Subject overview

Why chemistry?

Chemistry is fundamental: it is the enabling science that underlies many advances of modern society from genetics to human health and from environmental control to information technology. A chemistry degree allows you to understand and to contribute to our future.

Chemistry is challenging: understanding the very fabric of matter is both stimulating and rewarding. Studying chemistry gives you the confidence to attack and solve problems of many kinds.

Chemistry graduates are prepared for careers in the chemical industry, education and related professions. More fundamentally, the subject helps you develop skills attractive to any employer, such as problem solving, critical understanding and communication of ideas. 

John's faculty perspective

‘I feel blessed to have a job that is also my hobby. Having come to Sussex as an undergraduate student, I was taught by those “writing the books not reading the books”, where teaching was research led, and I had the opportunity to study in France as part of my BSc. After a varied academic career which has taken me to France and Switzerland, and a period in industry working in a number of small biotech organisations, I returned to Sussex in 2012.

‘My Sussex roots remain: my teaching is research led, with organometallic chemistry playing a leading role, and the strong interdisciplinary possibilities in Life Sciences mean that I can collaborate with world-leading colleagues in the same school.’

Dr John Spencer
Reader in Chemistry,
University of Sussex

Programme content

A good understanding of the basic principles of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry is key to modern thinking in drug discovery and design. This course is for you if you wish to specialise in medicinal chemistry and modern drug discovery and aim for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. 

This course comprises modern principles of drug design and current methods that are actively applied in successful research groups. Sussex has unique expertise in this area: our world-leading scientists in the Translational Drug Discovery Group work closely with industry experts in their field.

The degree involves an initial two years of intensive study in chemistry, covering all the principles of organic, inorganic, physical and applied chemistry. This is followed by two years of specialist study in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. In the final year, the extended project will take the form of either a placement opportunity within a biotech/pharmaceutical company or working as part of a drug discovery project ongoing at the University.

This course is subject to validation.

Core content

Years 1 and 2

You focus on broad chemistry principles to gain a thorough grounding in modern medicinal chemistry and drug discovery

Years 3 and 4

You specialise in organic and medicinal chemistry and gain the professional skills to succeed in the biotech industry. Advanced medicinal chemistry modules are delivered by faculty with considerable experience of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and track records of drug discovery and development. You develop professional skills such as what constitutes intellectual property, business and financial planning, and understanding biotech business models

MChem or BSc?

At Sussex, we offer four-year MChem and three-year BSc Chemistry degrees. The first three years are core to both degrees and MChem students have the option to study abroad or spend up to one year away from the University on an industrial placement, in addition to fourth-year modules and a year-long research project, enabling you to gain cutting-edge lab experience and deepen your knowledge in specialist topics at the forefront of chemical research.

There are several opportunities, up until the beginning of your third year, to transfer from the BSc to the MChem (providing you achieve a minimum threshold) or from the MChem to the BSc. This gives you a great deal of flexibility, enabling you to take your studies as far as you wish. The BSc degree is for you if you wish to study the full breadth of chemistry as a route to a range of other careers. An MChem degree is aimed at students who wish to become professional chemists and specialise in particular areas at the frontiers of chemical knowledge.

Applicants unsure about whether to do an MChem or a BSc should opt initially for the MChem. If your eventual A level grades meet the offer level for a BSc but not an MChem, we will automatically offer you a place on the BSc degree.

How will I learn?

You will learn through a variety of methods, including workshops, laboratory work, lectures and small-group presentations. Our selection process ensures that you will be among other dedicated students, and the relatively small class sizes permit lectures to be delivered at an appropriate pace. Our friendly lecturers are happy to answer questions both inside and outside the lecture room.

You will put theory into practice in the laboratory, carrying out experiments that provide you with the laboratory and research skills you will need to undertake advanced research projects. You are actively encouraged to work in small groups. Extra support is provided via academic advisors, student mentors, student advisors and the student support team.

For more information, visit Studying at Sussex.

What will I achieve?

• a comprehensive base of chemical knowledge and practical skills, as well as an awareness of the current challenges at the forefront of chemical research

• an enthusiasm for chemistry and an appreciation of its economic and environmental importance

• the ability to apply your chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in chemical research

• a range of transferable skills valuable for your future career: intellectual (problem-solving and critical analysis), communication (oral and written), organisational, numeracy and computer literacy, and research (design and implementation).

Industrial placement or study abroad year
(MChem only)

While studying for your degree in chemistry, it is possible for you to spend up to one year away from the University, on an industrial placement year. Industrial placements are made in many internationally prestigious chemical companies, many of which have close ties with the faculty at Sussex and sponsor their research programmes. Such placements are normally made either in the UK or mainland Europe.

You may choose to spend a year at another university as an exchange student. You will then take modules at a university located in Europe, North America, Australia or Asia. For European and Asian universities it is possible to select a host institution where chemistry is taught in English.

Entry requirements

Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.

All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

A level

Typical offer: AAB

Specific entry requirements: A levels must include Chemistry, at least grade B. Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, grade B, and either Chemistry or Double Science, also grade B.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer: 35 points overall

Specific entry requirements: Higher Levels must include Chemistry, with a grade of 6.

For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.

Specific entry requirements: The Access to HE Diploma will need to be in Science and contain substantial amounts of Level 3 credit in Chemistry. Applicants may wish to consider taking A level Chemistry in addition to the Access to HE Diploma. You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, grade B, and either Chemistry or Double Science, also grade B.

For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.

Advanced Diploma

Typical offer: Pass with grade A in the Diploma and A in the Additional and Specialist Learning.

Specific entry requirements: The Additional and Specialist Learning must be an A-level in Chemistry. Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, grade B, and either Chemistry or Double Science, also grade B.

For more information refer to Advanced Diploma.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

Typical offer: DDD

Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will need an A-level in Chemistry, grade B, in addition to the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma; as well as GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, grade B, and either Chemistry or Double Science, also grade B.

For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer: Overall result of 80%

Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential (normally with a final grade of at least 8.0).

For more information refer to European Baccalaureate.

Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto

Typical offer: Overall average result in the final matriculation examinations of at least 6.5.

Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential.

French Baccalauréat

Typical offer: Overall final result of at least 13.5/20

Specific entry requirements: Successful students will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalauréat with a good result (12/20) in Chemistry.

German Abitur

Typical offer: Overall result of 1.5 or better

Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will need a very good final result in Chemistry (at least 12/15).

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level)

Typical offer: AAAABB

Specific entry requirements: Highers will need to include Chemistry, normally grade A.

Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato

Typical offer: Final Diploma mark of at least 92/100

Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Typical offer: AAABB

Specific entry requirements: Highers must include Chemistry, normally grade A. Ideally, applicants will also have an Advanced Higher in Chemistry (grade B). Successful applicants will also need Mathematics and Chemistry at Standard Grade, both grade 1 or 2.

For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.

Spanish Titulo de Bachillerato (LOGSE)

Typical offer: Overall average result of at least 8.5

Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma

Typical offer: Pass the Core plus at least AA in two A-levels

Specific entry requirements: A levels must include Chemistry. Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or eqvivalent) Mathematics, grade B, and either Chemistry or Double Science, also grade B.

For more information refer to Welsh Baccalaureate.

Related subjects

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical sciences
• Ecology and environment
• Medicine
• Neuroscience

Fees and funding

Fees

Home/EU students: £9,000¹
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,000²
Overseas students: £16,200³

¹ The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
² The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
³ The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.

Funding

The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.

Careers and profiles

The degree will equip you with both a solid grounding and high-level skills in chemistry, enabling you to work successfully in the medicinal chemistry and drug discovery industries. As a graduate, you will not only be able to pursue career options open to mainstream chemistry graduates, including research degrees in pure organic chemistry, but you will also be equipped to enter medicinal chemistry research positions in any sector.

Careers and employability

For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).

Mike's career perspective

‘I’ve always had a fascination with chemistry, which has only grown as I’ve discovered how the science has a part to play in almost everything that we do. At Sussex, I was able to explore and build on my knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject.

‘You’re taught the fundamental skills you’ll need to succeed both at Sussex and beyond, and you can also progress to specialise in the areas that hold the greatest interest for you, which in my case was analytical and forensic science.’

Mike Goffe
Analytical Researcher, Proctor & Gamble

Tom's career perspective

‘One thing that’s always fascinated me about chemistry is the breadth of its application, with relevance in nearly all aspects of our day-to-day lives. The same can be said of the career options afforded by a degree in chemistry. Throughout your time studying chemistry at Sussex, you develop transferable skills that not only allow you to pursue a career in science, but in many other fields too – graduates from my year are now working in areas from finance to fashion.

‘Chemistry is also a great degree for opening up the option of further study. This is the route that I decided to take and I’m currently studying for my PhD at Sussex, specialising in medicinal chemistry. The research I’m contributing to within the Translational Drug Discovery Group will hopefully allow us to develop new treatments in the future for diseases from hepatitis C to cancer.’

Tom Moore
PhD student in the Translational Drug Discovery Group,
University of Sussex

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Jonathan's staff perspective

‘Sussex provides world-leading teaching and excellent academic facilities, with a vibrant student life in a fantastic location. All of this meant that I left Sussex with a unique set of experiences and a degree that has prepared me for my future.

‘Joining Student Recruitment Services at the University has enabled me to share my experiences of Sussex with others. Coming to an Open Day gives you the opportunity to meet our research-active academics and our current students, while exploring our beautiful campus. But don’t worry if you can’t make an Open Day, there’s plenty of other opportunities to visit Sussex. Check out our Visit us and Open Days pages or our Facebook page to find out more.

‘I’ve loved every moment of my time at Sussex – these have been the best years of my life.’

Jonathan Bridges
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services