Program Overview

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Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry MChem Honours

Overview

Our professionally accredited MChem degree focuses on the key aspects of chemistry that are most relevant and sought after by the pharmaceutical industry. This includes a year of advanced study at master's level.

Key Facts

• UCAS code: F123
• Full time: 4 years
• Tuition fees (Year 1): Home - Not Set, International - £31,500
• Scholarships available

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: AAB including Chemistry. No additional science required but Mathematics, Physics, Biology preferred.
• IB: 33 points including Higher Level Chemistry grade 6. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.

Quality and Ranking

• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This degree is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It fully meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Modules and Learning

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study. Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Chemical Laboratory Skills 1 (20 credits)
  • Chemical Skills and Professionalism (10 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (20 credits)
  • General Chemistry (10 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
  • Mathematical Skills for Science (10 credits)
  • Introduction to Scientific Computing for Chemists (10 credits)
  • Introductory Astrophysics (10 credits)

Stage 2

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Sustainable Solutions (10 credits)
  • Chemical Laboratory Skills 2 (20 credits)
  • Structural Chemistry (10 credits)
  • Organic Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Physical Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
  • Applied Computational Medicinal Chemistry (10 credits)
  • Chemistry of the Atmosphere (10 credits)

Stage 3

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Professional Development and Employability Skills for Chemists (10 credits)
  • Advanced Organic Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Advanced Medicinal Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Advanced Structural Chemistry (10 credits)
  • Chemical Laboratory Skills 3M (20 credits)
  • Analytical Chemistry in Practice (20 credits)

Stage 4

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Project (70 credits)
  • Advanced Problem Solving (10 credits)
  • Advanced Methods in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
  • Selectivity and Stereocontrol in Organic Synthesis (10 credits)
  • Pericyclic and radical reactions (10 credits)
  • Chemistry Far From Equilibrium (10 credits)
  • Contemporary Catalysis: Principles and Applications (10 credits)
  • Modern aspects of inorganic chemistry (10 credits)
  • Energy and Materials (10 credits)

Opportunities

• Study abroad: Gain a global perspective, enhance your academic profile and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas.
• Work placement: Work Placements During your degree you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industrial placement, in the UK or abroad.

Facilities and Environment

The Bedson Building is the home of Chemistry and is located on our city-centre campus. It's based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. Here you will benefit from well-resourced teaching and research laboratories and facilities including:

• advanced instrumentation for analytical chemistry
• mechanical, glassblowing and electronic workshops
• facilities for the synthesis and characterization of novel materials
• extensive computational resources for molecular modelling and dynamics

Your Future

Employers hold our graduates in high regard. Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of sectors, including:

• drug development
• pharmacologist
• data analyst
• laboratory technician You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry, such as:
• Astra Zeneca
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Proctor & Gamble

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Tuition fees for academic year 2026: Home - Not Set, International - £31,500
• Scholarships available

How to Apply

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.