Program Overview

Introduction to the Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis MSc

The University of Sussex offers a Master's degree in Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to start a career in the pharmaceutical industry as a drug discovery chemist.

Key Information

• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Start date: September 2026
• Apply by: 1 August 2026 (international), 1 September 2026 (UK)
• Rankings:
  • 4th in the UK for graduate prospects (on track) in Chemistry (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 8th in the UK for the impact of research outputs in Chemistry in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
  • Top 5 in the UK for Chemistry (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Course Description

This MSc explores the drug discovery process, connecting students with researchers and industry experts to prepare them for a career in medicinal chemistry. Students will learn about drug design and organic synthesis, develop practical laboratory skills, gain hands-on experience in analysis and data interpretation, and explore the importance of patent law in protecting novel approaches and developments.

Entry Requirements

• Degree requirements: Normally a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above in chemistry or a closely related subject.
• International requirements vary by country, with specific degree and grade requirements outlined for each.
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS (Academic): Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component)
  • Alternative English language qualifications accepted, including Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, Duolingo English test, and more.
  • Country exceptions for English language requirements apply.

Course Content

• Modules:
  • Autumn teaching: Advanced Drug Discovery and Chemical Enterprise, Advanced Green Chemistry and Organic Synthesis, Principles and Practices in Drug Discovery and Delivery, Transferable Skills and Employability
  • Spring teaching: Organic Synthesis for Medicines and Natural Products, Sustainable Synthesis and Catalysis
  • Spring and summer teaching: Drug Discovery Research Project
• Teaching methods include lectures, small-class workshops, laboratories, and seminars.
• Assessment methods include completion of a portfolio, examinations, short written reports, presentations, and coursework problem sheets.

Our Experts

Students will be taught by experts in their field, with strong links to the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, and will have the opportunity to interact with external guest speakers from multinational and start-up companies.

Fees and Scholarships

• Fees:
  • Home students: ｣12,800 per year for full-time students
  • Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: ｣12,800 per year for full-time students
  • International students: ｣27,300 per year for full-time students
• Scholarships available, including Chancellor's International Scholarships, Chancellor's Masters Scholarship, Climate Leaders Scholarship, and more.

Careers

• 91% of Sussex postgraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course.
• The course equips students with skills in academic literature analysis, accuracy and attention to detail, data collection and analysis, entrepreneurship, presentation of findings, problem-solving, team working, and writing laboratory reports.
• Career paths include medicinal chemistry, further research (PhD), healthcare, medical writing, patent law, and teaching.