Program Overview

---

Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry BSc

The Medicinal Chemistry BSc program at the University of Leicester is a 3-4 year course that provides students with a solid grounding in chemistry and its role in drug development. This degree combines chemistry, biology, biomedical, and pharmaceutical science to understand how chemical compounds interact with the body and how they can be optimized to treat diseases more effectively.

Course Description

Medicinal Chemistry is a dynamic field that directly impacts lives and drives innovation in medicine. By studying this degree, students will discover where science meets healthcare and how to design and develop molecules that become life-saving drugs. The program includes activities that were co-developed with manufacturers and researchers from industry to help students gain experience and develop skills that will give them a competitive edge when applying for lab-based roles.

Entry Requirements

• A/AS-levels: BBB including Chemistry. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level
  • EPQ with A-levels: BBC + EPQ at grade B
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 Maths (if Maths or Physics not held at A/AS-level)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Science): Pass Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include 15 credits at Distinction in Chemistry Level 3 modules.
  • International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points, with grade 5 in HL Chemistry. Must include a minimum of grade 5 in SL Maths or 4 at HL if minimum of grade 5/B not held at GCSE.
  • BTEC Nationals: BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with DDD/D*DD, including several Chemistry related modules.
• If you don't have A-level Chemistry, you will need to take an entrance exam.
• Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world.

Fees and Funding

• UK Students: ｣9,790 in the first year, subject to Parliamentary approval. For the 2027/28 academic year, the Home UK tuition fee is expected to be ｣10,050, subject to Parliamentary approval.
• International Students: ｣25,100 per year
• A year spent on an industrial placement still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Careers and Employability

Our Pharmaceutical Chemistry degrees blend knowledge of the cell, human physiology, and pharmacology with chemistry to produce graduates desirable to the medical chemistry research and synthetic process chemistry sectors. The University's Careers and Employability Service provides guidance on searching and applying for jobs, and on writing CVs and application letters.

Course Structure

Year 1

• General Chemistry
• Introductory Organic Chemistry
• Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
• Introductory Physical Chemistry
• Introductory Practical Chemistry
• Chemistry Maths and Skills
• Scientific Method and Principles of Analytical Chemistry
• Introductory Medicinal Chemistry

Year 2

• Spectroscopy Theory and Practice
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Practical Chemistry and Key Skills (double module)
• Analytical Chemistry in Practice
• Pharmaceutics

Year in Industry (optional)

If you want to, you can spend your third year working in an industrial placement. You will carry out a year-long project in the research and development section of your host company.

Final Year

• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• BSc Research Skills, Employability and General Paper
• Chemistry BSc Projects Part 1
• Chemistry BSc Projects Part 2
• Hit to Lead Drug Discovery
• Major Therapeutic Areas
• Option modules:
  • Advanced Physical Chemistry
  • Metals in Synthesis
  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  • Advanced Materials Chemistry
  • Sustainability Enterprise Partnership Project

Teaching and Learning

Teaching is a mixture of lectures, tutorials, exams, lab reports, essays, oral presentations, poster design, and problem-based learning. A typical week might include nine hours of lectures, seven hours of lab work, and two or three workshops or tutorials. You will also be expected to spend several hours each week on private study.

Assessment

You are assessed on your performance through exams at the end of the semester or at the end of the year and through continuous assessment throughout your modules. All lab work is continually assessed - there are no practical exams.

Academic Support

The Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas: study and exam skills, academic writing, presentations, dissertations, numerical data skills, referencing sources. The AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties.