Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry MChem (UCAS F125)
Find out more about our Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry MChem degree at Warwick
Chemistry is central to solving humanity's most pressing problems - climate change, renewable energy, sustainable materials, and eliminating hunger and disease. Our chemistry degrees help develop the practical, analytical, numerical, and logical reasoning skills you need to help solve these global challenges – and also offer an exciting route into a wide range of future career paths.
In this course, you can satisfy your curiosity for medicinal chemistry with tailored modules later in the course, providing insights into the drug discovery and pharmaceutical pipeline.
In contrast to our three-year BSc degrees, the MChem degree takes place over four years; the fourth year builds on the experience of the BSc degree by enabling students to undertake a significant research project, working with an academic group to help solve important real-world problems drawn from the wide spectrum of the chemical sciences.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of ChemistryLink opens in a new window, subject to passing required modules.
We're planning to make changes to this course from 2025 entry. See our 'Modules' tab for details.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAA to include Chemistry and one of the following: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geology, Statistics or Computer Science.
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB including BB in Chemistry and either Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geology, Statistics or Computer Science. See if you’re eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB typical offer
36 to include 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and 5 in a second science subject at Higher Level (either Biology, Physics, Mathematics 'Analysis and Approaches', Mathematics 'Applications and Interpretation', or Computer Science).
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32 including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and 5 in a second science subject at Higher Level (either Biology, Physics, Mathematics 'Analysis and Approaches', Mathematics 'Applications and Interpretation', or Computer Science). See if you’re eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs and/or CTECs alongside A level Chemistry. These would ideally be in science related subjects.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry and either Mathematics, Physics or Biology and AAB in three further Highers subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB at A level including Chemistry and either Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Biology, Geology, Statistics or Computer Science plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. This should also include 12 Distinctions from Chemistry units and 12 Distinctions from Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Computer Science units or an A level in Chemistry.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band A
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
Through Chemistry we can tackle the energy crisis, discover new medicines or develop new materials for 21st century needs, from polymers for drug delivery to more efficient batteries.
Our flexible undergraduate Chemistry degree is delivered by one of the UK's top Chemistry departments, which is ranked highly for both teaching and research. It provides a comprehensive programme of study to prepare you for a lab-based scientific career – but also helps build the practical, numeracy, logical and analytical skills that are valued by top graduate recruiters.
Years One and Two will set you up with a solid foundation in state-of-the-art chemistry. Here, you will build the experimental skills and theoretical knowledge across the core branches of modern chemistry, and learn how chemical scientists understand and shape the material world around us.
By branching into medicinal chemistry you will apply your chemical knowledge to the discovery, design, and synthesis of new drugs for clinical use. Our four-year Medicinal Chemistry degree combines a solid foundation in chemistry with specialist knowledge in advanced medicinal chemistry/biochemistry.
Specialist modules explore the process of medicinal drug discovery, from the initial concept of a new product to the discovery stage, clinical trials, scale-up, and production. You can explore the biochemistry of these processes, and how this leads to medical breakthroughs. In addition to research-led teaching from top academics, you will benefit from external lectures given by pharmaceutical industry leaders. You will also complete a final-year research project.
In Year Four you will complete an individual investigative project on a topic that reflects your passion. You can also select optional modules to support your research or broaden your knowledge.
We offer the distinctive opportunity to transfer across degree programmes, dependent on good academic progress, to include study abroad or industrial placements in the UK and beyond.
Important information
We are currently reviewing the third year curriculum of our Chemistry degrees from 2025 entry. Changes to core and optional modules go through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.
Study abroad
Any study abroad components for our medicinal chemistry degrees must be related to the field of medicinal chemistry.
Our programmes offer a range of options to work or study abroadLink opens in a new window for three, six or 12 months, for example at a pharmaceutical company or at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
Core modules
We offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to transfer between Chemistry degree course as you develop your interests and future plans. (Please note, all course transfers are subject to academic performance and, for overseas students, are subject to UK visa regulations.)
You will study a range of core modules in Years One and Two which provide a solid foundation in Organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. These core modules will be the same as those studied in our standard BSc course, providing you with a solid foundation in chemistry before specialising in medicinal chemistry in Years Three and Four.
In Year Three, you will use your experience of the themes and topics from Years One and Two to choose optional modules to tailor your degree to suit your interests. At this stage, you will begin to explore medicinal chemistry in more detail, for example through the Molecular Pharmacology module, which focuses on learning about the pharmaceutical industry through a series of case studies.
In Year Four you will complete an individual investigative project on a topic that reflects your passion (worth 50% of the year's mark) in collaboration with one of our academics, and you can select optional modules to support your research or broaden your knowledge. You can expect to be working on drug discovery of novel antibiotic, anticancer or anti-inflammatory compounds through organic synthesis or natural product isolation.
Once you are here, you can apply to transfer onto a variant of this degree, either with industrial placement or with international placement.
RSC accreditation is subject to the appropriate choice of options in Years Two to Four.
Important information
We are currently reviewing the third year curriculum of our Chemistry degrees from 2025 entry. Changes to core and optional modules go through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.
Year One
Atoms and Molecules
This module is a self-contained and integrated introduction to models of chemical bonding. Beginning with the origins and history of chemistry, moving forwards through time to discuss contemporary chemical bonding models based on atomic and molecular orbital theory, this module will give students the fundamental tools to discuss structure and bonding across a wide variety of molecules.
Read more about the Atoms and Molecules module Link opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Chemical Change
The rate (kinetics) and energetics (thermodynamics) of chemical reactions are of central importance in all aspects of chemistry. By considering the energetics of a system it tells us if a process can happen, whilst the kinetics tell us how quickly. Many industrial processes rely on a thorough understanding of chemical change. This module will introduce the student to the fundamentals of chemical change at a level suitable for a Year 1 student.
Read more about the Chemical Change moduleLink opens in a new window, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study)
Molecules and Materials Across the Periodic Table
This module applies fundamental concepts on structure and bonding to molecules and more complex structures in the form of real-world materials. Spanning solid-state materials, transition-metal complexes, macromolecules and soft materials, this module gives students the necessary tools to understand the structure and properties of molecules as a function of atomic properties, bonding and geometry.
Read more about the Molecules and Materials Across the Periodic Table module, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study)
Carbon and the Chemistry of Life
This module will provide you with foundation knowledge of organic chemistry. It focuses on the fundamentals of the chemistry of carbon and how it applies to chemical biology as part of the chemistry of life.
Read more about the Carbon and the Chemistry of Life moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to the 2024/25 year of study).
Beyond Science: Collaborative Student-Led Challenges (CSLC) [Optional Module]
This module equips students with essential skills and guidance to select and collaboratively tackle real-world research challenges. Developed in partnership with current students, A-level students, and secondary school teachers, and informed by data from the Royal Society of Chemistry, students will delve into research principles and tools while fostering a growth mindset with mentors from across the University. Throughout the course, they will actively engage in creating, completing, presenting, and reflecting upon their group project, enhancing their teamwork, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Read more about the Beyond Science moduleLink opens in a new window, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study)
Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills I
You can study the theory of chemistry, but the laboratory is where science comes alive. You will put your chemistry knowledge to work with experiments that build your expertise in using scientific instrumentation, data collection, and data analysis. You will use new techniques and lab skills to synthesise chemical compounds, investigate key concepts and experimentally verify some of the chemical theories introduced in lectures. You will also have opportunities to combine established techniques, equipping you with the understanding and practical competence needed to develop your own research methods and problem-solving techniques.
Read more about the Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills I moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Year Two
Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills II
In this module, you will experience more hands-on laboratory investigations as the skills you have developed allow you to conduct more complicated multistep syntheses, learn advanced lab and instrumentation techniques, and take more control and ownership of your work. By the end of this module, you will be able to plan new experiments, set up and monitor instrumentation to record your results, and characterise and assess reactions using spectroscopy alongside other sophisticated techniques. You will also learn to process and present your results in statistical, graphical and written form.
Read more about the Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills II moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy
This module will introduce the students to the physical origins of many of the analytical spectroscopic tools in use in a modern chemistry laboratory. The module will discuss several spectroscopic methods which utilize a range of electromagnetic wavelengths, from radio waves to UV/visible light, highlighting the different types of molecular processes probed. The module will introduce some of the quantum-mechanical models which underpin much of our understanding of spectroscopy (including harmonic oscillator and the rigid rotor), and their application to real-life spectroscopy. Student’s knowledge of molecular symmetry and group theory will be developed by discussing its role in molecular structure and bonding, and the interpretation of electronic and vibrational spectra. The module will also provide students with a working knowledge of the various relaxation pathways available to electronically-excited molecules. In addition, the module will link conceptually Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to other discussed types of spectroscopy. The fundamentals of one-dimensional NMR spectroscopy will be introduced in the context of proton and carbon and then expanded to other nuclei in the periodic table. Finally, two-dimensional NMR will be qualitatively introduced.
Read more about the Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Organic Synthesis and Reactivity
This module builds on core concepts covered in Year 1 to understand more advanced organic reactions, expanding the synthetic and mechanistic chemistry toolbox and enabling basic design principles, based on retrosynthetic analysis, for the synthesis of simple organic molecules to be understood. The module is split into a number of topics: Aromatic and heterocyclic chemistry Palladium catalysed couplings Alkene chemistry Oxidations and reductions Conformational analysis Carbonyl and enolate chemistry Elimination reactions Physical organic chemistry. Included will also be simple retrosynthesis and synthetic strategies, and industrial applications.
Read more about the Organic Synthesis and Reactivity moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Inorganic Materials from Complexes to Solids
This module will consider chemical bonding in compounds of elements from various parts of the Periodic Table to illustrate how properties arise from their bonding and electronic structure, Complexes of transition-metals will be explored, examining their stability, description of the binding of ligands, mechanism of ligand substitution, and organometallic complexes will be introduced. Solid-state materials will be illustrated using oxides of transition-metals and concepts of crystallographic and diffraction used to how structure of solids is determined. This will lead to consideration of the electronic structure of solids, including band structure and conductivity.
Read more about the Inorganic Materials from Complexes to Solids moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Macromolecules
Macromolecules are central to life. Nature has created natural macromolecules such as cellulose to enable trees and plants to form and DNA and RNA for the evolution and coding of life. Scientists have developed synthetic macromolecules to be used in wide range of materials owing to the physical properties of macromolecules. This module will cover the synthetic concepts and structures of both synthetic and natural polymers as well as discussing their use in our daily lives.
Read more about the Macromolecules moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Chemistry for Drug Discovery
The aims of the module are to introduce students to the principles of drug discovery, explaining the stages involved in the drug discovery process, and introducing the major types of biological targets for drug action, and case studies. The module includes an introduction to computational approaches to drug development, and an introduction to antibody-based drugs and the application of antibody technology for medical diagnostics.
Read more about the Chemistry for Drug Discovery moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Optional module
Chemistry for Sustainability
This module will introduce students to the critically important role chemists are playing in humanity’s transition to a sustainable way of life and the primary motivations for this transition. The challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change, environmental pollution and the limited supply of natural resources critical to our current way of life will be considered. Sustainable solutions to these challenges for which chemistry is particularly relevant will be considered, including in the areas of sustainable agriculture, tackling water pollution (whilst also meeting growing demand for drinking water), affordable clean energy for all, tackling atmospheric pollution and sustainable chemical feedstocks for our material needs. The topics covered are aligned with the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals, and so this module will serve to highlight the important role chemists are playing in enabling a sustainable future for all, opening their eyes to the broad range of opportunities their chemical education presents for them to contribute to these exciting topics at a critical early stage in their degree.
Read more about the Chemistry for Sustainability moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Year Three
Advanced Organic Chemistry and Laboratory
Here, you will gain the advanced knowledge to allow you to understand and apply empirical rules and models related to the reactions of organic molecules, complex pericyclic reactions, intramolecular cyclisation processes, rearrangement reactions of reactive intermediates, and reactions creating new stereogenic centres by either substrate, reagent or catalyst control.
Read more about the Advanced Organic Chemistry and Laboratory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Laboratory
This advanced module will help you to understand the issues affecting industrial catalytic reactions. You will study the application of organometallic chemistry and physical chemistry (particularly kinetics), drawing together aspects of this work developed in year two, and extending your understanding to the types of reactions and catalysis used widely in chemical industries, such as those concerned with petrochemicals, polymers, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Read more about the Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Laboratory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Advanced Physical Chemistry and Laboratory
Here, you will meet two advanced topics in physical chemistry: interfacial chemistry and molecular modelling. You will study a range of surface and interfacial processes, including both solid and liquid interfaces, and learn about advanced experimental methods for characterising them. You will learn the key concepts in molecular dynamics simulations, including periodic boundaries, integration algorithms and thermodynamic ensembles. A significant aspect of this module is to demonstrate the importance of surface processes in chemistry and the borders of chemical engineering, biomedical science, materials science and physics. As well as standard lectures, these aims will be supported by experimental laboratory sessions which have an emphasis on designing and implementing experiments.
Read more about the Advanced Physical Chemistry and Laboratory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
You will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of instrumental analytical techniques, including data generation, acquisition, interpretation, instrumentation and state-of-the-art applications. You will consider the techniques of chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in both lecture and workshops. As part of your studies, you will learn to test hypotheses, use databases and software independently, analyse your findings and improve your ability to communicate these in written form.
Read more about the Advanced Analytical Chemistry moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Molecular Pharmacology
Through the presentation of case studies by major pharmaceutical companies, you will learn to understand and articulate current advances in drug design, development and discovery, including the techniques used to support each of these. You will gain important transferable skills, including effective teamwork and the presentation of a topic related to drug discovery in oral and written form.
Read more about the Molecular Pharmacology moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Extended Laboratory
You will build on your previous practical chemistry work by choosing two further optional practical modules. Your studies will see you using a range of resources to design synthetic and measurement experiments, and performing advanced synthetic techniques such as column chromatography, manipulation of air-sensitive compounds and emulsion polymerisation. You will complete this module with a poster presentation on a piece of published research work.
Read more about the Extended Laboratory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Year Four
Advanced Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
You will deepen your understanding of current research in medicinal chemistry, and develop your ability to evaluate published literature, using your knowledge of organic, mechanistic and medicinal chemistry. You will be encouraged to be original in applying your knowledge to the solution of research problems. You will learn to communicate your findings in discussion, presentation and writing, and have substantial opportunities to work independently on a specific research topic, such as molecular mechanisms of action, of drugs targeting ribosomal machinery, cholesterol biosynthesis, or the principles and methods of drug discovery.
Read more about the Advanced Medicinal and Biological Chemistry moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Research Project and Methodology
You will carry out an extended research project under the supervision of an academic in an area reflecting your interests. You will become competent in original research practice, including evaluating literature, designing practical or computational experiments, analysing and assessing your results and drawing conclusions to set against the current field. You will learn to present your findings in discussion and debate, and to complete report-writing to a high standard.
Read more about the Research Project and Methodology moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Examples of Year Three or Four optional modules may include:
- Molecular Structure and Dynamics
- Bioorganic Chemistry
- Polymer and Colloid Science
- Energy
- Advanced Coordination and Bio-Inorganic Chemistry
- Secondary School Teaching
Assessment
You will be assessed via a combination of examinations and coursework such as laboratory reports, presentations, posters and essays to monitor your progress and provide you with regular feedback.
A minimum of 25% of each year's grade is generated from coursework. Your research project will contribute 50% towards your final year grade and will be appraised by a combination of assessments which may include a dissertation, presentation and viva.
The final degree classification is determined by:
- Year One (5%)
- Year Two (20%)
- Year Three (30%)
- Year Four (45%)
Note: The weighting of different years might be subject to change (under discussion).
Teaching
You will be taught using a combination of:
- Weekly lectures
- Workshops
- Tutorials
Lectures give an introduction and expand your knowledge on a topic to help prepare you for discussion, workshops, and a deeper analysis of each area of study.
Workshops typically run in groups of 20-40 students and allow you to work with your peers to problem-solve with on-hand assistance from academic and teaching staff. Practical classes in our modern teaching labs are an integral part of any Chemistry student's life-giving you the opportunity to put theory into practice.
You will have a personal tutor who you can speak to about any questions you may have, and in Years One and Two, regular tutorial small group work where you will build your community of peer support. There are also regular revision sessions and opportunities to speak to module directors and seminar tutors.
Class sizes
- Year One and Two tutorial and lab groups: generally between 5 to 7 students
- Workshops: generally between 20 to 40 students
- Lectures: sizes vary
Typical contact hours
There are between 12 to 20 hours of classroom contact available per week, of which 5 to 10 hours will be supervised practical work (mainly laboratory and computing). Your study is also supplemented with:
- Group work
- One-to-one advice
- Question and answer sessions
- The use of web-based materials.
For each hour of lecture materials, you should expect to put in a further one to two hours of private study, as well as preparation for the diverse set of assessments you will receive.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,535. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.
How are fees set?
The British Government sets tuition fee rates.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
For the 2024 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:
- You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course
And
- You have Settled Status (see further details on Settled Status)Link opens in a new window
If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.
Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
Placements and work experience
Students in Chemistry are also supported through our Department of Student Opportunity to gain experience during vacation periods in other industry sectors including teaching, finance, data science, law, consultancy, marketing and IT and technology.
Undergraduate research
We also have an Undergraduate Research Support Scheme which allows undergraduate students to work on an academic research project in Chemistry or another department during the summer vacation.
Industrial Placement
Three to six months may be taken in industry between April and September in Year Three (subject to availability). Should you choose this option there will be the usual lectures, tutorials and workshops at Warwick during the first two terms, and you will sit your exams in March. The placement replaces the laboratory classes that the students at Warwick take during the summer term. As a further option, a 12-month industrial placement with integrated distance learning (via transfer to MChem with Industrial Placement) can replace Year Three of study and aims to provide students in developing a range of interactive skills, as well as gaining professional experience in an industrial environment.
The actual day-to-day running of the placement will be defined by the industrial supervisor but will be designed to be of maximum benefit to both you and the company, ensuring that your professional development will encompass as wide a variety of experience as possible in the context of the placement. During the placement, you will follow our core Year Three modules studied by distance learning.
You must also complete project work that is assessed by a written literature review, and an oral presentation about your project, followed by an interview during the first term of Year Four. The industrial supervisor will write a report assessing you on your attendance, enthusiasm, and commitment. These components make up the final grade for the placement, worth 75% of the year, which counts towards the final degree result. The words 'with Industrial Training' are added to the degree title.
It is also possible to carry out a 12-month industrial placement via an ‘Intercalated Year’. The placement should involve working for a company, institution, or organisation related to chemistry, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience, without formally counting towards the final degree result. The words ‘with Intercalated Year’ are added to the degree title.
Where our Chemistry degree can take you
Our graduates are active in fields as diverse as:
- Chemical Science
- Sustainable materials
- Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Development
- Laboratory Technical Services and Leadership
- Public Health
- Business and Financial Analysis
- Investment Management
- Management Consultancy
- Academic Research and Teaching
- Medicine and paramedic
- Secondary School Teaching
Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- GSK
- HMRC
- HSBC
- KPMG
- NHS Trust
- Ovo Energy
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- Unilever
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Helping you find the right career
We have dedicated careers consultants who can support you with your career choices and skills to prepare you for recruitment processes. We offer one-to-one appointments and workshops to help you find a career path, find internship or work placements and hone your applications and interview technique. You can also attend tailored careers and networking events to connect with recruiters in your field.
Chemistry at Warwick
We are one of the UK’s top chemistry departments, highly ranked for both teaching and research. Our academic staff perform cutting-edge research in globally-important topics, ranging from sustainable polymers to new solar-cell materials to discovery of new natural products for antimicrobials.
These same leading researchers, in combination with a dedicated teaching-focussed team of academics, deliver our courses through a range of innovative teaching approaches to give students a more engaging and effective learning experience.
As a Warwick Chemistry undergraduate student, you will join a diverse and thriving community that supports each other to achieve their potential. Our students have a strong voice in how our department evolves and grows - and our undergraduate-run Chemistry Society offers a supportive, ready-made community of students who help each other succeed.
The practical laboratory, numeracy, logical, analytic, and presentation skills that our students learn at Warwick Chemistry place our graduates in a great position to move into a wide range of fields, including sustainable chemical industries, pharmaceuticals, energy materials, marketing and finance, cybersecurity, teaching, publishing, journalism, or further study.
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Our courses
We offer non-accredited and Royal Society of Chemistry accredited course routes, depending on your career aspirations.
- Chemistry (BSc)
- Chemistry (MChem)
- Chemistry with Industrial Placement (MChem)
- Chemistry with International Placement (MChem)
- Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (BSc)
- Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (MChem)
Related degrees
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
3 ways to connect
Talk to us
Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.
Warwick Experience
Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.
Student blogs
Explore our student blogs in Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
Explore campus with our virtual tour
Our 360 tour lets you:
- Watch student videos
- View 360 photography and drone footage
- Learn about facilities and landmarks
Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now
Come to an Open Day
Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.