Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry is concerned with understanding biological mechanisms and processes at the level of the atoms and molecules involved. In doing so, alongside the tools of synthetic chemistry and genetic manipulation, we can design and deliver pharmaceutical interventions. You will learn how breakthroughs in the understanding of the molecular basis of diseases are being combined with cross-disciplinary advances in:

  • chemistry
  • biology
  • nanotechnology
In addition, you will understand how these advances are helping to create new generations of innovative therapeutics. The programme teaches a thorough understanding of the diverse range of molecules and macromolecules needed to build a living organism, including their:
  • structures
  • properties
  • syntheses (in the lab and in vivo)
You will learn how biological molecules cooperate in finely tuned networks and pathways or are organised into:
  • macromolecular complexes
  • membranes
  • organelles
  • cells
  • tissues
This degree programme provides the intellectual framework for understanding this topic, building upon a solid foundation in chemistry and cell and molecular biology - from the fundamentals to the frontiers of current research. The degree focuses strongly on the wide range of analytical and experimental skills necessary to practice the subject. It also provides insight into research via a final-year research project working at the cutting edge of the subject. You may choose to undertake your project:
  • as a member of a research group in the University of Edinburgh
  • at one of our partner universities overseas
  • or in a company or research institute in the UK or abroad


How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.

EU

Wales

England

International

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Application codes

Course code:
FC1R
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Direct entry to second year is available. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/2023/degrees

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/2023/degrees


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
TOEFL (iBT)92Total 92 with at least 20 in each component (including Home Edition). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English AdvancedTotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Cambridge English ProficiencyTotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Trinity ISEISE II with distinctions in all four components.
PTE Academic62Total 62 with at least 54 in each component.

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; GCSE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate at C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests. English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language


Unistats information

Operated by the Office for Students
93%
Student satisfaction
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9250* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
England £9250* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250* Year 1
Wales £9250* Year 1
EU £32200* Year 1
International £32200* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Additional fee information

Scotland (to be confirmed) In 2022-23 the fee level set by the Scottish Government was £1,820. The 2023-24 fee rate is expected to be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2023. Students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. England/Wales/Nothern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed and was £9,250 for 2022 entry. For 2023 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme. The amount for 2023 entry will be confirmed in Summer 2022.
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS