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Chemistry, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at UEA
Find out more about studying Chemistry, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMChem Medicinal Chemistry
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Chemistry
- UCAS Course Code
- F151
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subject required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subject required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Why MChem Medicinal Chemistry at UEA?
You’ll gain advanced academic knowledge and skills that you need to become a medicinal chemist. UEA is part of the Norwich Research Park, a major bioscience and innovation hub, making it a highly desirable place for medicinal chemistry teaching and future employment opportunities.
Why choose UEA
- Employability: Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the job market. We’re ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in Chemistry (Complete University Guide 2025)
- Norwich Research Park: The course benefits from UEA’s location at the heart of the Norwich Research Park, a major bioscience and innovation hub
- Modern teaching facilities: You'll be taught in state-of-the-art laboratories while being supported by academic staff members with relevant research and industrial experience
What is MChem Medicinal Chemistry?
On this MChem course you'll discover the fascinating world of medicinal chemistry and learn to apply the knowledge of different aspects of chemistry to the role of drug development. Medicinal chemistry has a tremendous impact on society, contributing significantly to improving our quality of life and increasing our healthy lifespan.
At UEA, our cutting-edge research in chemical sciences is at the heart of our teaching. This course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, small group tutorials, and practicals. We'll ensure that your learning is at the forefront of scientific thought. Our scientists are world-class experts in their field, check out the latest cancer treatment breakthrough made at UEA(opens in a new window).
Another key benefit to our MChem Medicinal Chemistry course is the emphasis we place on laboratory-based teaching, and the development of practical and problem-solving skills that are so valued by employers. UEA offers state-of-the-art facilities for medicinal chemistry teaching. These include superb laboratories in the new science building, equipped with the advanced instruments required for medicinal chemistry related training and research.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With a MChem in Medicinal Chemistry, you could launch a career in:
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Medicinal chemist in the pharmaceutical industry
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Biochemist in the pharmaceutical industry
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Synthetic organic chemist in the pharmaceutical industry or Contract Research Organisation
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Healthcare Scientist
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Process and sustainability chemist
Career Support
At UEA, Career Central(opens in a new window) supports students finding job opportunities, gaining industrial experience through internships and accessing online resources and will provide support and guidance to help them secure excellent career starts after graduation.
In our school, the Director of Employability coordinates internal and external employability events and employability relevant transferable skills are embedded in our curriculum from year one, allowing you to present a highly competitive CV. In addition, you'll benefit from medicinal chemistry and chemistry careers drop-in sessions and one-to-one guidance, plus medicinal chemistry/ chemistry-specific employer events and fairs. To complement your studies and gain further hands-on experience and develop your transferable skills, we offer a wide range of internships during the summer break (6-12 weeks) supported by the university and various other funders. We also encourage you to participate in the UEA Award, a university certificate that recognises a range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance your employability.
After the Course
Our Medicinal Chemistry degrees provide the skills that employers are looking for: high level subject knowledge combined with problem solving, IT, analytical skills, instrumentation, time management, organisation, and team and individual work.
With a Medicinal Chemistry degree, you may go on to careers in a wide range of areas, including within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Many also go on to further study, while some opt for careers in science, communication, and education.
The UEA Career Central(opens in a new window) will continue offering you support finding jobs and employability opportunities for up to three years after graduation. This support includes, for example, one-to-one advice, tailored individual situations, and connections with employers. Your academic advisor will be available to provide you with references to support your job applications.
Study and Modules
Structure
This degree programme will build on your existing knowledge and give you a detailed understanding of different aspects of medicinal chemistry across a broad range of specialisms.
Due to the subject’s strong practical component, we place great emphasis on laboratory skills training. This could take the form of the synthesis of new compounds, new biomolecules of potential therapeutic and diagnostic importance, the characterisation of these compounds and biomolecules using spectroscopic and biomolecular characterisation techniques, and the study of their properties.
In your first year, you’ll gain a broad understanding of all the major branches of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry), and develop practical laboratory skills, including opportunities to learn about the synthesis of small molecule drugs and techniques important for their characterisation. You'll also study the core mathematics that will help you in your chemistry degree; this is especially beneficial in building confidence for those who did not study mathematics at A-level. Transfer between medicinal chemistry and other chemistry programmes is possible after the first year.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Building on the fundamental understanding you'll have gained in your first year, the second year provides more advanced broad chemistry training that is complemented by in depth studies of: the chemistry associated with drug design and synthesis; biophysical properties and analytical tools used to characterise small molecule drugs and drug-target interactions; various key drug targets and their bio-molecular interactions; and discussion about the journey of drug molecules as they travel through the body.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your third year, the course offers further specialisation in medicinal chemistry, with a focus on developing skills in advanced methods for synthesis of small organic and inorganic molecules; state-of-the-art protein engineering methods for designing therapeutics and diagnostics; and advanced practical skills in medicinal chemistry.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll study advanced topics in medicinal chemistry and have the option to learn about advanced analytical and biophysical techniques important for characterising biomolecules and biomolecular interaction. You’ll undertake a major research project in medicinal chemistry, such as medicinal organic or inorganic synthesis (e.g. antibiotics or anticancer agents), candidate drug or diagnostic biological activity studies, and protein engineering.. For this project, you’ll work in a research group alongside postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, which will be both an enjoyable and stimulating experience that will help to develop your research skills. Additionally, your project could lead to publication(s) in a scientific journal, allowing you to share your work with the global scientific community.
Throughout your four years, our modules will help you to develop transferable skills in the areas of communication, teamwork and problem solving. Such skills are vital to professional scientists and prized by employers.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Our course combines a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical laboratory classes, designed to help you make the most of your learning. You'll have plenty of opportunities for supported independent study, which will take advantage of our 24/7 library at the heart of the campus. Lecturers, tutors, and postgraduate associate tutors (labs) will always be on hand to help.
In your first year, teaching will incorporate a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions, covering core areas of chemistry including Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry. Some of these sessions will engage you in active learning, working in small groups to tackle more substantial challenges and tasks. There will be an emphasis on practical work, and you'll develop important analytical and problem-solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your chemistry degree and subsequent career.
In your second year, you’ll continue to learn core chemistry and advanced small molecule synthesis methods, while gaining knowledge of concepts in biophysical chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
In your third year, you’ll gain understanding of protein engineering methods for designing biotherapeutics and diagnostics, while advancing your knowledge and practical skills in medicinal chemistry. You'll also undertake a research project in Medicinal Chemistry.
In your final year, you’ll gain first-hand experience of working on challenging problems in medicinal chemistry in a research group alongside postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. You'll also study advanced topics.
Your final-year research project will be the pinnacle of your studies, allowing you to take ownership of a specific area of chemistry that truly interests you.
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, project reports, laboratory reports, presentations, oral examinations, practical assessment, and multiple-choice and short-answer tests. In every instance, before counting (summative) assessments take place, we give you (formative) opportunities to practice the assessment. Our modules are assessed either by a combination of coursework and exam, or through 100% coursework.
Both formative (practice) and summative assessments will be undertaken across all modules in your first year. You'll have the opportunity to practice each type of task, and this will include online quizzes and exam-like short answer questions. Tutorials guide you in approaching questions and problems, and in how to formulate clear answers with reasoning. You'll also be assessed on short write-ups that you produce for laboratory experiments.
Tutorials, formative and summative assessments will continue throughout your second year, building on your experience and confidence from year one and equipping you for research-level studies in later years.
In year three, you'll benefit from your assessment experience in year two. Additionally, you'll complete advanced practical courses, offering exciting research experiences across medicinal chemistry related topics. These will be assessed by a combination of your practical work and a more in-depth report, while formative and summative oral assessments are added to the mix.
In addition to previous styles of assessment, in year four, your performance in the final year research project will be assessed by your research work, viva, presentation, and your research project report.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Chemistry
Contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science)
Contextual offer: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science)
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry grade B, unless the following modules have been studied in the BTEC: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry AND Practical Chemical Analysis.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted.
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction. Accepted subjects: Health, Healthcare Science or Science.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Chemistry with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Chemistry
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Chemistry.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Chemistry
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 5 in Chemistry
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, English language at UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: