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MChem|Undergraduate

Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
AAA
Duration
5 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
F15C

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.

Students on the Medicinal Chemistry programme at Queen’s receive a multidisciplinary training at the interface of chemistry and biology which covers the core divisions of chemistry as well as biochemistry, microbiology and drug design.

Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry highlights

Professional Accreditations

This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland.

Career Development

A degree in Medicinal Chemistry comprehensively equips students to make a difference in drug discovery and other careers, as well as providing key skills for progression into scientific and technical leadership roles. The School has excellent contacts with a number of leading pharmaceutical companies, with Almac Discovery involved in delivering parts of Medicinal Chemistry course content.

Further Study Opportunities

A degree in Medicinal Chemistry comprehensively equips students to make a difference in drug discovery and other careers, as well as providing key skills for progression into scientific and technical leadership roles. The School has excellent contacts with a number of leading pharmaceutical companies, with Almac Discovery involved in delivering parts of Medicinal Chemistry course content.

Student Experience

The School is targeting two of the biggest challenges of the 21st century – Sustainability and Healthcare. As the UK’s only combined Chemistry and Chemical Engineering School within the Russell group, we are expertly placed to equip the next generation of scientists to address these issues.

World Class Facilities

Significant investment has resulted in the installation and use of some of the most modern instrumentation available as well as a new state of the art digital learning platform.

Course Structure

Course Content

While providing dedicated subject-specific learning, our Chemistry and Medicinal 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. Many of the elements of the BSc are in common with the MChem programme, and allow students to transfer between the two pathways, subject to meeting the appropriate programme requirements. All degrees are modular and all provide a thorough training in the main subject areas (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry) through compulsory core modules which offer in-depth study of these areas.

Additionally, Medicinal Chemistry students will study core elements of Biochemistry and the application of Chemistry to the design, synthesis and biological action of pharmaceuticals.

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 1 courses are outlined below:
Introductory Mathematics for Chemists and Engineers
Organic Chemistry Level 1
Inorganic Chemistry Level 1
Physical Theory
Molecular Basis of Life for Medicinal Chemists

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 2 courses are outlined below:
Structural Chemistry
Organic Chemistry 2
Inorganic Chemistry 2
Physical Chemistry 2
Industrial and Green Chemistry
Principles of Medicinal 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 - Medicinal chemistry students also carry out a specialised medicinal-based project.

Stage 3 courses are outlined below:
Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry 3
Organic Chemistry 3
Drug Development
Advanced Chemistry Options (the section on Computational Chemistry in Drug Discovery and Design is compulsory for Medicinal Chemistry)

Different pathways offer other opportunities:

MChem Chemistry with Study Abroad:
Students spend their third year in an overseas academic institution then return to Queen's for a final year of study.

BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry:
Students 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.

BSc Medicinal Chemistry:
Students take modules which include Biochemistry, Genetics and Medicinal Chemistry, and undertake a medicinal or biological project.
There are also MChem in Medicinal Chemistry and BSc Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry courses.

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.

Stage 4 courses are outlined below:

Chemical Research Project (in Medicinal Chemistry)
Frontiers in Drug Development
Advanced Organic Synthesis

Optional Courses:
(choose one)
Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

People teaching you

Senior Lecturer in Organic Chemistry

Chem & Chemical Engineering
The McLaughlin group is interested in pioneering the use of alkaline earth metals as sustainable catalysts for a wide range of organic transformations. We are also working in the area of transition metal catalysis to produce high value organo-metalloids, as well as employing super acids to activate inherently unreactive molecules. The group is also engaged in structure based design and synthesis of small molecules, and using these to validate new therapeutic targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, inflammation and rare disease.

Senior Lecturer in Molecular Modelling

Chem & Chemical Engineering
Dr Huang is interested in developing and applying computational methods for biocatalysis and photocatalysis and has published over 70 full research articles in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

Contact Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching

6 (hours maximum)
6 hours of practical classes or workshops each week; laboratory hours will increase as more project work is undertaken at Levels 3-4 (as applicable)

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

2 (hours maximum)
2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week

Large Group Teaching

7 (hours maximum)
7 hours of lectures or seminars

Personal Study

24 (hours maximum)
22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. We make use of innovative technologies and a world class library to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • Directed self-study

    This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, preparation for seminars / tutorials, writing of laboratory reports can be completed. You are encouraged to undertake private reflection on feedback, and at the later stages undertake independent research using the primary literature to support project work and critically review taught course material.

  • E- Learning Technologies

    Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. Opportunities to use IT programmes associated with data manipulation and presentation are embedded in the practicals and the project- based work.

  • Lectures

    Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  • Personal Tutor

    Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic and professional development through the discussion of selected topics.

  • Practicals

    These are essential to the training in this laboratory based subject area. You will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Most of the core taught modules at Stages 1 and 2 have practical components associated with them, whilst stage 3 has a double-weighted practical module (Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry) and stage 5 a triple-weighted practical module (Chemistry Research Project). Typically at stage 1 you would be in the lab for two afternoons and in stages 2, 3 and 5 it is two full days a week.

  • Seminars/tutorials

    Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 6-10 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups as well as using them as a route to providing individual feedback.

  • Supervised projects

    In the final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research. The supervisor and a second academic member of staff will formally meet, interview and review the work at the half way stage, and then provide support in the write up stage, although weekly contact is anticipated in most projects within the School.

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.

Facilities

Investment continues to be made in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering extending our range of facilities. The well-equipped research laboratories are augmented by excellent computational facilities and some of the most modern instrumentation available. The School has recently invested in a lab containing 18 brand new analytical instruments, from HPLC, GC and mass spectrometers, to FT-IR, UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy, dedicated to the training of analytical techniques.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Physical Theory (30 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Organic Chemistry 2 (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Drug Development (20 credits)
  • Year 4

    Core Modules

    Year in Industry (120 credits)
  • Year 5

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

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

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level.

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.

Standard Level grade 5 in Mathematics would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.

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.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants for MChem programmes in Medicinal Chemistry offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of six GCSE passes at grade B/6 or better to include Mathematics (minimum grade C/4 required in GCSE English Language). However, this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Applicants repeating A-levels require grades BBC at the first attempt. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in the overall BTEC grade awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of six IJC grades at B/Higher Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.

Applicants offering Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas are not normally considered for MChem entry but, if eligible, will be made a change course offer for the corresponding BSc programme.

Access course qualifications are not considered for entry to the MChem degree and applicants should apply for the corresponding BSc programme.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in Chemistry, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information 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: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

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.
Consultations:
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.
Placement Employers:
Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as
Teva (Pharmaceuticals)
Almac (Pharmaceuticals)
Norbrook (Veterinary pharmaceuticals)
Randox (Medical diagnostics)
Seagate
Boehringer Ingelheim (Pharmaceuticals)

Other Employer Links
Many of the research projects within the School have industrial input, and are in collaboration with a wide variety of companies operating in the chemical sector. Given the close working relationships, between industry and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering new opportunities to expand placements, industrial contact and career opportunities are continually developing.

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £25,300
International £25,300

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Students are required to buy a laboratory coat and safety glasses in year 1 at a cost of approx. £20.

Students have the option to join the Royal Society of Chemistry at a cost of approx. £20 per year.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

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 www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

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: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

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). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

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 2025.
  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.

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