical content.
You will be expected to help the Department organise your placement, however help is available:
- The Careers Service advertises placement vacancies on its online vacancy system, JobsLive.
- The Department of Chemistry has a dedicated Industrial Liaison Officer who advertises opportunities and provides support with the application process.
Securing a placement is competitive, so you may need to apply to multiple employers and take part in recruitment activities. Application procedures vary from company to company. They can include CV and cover letter submissions, online tests, Skype interviews, technical interviews and assessment centres.
Students from the Department have previously completed placements with:
- GlaxoSmithKline
- AstraZeneca
- Pfizer
The employer can often be in a location of your choice – including outside the UK – as long as you are successful in obtaining a position there and the placement is approved by the Department.
Laboratory experience
All of our Chemistry courses include a high level of laboratory experience, designed to develop the practical, analytical and theoretical skills required to work in the sector.
You will take part in a wide range of laboratory-based activities in the Department, which vary from year three depending on which course you choose.
As well as traditional synthetic chemistry labs, you will also be trained in measurement science, analytical chemistry and molecular modelling, helping you gain confidence in applying a large number of different experimental techniques.
You will also take part in theoretical and mathematical methods laboratories, workshops and IT laboratories.
White City Campus
The Department of Chemistry is currently based at Imperial's South Kensington Campus. It also occupies the Molecular Sciences Research Hub on the College's brand new White City Campus. This provides us with state-of-the-art research facilities and exciting opportunities for collaboration with industry.
Final-year undergraduate projects and some third- and fourth-year lectures will take place at White City. A free shuttle bus service runs between the campuses.
BSc or MSci?
We offer both Master in Science (MSci) degrees and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees.
Our MSci degrees cover more in-depth chemistry study than our BSc degrees, making them more suited to students who are considering a career in research or who may wish to progress to further study such as a PhD.
Our MSci degrees also include a substantial individual project in the final year, which gives you the chance to work in a research environment; you also engage with more advanced research-led lecture modules.
Transfer between degrees
Years one and two of our Chemistry degrees follow the same core course content, supplemented by optional modules designed to match your chosen course of study. This structure offers you the opportunity to transfer between Chemistry degrees at a later stage providing you have studied the appropriate optional subjects, and as such you should apply to only one degree within the Department of Chemistry.
You may need to meet a certain academic standard to be eligible for placements in industry or abroad.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Structure
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about them.
Year 1
Core modules
- Chemistry of the Elements: Hydrogen to Uranium
- i-Engage
- Introduction to Spectroscopy
- Language of Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry I
- Practical Chemistry I
- Reactivity at Carbon Centres
- Structure and Bonding: Atomic Structure to Molecular Orbitals
- The Reactions Toolkit: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Year 2
Core modules
- Analysis, Separation and Characterisation
- Chemistry of Molecular Systems
- Electronic States and Bonding
- i-Engage II
- Macromolecules and Materials
- Medicinal Chemistry II
- Control and Selectivity in Molecular Synthesis
- Practical Chemistry II
- Solids, Liquids and Interfaces
Year 3
Core modules
- Advanced Chemistry Topics I
- Advanced Chemistry Topics II for Medicinal Chemistry
- Industry 4.0
- Practical Chemistry III for Medicinal Chemistry
You will also complete the compulsory i-Explore module.
Industry Year
You spend this year on an industrial placement, normally for 12 months. During this time you remain registered as an Imperial student and usually pay reduced tuition fees to the College (see Tuition Fees and Funding). You also receive a salary from your host company.
Our strong industry links means we have an extensive list of firms willing to host our students, some of them in Europe. Alternatively, you can arrange your own placement in consultation with the Department.
The work you do during your placement must be predominantly related to chemical research.
You will complete a formal research project report on the work you have carried out. This will be assessed by your academic and industrial supervisors.
Year 5
Core modules
- Research Project
- From Molecules to Medicine
Optional modules
You choose two modules from below.
- Advanced Catalysis
- Advanced Stereochemistry, Synthesis and Biosynthesis
- Molecular Imaging
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
Download the programme specification [PDF] – this is the most up-to-date version available for this course. It may change for your year of entry. If/when changes to this course are approved by the College, we will update this document and the information on this course page.
I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.
All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.
Professional accreditation
This degree leads to a Master’s level qualification and is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
In the global market, chemistry graduates are increasingly mobile with employers looking for the best graduates across international markets. The Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation is respected around the world and helps students, parents and advisers choose high quality degree programmes which address the needs of both employers and students.
Our MSci degrees fully satisfy the RSC's academic requirement for professional registration as a Chartered Chemist (CChem). A CChem is an internationally recognised qualification earned by professionals working in the chemical sciences, which can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects.
Our accreditation agreement with the Royal Society of Chemistry is renewed every five years, however due to Covid-19 this was extended to include a sixth year for 2020-21 and again for students starting their studies in the 2021-22 academic year. The Department expects to be accredited into the future.
Associateship
As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS) on completion of this course.
The Royal College of Science is one of three historic Colleges that came together to form Imperial College London in 1907.
Find out more about our Associateships.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops and guided laboratory work.
There will also be group work, literature reports and research projects in order to ensure our degrees provide a strong set of additional skills, such as presentational and communicative skills.
Teaching, independent study and placement hours
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures, seminars and similar | 389 hours | 472 hours | 328 hours | – | 833 hours |
| Independent study | 1,111 hours | 1,030 hours | 1,172 hours | – | 667 hours |
| Placement | – | – | – | 1,500 hours | – |
| Based on the typical pathway through the course | |||||
Assessment
Our Chemistry degrees use a variety of assessment methods, the below list provides a guide to what you can expect:
- Written examinations
- Oral presentation
- Written reports
- Coursework
- Academic posters
Assessment types
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 25% | 14% | 23% | 100% | 49% |
| Practical | 12% | 21% | 27% | – | 51% |
| Written | 63% | 65% | 50% | – | – |
| Based on the typical pathway through the course; percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number | |||||
Staff expertise
At Imperial, you will be taught by a range of teachers of all levels from Professors to PhD students, including some who undertake groundbreaking research and are regarded as experts in their field.
You may also experience peer teaching and be taught by specialists external to the College.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis – see selection process below.
For advice on the requirements for the qualifications listed here please contact the Department (see Contact us).
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. If the requirements for your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page for guidance on which qualifications we accept.
A-levels
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2023 entry is AAA overall, to include:
- A in Chemistry
- A in Mathematics
- A in a third subject (Biology, Economics, Further Mathematics and Physics are preferred)
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Students taking English exam board science A-levels will be required to pass the practical endorsement.
Typical offer range
As a guide, here are the typical offers made to at least 80% of A-level applicants for 2021 entry:
- Three A-level offer: A*AA–A*A*A
Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)
If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
The practical endorsement is part of the reformed English linear A-levels.
Additional Mathematics support
Our A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.
This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
International Baccalaureate
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2023 entry is 38 points overall, to include:
- 6 in Chemistry at higher level
- 6 in Mathematics at higher level
- 6 in a third subject at higher level (Biology, Economics or Physics are preferred)
Typical offer range
As a guide, the typical offer made to at least 80% of IB applicants for 2021 entry was 39–40 points overall.
Mathematics Higher Level
The Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level with no preference.
Additional Mathematics support
Our A-level Mathematics online course is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Advanced Placements
The grades detailed below are the minimum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Imperial.
If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Imperial alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.
Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.
Our minimum requirement for this course is grades 5, 5, 5 to include:
- 5 in Chemistry
- 5 in Calculus BC
- 5 in another subject (Biology, Macroeconomics or Microeconomics or Physics C syllabi preferred)
Additional Mathematics support
Our A-level Mathematics online course is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Selection process
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Post-application open day and interview
If assessment of your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements, you will be shortlisted for an academic interview as part of our interview programme.
There will be a pre-recorded talk by the admissions tutor made available online, about the department, the structure of the course and other opportunities available to enrich your experience with us. There will also be talks and presentations available by the accommodation and finance teams, and from Horizons about the great range of modules they offer. We are organising online Q&A sessions, where you will have the chance to talk to the admissions tutor and to current undergraduates, and you can see more about the department on the Chemistry and Imperial360 websites.
We will run interviews in the morning and afternoon (UK time) to accommodate students in different time-zones, and each applicant will be interviewed individually. The interview will comprise a discussion with an experienced academic who will be looking to assess an applicant’s motivation for studying chemistry and their potential for the future.
Although the discussion may begin with topics mentioned in the UCAS personal statement, the conversations will likely expand to cover topics that the applicant may not be so familiar with. This enables the interviewer to observe how an applicant thinks and how they reason their way through a problem.
The interviewers are highly experienced and are able to see through nerves, stress and silly mistakes so you should not worry about answering the questions. There are no trick questions, if an answer seems obvious, it might be just that.
We then use the interview feedback in combination with the UCAS application, to decide whether we are able to make an offer, and what the conditions of the offer will be. We aim to send you our offer decision by e-mail, within one week of the interview. You will be able to see the exact conditions of any offer we make by logging in to UCAS Track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Department of Chemistry have put together a list of frequently asked questions that often arise during the admissions process.
Foundation programmes
A foundation course is a one-year preparation course, designed for international students, which leads to undergraduate programmes in the UK. Foundation programmes are normally for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university.
Foundation programmes are offered by many UK universities, but only UCL’s Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering (UPCSE) is considered for entry to Imperial.
UCL UPCSE
A year-long programme for international students whose school leaving qualifications do not allow them direct entry to UK universities. Students must complete four modules across the year – two compulsory and two elective modules:
| Module | Status |
|---|---|
| Research and Academic Skills: Science and Society | Compulsory |
| Academic English | Compulsory |
| Biology | Elective |
| Chemistry | Elective |
| Mathematics | Elective |
| Physics | Elective |
| Information correct at time of publishing, but subject to change | |
To be considered for admission to Chemistry, international students studying UCL UPCSE must achieve:
- 80% overall
- 80% Chemistry
- 80% Mathematics
Contextual admissions
We want to make sure that the Imperial learning community is as diverse as the society we serve. So to make our admissions process as fair as possible, we have introduced admissions schemes for Home students that allow us to consider your application in the full context of any additional barriers you may face.
Find out if you meet the eligibility criteria for our contextual admissions schemes.
If your predicted grades meet the minimum College entry standard of AAA at A-level or an equivalent level qualification in the relevant subjects, the Department of Chemistry will guarantee you an interview. The department is also able to provide a guaranteed standard minimum offer to a large majority of eligible applicants.
Read more about the contextual admissions scheme in this department and others.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students who apply for this course.
For more information about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), please see the International Student Support website.
View our terms and conditions on visas.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View the Department of Chemistry's competence standards [PDF]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Department of Chemistry
T: +44 (0)20 7594 5721
E: ch.admisssions@imperial.ac.uk
Tuition fees and funding
We charge tuition fees for every year that your course lasts. The fee you will be charged is based on your fee status, which is determined by government regulations.
Home rate of tuition
2023 entry
£9,250 per year.
Please note, this fee is set by the UK government and is subject to change until it has passed into legislation. We will update this page when this happens.
Year in industry
For the 2022-23 year in industry, the fee was £1,850 for that year.
Read more about funding for year in industry placements.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.
For example, the RPIX value in April 2023 will apply to fees for the academic year 2023–2024.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee or not depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
Home fee eligibility
You can find the conditions you need to meet to pay the Home rate of tuition fees from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). These apply to higher education courses in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand, noting that these are subject to amendment.
Because of the UK’s exit from the European Union, some frameworks of eligibility have been amended. Individuals affected by the amended frameworks should refer to the UKCISA publication, Who pays ‘home’ fees for higher education in England [PDF].
Government funding
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Overseas rate of tuition
2023 entry
The fee for Overseas students has not been confirmed for the 2023-24 academic year. The fee is controlled by the College and we will update this page when it is announced.
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2022-23 was £36,200.
Year in industry
For the 2022-23 year in industry, the fee was 20% of the relevant fee for that year.
Read more about funding for year in industry placements.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts. For example, the RPIX value in April 2023 will apply to fees for the academic year 2023–2024.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee or not depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
Home fee eligibility
You can find the conditions you need to meet to pay the Home rate of tuition fees from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). These apply to higher education courses in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand, noting that these are subject to amendment.
Because of the UK’s exit from the European Union, some frameworks of eligibility have been amended. Individuals affected by the amended frameworks should refer to the UKCISA publication, Who pays ‘home’ fees for higher education in England [PDF].
Additional course costs
This section outlines additional costs relevant to this course. These are not included in your tuition fees. It's possible that all, or only some, of these will be relevant to you.
Figures are approximated, usually based on costs in the most recent academic year. They are likely to change each year but it's useful for you to be aware of the things you may have to pay for. This can help you budget for life at Imperial.
Mandatory costs are those that you will need to pay to fully participate in and complete your studies. Optional costs are not essential to your studies so you can opt-out of these.
| Description | Mandatory/optional | Guide to cost |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment (course materials) | Mandatory | Provided |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Mandatory | Provided |
| Please review the information below for more information on the costs listed in the table. | ||
Lab equipment and materials
The Department provides the materials you will need in the laboratory, such as glassware (with no replacement charge for breakages), printed laboratory manuals and chemicals.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing personal protective equipment is compulsory for some activities on this course. Where this applies, the Department of Chemistry will provide you with the necessary PPE free of charge to ensure you can undertake lab work safely. This includes:
- Gloves
- Lab coat
- Safety spectacles*
* we do not usually provide prescription spectacles
Lost items
If you lose an item, such as your lab coat, you will be required to pay a fee to cover the cost of its replacement.
We will charge you the same amount that we originally paid for the item. This fee is donated to ChemSoc, the student-run departmental society, to help to support their activities.
You will not be charged for a replacement if it is for another reason, such as theft or as a result of the item becoming worn out.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
Most Imperial undergraduates choose to live in our halls of residence in their first year. You can compare costs across different accommodation options.
Bursaries and scholarships
Careers
Chemistry informs everything, from developing new pharmaceuticals that will help fight disease, to mitigating climate change. This means our graduates are recruited into practically every branch of industry.
Many choose to pursue a PhD, while others work in roles as diverse as industrial development, production and quality control, marketing, finance and teaching.
Recent graduates of this Department have become:
- Process Scientist, Drug discovery and development company
- Data Scientist, Tesco
- Graduate Audit Trainee, KPMG
- Research Scientist, Global snack company
- Graduate Scientist, Ministry of Defence
How to apply
UCAS key information
- UCAS course code: F125
- UCAS institution code: I50
Apply on UCAS
You can start and track your application on UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices.
Application deadlines
25 January 2023 at 18.00 (UK time).
If your application includes a medicine course, the deadline is 15 October 2022 at 18.00 (UK time).
Any questions?
Explore our step by step guide on how to apply. You can also find answers to your questions about admissions.
Related departments
You may also be interested in the following related departments and the courses they offer:
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