Course summary

The MChem (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is an integrated four-year undergraduate masters degree providing an excellent grounding in the skills and knowledge vital to a future as a pharmaceutical chemist working in drug discovery. Designed with the pharmaceutical industry in mind, the course provides the practical experience and theoretical knowledge that employers need, combining laboratory skills with a strong understanding of core chemistry and its real-world applications. You’ll focus on areas such as drug testing, drug efficacy, computer-based drug design and the quality control of pharmaceuticals, preparing you for a career in the drug discovery industry. The MChem degree also includes an advanced research project module, where you spend a year focusing on a major independent project in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry that you design, carry out and present, alongside your other areas of study. The course provides the opportunity to spend an additional year studying abroad or working on a placement in industry, expanding your horizons and gaining valuable hands-on experience. FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for.

• We have recently invested half a million pounds to enhance our undergraduate lab experience and extend our wide range of analytical instrumentation, ensuring that you will benefit from a professional work environment. This includes a high-specification lab area with industry standard equipment and an adjacent computer suite.

• Our teaching is supported by a range of technological innovations including videos, specialist software and simulations via VR to help you to prepare for practicals in advance – building your confidence in using lab equipment and allowing you to practise virtually from home.

• In your first year you will have access to our online homework system, which allows gives you immediate, targeted feedback and hints to help you understand and practise key concepts.

• We have embedded career preparation activities into each year of your course to help you explore options, gain key employability skills, and build your confidence to apply for work experience and your future graduate career.

• Our diverse research activities directly inform our teaching. These focus on creating a sustainable and healthy future, including biosensors, drug discovery and the chemical monitoring of environmental change.

• You can take the five-year route, spending a year studying overseas in Europe, North America or Australia, or boost your career prospects with a 9-12 month placement.