**Medicinal chemists are at the forefront of modern medicine, developing new therapies and vaccines to prevent and treat infections and disease.** This programme focuses on the biological aspects of chemistry, giving you the skills to join this exciting field. If you're interested in the drug discovery process and want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, this course is ideal for you. You’ll gain a solid grounding in core chemistry topics as well as specialising in biochemistry and drug design. In the lab, you'll focus on drug synthesis and testing in our dedicated lab space fitted with industry-standard equipment. Along with developing your research and computational abilities, you’ll learn to design your own experiments. In your final year, you can specialise in an area you're interested in through a research project, supervised by one of our leading academics. **Distinctive Features of the Programme** **Join the forefront of modern medicine.** Medicinal chemists develop new therapies and vaccines to prevent and treat infections and disease, supporting people's health worldwide. **Life beyond the lab** As well as the chemistry relevant to drug discovery, you'll study data science, project planning, leadership skills and more to prepare you for your future career. **Flexible courses** Transfer to the BSc Chemistry or MChem Chemistry (with Year in Industry or Placement Year Abroad options) during your first year (subject to academic achievement). **Excellent career prospects** This course is ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry. **Acclaimed researchers involved in course design and teaching** 99% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021) and we're 12th in the UK for research impact.
A Level: {'start': ['A', 'A', 'B', None], 'end': ['B', 'B', 'B', None]} | Must include grade B in Chemistry. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study. | T Level | Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2. | GCSE/National 4/National 5 You must have or be working towards: - English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements. - GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths. | Extended Project: A | For applicants taking the EPQ qualification, an A in the EPQ can be recognised to lower the entry requirements by a single grade. For example, an AAB offer would be “AAB from 3 A-levels or ABB from 3 A-levels and a grade A in the EPQ”. Please note that any subject specific requirements must be met. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme | 34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL Chemistry. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales | The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales will be accepted in lieu of one A level at the A level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): {'start': ['DDD'], 'end': ['DDM']} | Accepted subjects: Applied Science. | Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) | The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in place of one A-level at the A-level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.
Fees stated are for the 2026/7 academic year. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required to complete the stated programme. Optional study trips, placements, or equipment are at your own cost. Tuition fees exclude living costs such as accommodation, subsistence and travel. UK and Islands: The University may increase fees as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. We will notify you of changes by the end of June in the preceding academic year. EU, EEA, and Switzerland: Unless eligible for UK fee status, fees will align with international fees. Check eligibility at: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/fees/full-list-of-categories-for-he-in-wales/ International: Fees are fixed for the programme duration, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. During the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate is charged. Further details: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees — UG BLS and PSE (2026/7)
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