Join the fight against disease by learning how to create better and safer drugs for society with a degree in Chemistry for Drug Discovery and Development.
Our BSc (Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery and Development aims to develop skills in the design and development of active molecules, all the way through to the final pharmaceutical products available to patients. Students can gain knowledge of synthetic chemistry and develop experience in drug formulation and manufacture within the regulatory context of the pharmaceutical industry. This will involve substantial practical experience of advanced laboratory techniques.
On this programme, students have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry alongside subject-specific and generic skills to develop a strong understanding of how chemistry is applied to problems with direct impact on society. Our programmes are designed to produce highly employable graduates with a broad background in academic chemistry and significant experience of the application of chemistry in contexts relevant to society and industry.
Subject area ranked 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction*
Small goup teaching and innovative team-based learning
Work placement opportunities
Industry challenges set through partnerships with multinational organisations
Focus on professional practice to improve career prospects
Opportunities to engage with staff on research projects
*Complete University Guide 2025 (out of 42 ranking institutions).
The programme takes an integrated approach to organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, exploring how they work together.
Students have the opportunity to focus initially on organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry through an integrated approach that emphasises connectivity. Laboratory workshops and extensive use of specialist equipment provides the chance for students to develop hands-on skills.
Later in the course, students can apply their experience to a range of real-world applications, including industry-informed interdisciplinary projects. A significant research project also aims to develop students in a specialism of their choice. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on developing the professional skills required for a future career in industry.
The course includes lectures, seminars, laboratory-based practical classes, and lectures from visiting scientists. Extensive small-group teaching and innovative team-based learning aims to create a supportive learning environment to help students train through practice and problem-based approaches.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances, or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Our Chemistry courses have an embedded explicit skills development programme through the professional practice modules. The programme delivers a systematic programme in skills development, which includes CV writing and interview skills. The modules exemplify the application of chemistry into key employment sectors and present chemistry through an integrated approach.
A series of themed industry challenges are co-delivered during the professional practice modules through industry partnerships with multi-national and SME organisations representing the analytical, formulation, pharmaceutical, and energy and environmental sectors.
After systematic project planning and management training, students can devise and present technical proposals in response to the challenge. After consultation and feedback from a joint academic and industry panel, students can execute project plans and report within industry standard methods. The professional practice modules aim to prepare students for placements and future employment.
Students may have the opportunity to undertake placements during their degree. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Placements can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose to undertake an optional sandwich year in industry (where available). Students are encouraged to obtain placements in industry independently. Tutors may provide support and advice to students who require it during this process.
Chemistry graduates may pursue a wide range of science-related careers in sectors including energy, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer and personal care products. Those with specialisms in drug discovery and development can also aim for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. This can involve positions in molecular diagnostics, bioanalysis, and immunology. Some graduates may choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level.
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications to include 40 points in Chemistry.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied. Please contact our Admissions team for further information admissions@lincoln.ac.uk)
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include a Higher Level 5 in Chemistry.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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