Program Overview

Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Overview

Medicinal chemists have been responsible for many of our modern medicines. Their central contribution to developing new therapeutic agents against microbial infections, cancer and heart disease has helped to significantly increase worldwide life-expectancy. They are experts - with extensive knowledge of molecular design, drug synthesis and the biological function of drugs.
Four-year MChem degrees and five-year MChem (with a Year in Industry) degrees are available for high-calibre students with the ability and aspiration to practice Medicinal Chemistry at the highest levels. BSc students with excellent performance may transfer to the MChem up to the end of Stage 3.

Course Structure

• Introduction: While providing dedicated subject-specific learning, our Chemistry degrees strongly emphasise opportunities to develop generic problem-solving and reflective-working practices applicable to a range of career paths and patterns of employability.
• Stage 1: Medicinal Chemistry students start with introductory modules in Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, as well as Molecular Biology and Mathematics. They also take practical classes in Chemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Stage 2: Students take more advanced modules to cover topics in Analytical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, as well as Structural Chemistry, developing the practical and theoretical skills required to identify and interrogate the structure of molecules.
• Year in Industry: At Stage 3, students enrolled in the BSc Medicinal Chemistry with a year in Industry course spend their third year working in industry - subject to the availability of a suitable placement - then return to Queen's for a final year of study.
• Stage 4: In addition to taking modules which develop knowledge of the key subject areas students also take a double-weighted research project directly supervised by a member of staff which will help them experience the full breadth of key areas in Chemistry and acquire both subject-specific and generic skills to act as a springboard to a successful career.

Entry Requirements

• A level requirements: BBB including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
• Irish leaving certificate requirements: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
• Access Course: Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 80% with no less than 70% in any module including sufficient relevant modules in Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £25,300
• International: £25,300

Scholarships

• International Scholarships: Information on scholarships for international students is available at [insert URL]

Career Prospects

• Introduction: Studying for a degree in Medicinal Chemistry with Industry at Queen's will assist you in developing the core skills and employment- related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.
• Employment after the Course: Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry graduates have entered careers in a wide variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry, the forensic services, publishing, marketing, teaching and the financial services.
• Employment Links: We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Teva, Almac, and Seagate and also have an Industrial Advisory board for the course composed of experienced senior industrial members.

How to Apply

• Application: Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Advisory Closing Date: The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00).
• International Students: Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.