Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry

The MSc Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of industry and the UK science base by providing training in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, drug synthesis, methods to identify potential drug targets and drug candidates, and methods to assess the biological activities of drug compounds.

Qualification(s) available: MSc, PGDip, PGCert

• Fees: Dependent on start date.
• Scholarships available
• Entry requirements: 2:2
• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2-5 years
• Location: Loughborough
• Start date: October 2025 or October 2026
• Department: Chemistry

What you'll study

The programme will give you the opportunity to specialise in this fascinating and vitally important field that focuses on the biochemistry, pharmacology, design, analysis and delivery of pharmaceutical substances, including the development of safe and effective drugs.

Throughout the programme your learning will be enhanced by the cutting-edge insights of our academic staff, many of whom are active in research, as well as by the outstanding facilities offered within our £17 million STEMLab and additional modern laboratories.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism (15 credits)
• Drug Targets, Drug Design and Drug Synthesis (15 credits)

Optional modules

• Separation Techniques (15 credits)
• Mass Spectrometry and Associated Techniques (15 credits)
• Biomedical Analytical Technologies (15 credits)

Semester 2

Compulsory modules

• Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis (15 credits)
• Professional Skills and Dissertation (30 credits)

Optional modules

• Innovations in Medicinal Chemistry (15 credits)

Summer

Compulsory modules

• Research Project (60 credits)

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed by a combination of exams, coursework and class presentations, as well as a dissertation on an agreed topic.

How you'll study

You will study through a range of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions enabling you to gain experience in drug synthesis, binding assays and pharmacokinetics.

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Group work
• Workshops
• Laboratory work
• Practical sessions

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chinese Medicine, Drug Analysis, Industrial Chemistry, Natural Sciences (providing enough Chemistry), Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Toxicology. Other relevant backgrounds will be accepted providing there is sufficient Chemistry.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.

Fees and funding

Fees for the academic year

• UK fee: £13,250 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee: £29,950 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the academic year

• UK fee: £13,700 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee: £30,900 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the academic year apply to courses starting in October 2025 or January 2026. Fees for the academic year apply to courses starting in October 2026.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

• 10% off tuition fees: Loughborough University Alumni Bursary
• Up to 20% off tuition fees: Excellence Scholarship

Your development

Our Department of Chemistry is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.

The pharmaceutical science degree will equip you with essential and transferable skills such as communication and negotiation skills, both oral and written, which are useful in all industries. On successful completion of this degree you will be able to apply problem solving skills relating to qualitative information and also apply numeracy and computational skills including error analysis, order of magnitude estimations and modes of data presentation.

Your future career

Our pharmaceutical science degree provides training that is highly relevant to working in drug design and development in the pharmaceutical industry, the wider chemical industry and in other fields.

Industries our graduates have gone into include drug synthesis and development, pharmaceutical analysis, drug formulation and delivery, food science and technology, water purification, research and teaching. Example job titles have included Materials Scientist, Pharmacist, and Analyst.

Recent graduate destinations include:

• 3M
• Industrial Textiles & Plastics
• Leading Edge (Brunei)
• Novartis
• Pfizer

Related master's degrees

• Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science MSc, PGDip, PGCert
• Analytical Chemistry MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Loughborough University

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Overview:

Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.

Strong academic reputation:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.

Vibrant campus life:

Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Focus on research and innovation:

Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.

Excellent career prospects:

Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.

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Academic Programs:

Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Engineering:

Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.

Sport Science:

Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.

Science and Technology:

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.

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Other:

Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.