Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (Including Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
University of South Wales
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( 4.0)

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Pontypridd

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Pontypridd

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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Chemistry
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Biological Sciences
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Exam type

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A level
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UCAS Tariff
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Access to HE Diploma
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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T Level
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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EU
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Rest of World
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Course info

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree, you could opt to start your studies with a foundation year. The extra year is intended to give you the best possible preparation for success on the Chemistry degree. You’ll study introductory modules relevant to the degree whilst developing key skills for academic study.Medicinal and biological chemistry is the foundation of modern medicine. The life sciences industry is one of the largest ...Read more

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree, you could opt to start your studies with a foundation year. The extra year is intended to give you the best possible preparation for success on the Chemistry degree. You’ll study introductory modules relevant to the degree whilst developing key skills for academic study.Medicinal and biological chemistry is the foundation of modern medicine. The life sciences industry is one of the largest industrial sectors in the UK, where you could use your skills to have a positive effect on health and wellbeing worldwide.This is a truly multidisciplinary science. While chemistry forms the core of this Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree, you’ll also study biology, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology to understand the links between human disease and its prevention and treatment through drug design.To prepare you for the workplace there’s a significant amount of simulated work-based learning as part of this course, as well as employability and professional development activities. In your final year, for example, you can complete a major project in the workplace or pursue an industry-linked project.Graduates will be ready for a career as a scientist, researcher or technician in the life sciences, which includes the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. You could also explore opportunities in the chemical industries and other medical-related employment.You’ll also develop a wide range of transferable skills as part of your studies, including analytical problem solving, team work and communication. As such, graduates from chemistry-based degrees can find employment in alternative disciplines such as teaching, management, law, finance and business.Our Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science courses are based at Glytaff. Glyntaff is surrounded by green open spaces. Our students say they love the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views.Home to our health, nursing, police, sport and science students, Glyntaff has state-of-the-art facilities including the latest science laboratories. You will also find a library, two cafes and a free regular shuttle bus to USW Treforest.

Key stats

Chemistry
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
56/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
49th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
95th
Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 83 = 17% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
17%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
85%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry graduate salary at this uni
£17,000
UK Molecular Biology graduate salary
£18,000

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

DD Grades / Points required

UCAS Tariff:

48 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:0,M:0 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

PPP Grades / Points required

T Level:

Pass (D or E) Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

D Grades / Points required

To include one Science subject and to exclude General Studies.

To include one Science subject and to exclude General Studies.

Pass Access to HE Diploma in Science with a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points

Relevant Science subject required.

Passing the Science T Level with Pass (D or E in the Core)

We accept the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate in lieu of a second subject.

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£12,600 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£12600 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Uni info

University of South Wales
University of South Wales , Pontypridd

With more than 23,000 students and 2,700 staff, the University of South Wales (USW) is one of the largest universities in Wales, and...

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
95th
University of South Wales
University of South Wales Pontypridd Rhondda, Cynon, Taff CF37 1DL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Treforest  0.2 miles away
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