Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Apply your knowledge of chemistry and biology to pharmaceutical practice with our BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Our new Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree has been developed together with our industrial partners to produce high quality graduates for the pharmaceutical sector – an area that already employs 67,000 people in the UK, and contributes £30.4bn to the national economy per year.

We go beyond organic chemistry – which is traditionally associated with pharmaceutical programmes – to cover many other areas of chemistry and biology. As such, we consciously address the needs of this modern and growing industry. You will develop a strong grounding in basic chemistry and biology, and also cover advanced topics relevant to modern pharmaceutical chemistry.
As well as underlying theory, the course applies skills and knowledge to areas of pharmacy:
- metals in medicine, dosage and formulation


- pharmacology and toxicity


- analytical science


- regulatory requirements.


These fundamental skills will help you to succeed in this diverse and dynamic sector.

Learn from internationally leading experts through a combination of lectures, practical classes, workshops, and tutorials. As well as benefitting from hands-on, practical experience in our large, cutting-edge laboratories and purpose-built Chemical Analysis Facility, you will have access to our new £55m Health & Life Sciences building and pharmaceutical laboratories.


* All our courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).*


Placement

We have many industry links with pharmaceutical companies based in the Thames Valley and beyond. Our dedicated placements officer is able to advise on career options, CVs and letters of applications, as well as help you find a placement. Past students on our chemistry degree courses have secured placements at pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, GSK, Pfizer, and Procter & Gamble.

For more information, please visit our course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/chemistry-ug/bsc-pharmaceutical-chemistry

There are many reasons to choose the University of Reading. Join a diverse and supportive community where lecturers inspire you with their discoveries and guide you in making your own. Reading’s award-winning parkland campus offers the spaces you need to make the most of your student life.

The University of Reading is a research-intensive university. It works with governments, international agencies and charities to tackle the biggest problems facing the world today, such as climate change, heart disease, and international conflict.

Named The Sustainable University of The Year, 2025, Reading launched one of the UK's largest ever undergraduate scholarship schemes, designed to develop future Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarships. The scholarship offers £6000 per year towards living expenses and will be available to those entering Clearing that meet the criteria. With over 150 clubs and societies, Reading knows how important life is beyond your studies and with the student union's in the heart of the campus, making the University of Reading your first call in Clearing will be one of the best decisions you ever made.