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.

Course Structure

Stage 1

In Stage 1 Medicinal Chemistry students take 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. Modules in Industrial and Green Chemistry and in Physical Chemistry introduce students to key concepts in these areas and a core module in Principles of Medicinal Chemistry provides a foundation in drug-discovery and the relevant applications of synthetic organic chemistry.

Stage 3

In addition to advancing the main subject areas of analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, students can also select a number of applied options allowing opportunities to specialise. These include 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. Within this all students carry out inorganic and organic project work project.

• Medicinal chemistry students also carry out a specialised medicinal-based

Stage 4

Students on the MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry programme will normally carry out their industrial placement with a leading pharmaceutical or related company in Stage 4.

Stage 5

Students carry out an independent research project. You will be embedded in one of the department's research groups and will undertake a piece of original research.

Entry Requirements

A level requirements

AAA including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

All applicants

Acceptable second Science subjects:
Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Technology & Design.

How we choose our students

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at:

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £4,855
---|---
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £4,855
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £9,535
EU Other 3 | £26,600
International | £26,600

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at:

Career Prospects

Studying for a degree in MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in 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. We support the development of transferable skills such as numeracy, problem-solving, communication and information retrieval, giving students an edge in the employment market. Our graduates are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and 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.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Facilities

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has seen substantial strategic investment in building new state-of-the-art research laboratories for synthetic and analytical chemistry, as well as catalysis research, with accommodation for over 50 researchers.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students through the VLE.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen's they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• 1 Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• 2 Face to face comments. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers' advertised "office hours" to help you to address a specific query.
• 3 Placement employer comments or references
• 4 Online or emailed comments.
• 5 General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• 6 Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• 7 Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• 8 Comments and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

How to Apply

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). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

1. Applying through UCAS
   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 2026.
2. Applying direct
   The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
3. Applying through agents and partners
   The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Modules

Year 1

• Introductory Mathematics for Chemists and Engineers (10 credits)
• Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
• Physical Theory (30 credits)
• Inorganic Chemistry Level 1 (30 credits)
• Organic Chemistry Level 1 (30 credits)

Year 2

• Physical Chemistry 2 (20 credits)
• Principles of Medicinal Chemistry (20 credits)
• Industrial and Green Chemistry (20 credits)
• Inorganic Chemistry 2 (20 credits)
• Organic Chemistry 2 (20 credits)
• Structural Chemistry (20 credits)

Year 3

• Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry (40 credits)
• Organic Chemistry 3: Structure and Reactivity (20 credits)
• Drug Development (20 credits)
• Advanced Chemistry Options (20 credits)
• Inorganic Chemistry 3 (20 credits)

Year 4

• Year in Industry (120 credits)

Year 5

• Frontiers in Drug Development (Medicinal Chemistry 4) (20 credits)
• Advanced Organic Synthesis (20 credits)
• Chemical Research Project (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (20 credits)
• Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry (20 credits)