Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry MChem, BSc

Course overview

Medicinal chemistry has had a monumental impact on the landscape of society today. It’s the hundreds of years of research and development undergone by medicinal chemists all over the world which have revolutionised modern medicines, creating innovations in everything from pain relief to cancer treatments. Without these ongoing discoveries, our world would be a very different place — and it’s no surprise why the field of medicinal chemistry is highly sought after across a variety of industries worldwide.

Studying medicinal chemistry at Leeds will enable you to delve into the fundamental concepts and new practices used by modern chemists, taught by academics who are leaders in their fields. This will give you the key knowledge and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued profession and make a real impact across the globe.

Here at Leeds, this accredited course will provide you with widely transferable skills in areas like teamwork and data analysis and the unique opportunity to get involved in real-world research happening in the University.

Practical work features heavily in this course. As such, you’ll have access to a range of facilities right here on campus including specialist teaching laboratories and research facilities with the latest equipment for synthetic, physical and analytical chemistry to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.

Industrial placement year

This programme gives you the opportunity to spend your third year working in a paid industrial placement year within a chemistry-based setting as part of the course . Here, you’ll gain a unique insight into working in this sector whilst building industry contacts and developing the experience you’ll need to stand out to employers when you graduate. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever and AkzoNobel.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
• Our School’s globally-renowned research feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking in areas like sustainable and digital chemistry, materials chemistry and atmospheric chemistry to drug design.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a paid industrial work placement in third year.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of chemistry disciplines.
• Access specialist facilities throughout your degree, including computer clusters and teaching laboratories that give you an industry-standard environment to perform experiments and conduct project work.
• Contribute to the community by undertaking community projects or a teaching placement in a local school.
• Our highly flexible chemistry programmes enable you to transfer to other chemistry courses at the end of your first year.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society ChemSoc where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events, join the football or netball team and attend careers events.

Join our online taster course

Discover the vital role chemistry plays in the development of new cancer medications and treatments. Join today on Futurelearn.

Benefits of an integrated Masters

Learn more about what an integrated Masters is and how it can benefit your studies and boost your career.

Accreditation

Royal Society of Chemistry

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and provides access to qualified membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

This integrated Masters degree (MChem, BSc) is accredited as fully meeting the academic requirement for the award of Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Course details

The course structure shares modules with our chemistry degrees but you’ll focus your study more on the organic elements of chemistry with an enhanced level of teaching on drug synthesis, pharmacology and how drugs work in biological systems.

As well as your studies, this programme offers you the chance to head out into the working world and gain an invaluable year of experience, skills and knowledge working in industry.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

The course structure shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

During your first year, you’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin chemistry. You’ll also begin to develop skills as an experimental chemist in our teaching labs, learning to:

• safely handle reagents/solvents and manipulate laboratory apparatus
• synthesize inorganic and organic molecules of straightforward structural complexity
• determine structure using spectroscopic data such as infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
• record data and physical measurements and comment on their precision and accuracy
• use PC-based spreadsheets, graphics and word-processing packages to manipulate and plot data and to prepare reports.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto our degree courses in core chemistry, the international variant or non-placement medicinal chemistry.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Modern Chemistry – 20 credits

This module will provide a concise introduction to modern chemistry with an initial focus on a qualitative appreciation of electronic structure and how it determines the chemical and structural properties of matter. You’ll also get an introduction to chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, organic structures and mechanisms and the chemistry of transition metal-ligand complexes.

Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future – 20 credits

Explore current chemical research in areas like sustainability and the ethical issues surrounding science. You’ll develop skills in identifying and reading scientific literature, presenting science in different formats and for different audiences alongside transferrable skills like coding and self-reflection.

Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills – 40 credits

Develop your practical skills, conducting a range of experiments in our teaching labs. Through a series of lectures and workshops, you’ll learn how to use a range of equipment and build up your experience in presenting scientific reports, data analysis and appropriate IT.

Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter – 10 credits

This module will build upon the ‘Introduction to Modern Chemistry’ module, exploring areas in structural, physical and inorganic chemistry. On completion of this module, you’ll have an understanding of key sub-disciplines of chemistry including spectroscopy and electronic energy levels, IR and structure determination, periodicity and main-group chemistry, states of matter and phase behaviour and phase equilibria and chromatography.

You’ll also be able to appreciate how these ideas have relevance to modern society through selected illustrative examples and be able to apply these concepts to a range of problems in a linked programme of workshops and tutorials.

Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology and Synthesis – 10 credits

Build a broad foundation of knowledge in organic chemistry. You’ll cover the mechanistic basis and application of key organic reactions including nucleophilic and electrophilic substitution and addition reactions, eliminations, oxidation and reduction and key functional group interconversions.

Chemistry of the Material World – 10 credits

Explore both physical and inorganic chemistry, including analysis and understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions, molecular energy levels and their origin and transition metal chemistry for materials.

Optional modules

You’ll choose either the optional module offered below or a discovery module. The optional module is only for students who do not have a B or above in A level mathematics (or the A level equivalent).

Discovery modules give you the chance to apply your scientific thinking in real-world scenarios whilst expanding out into different areas, broadening your knowledge and giving you that competitive edge in the jobs market.

Maths for Scientists – 10 credits

Mathematical knowledge and skills are essential for the successful training of scientists and important for the professional life of scientists. This module will be taken by science students who do not have grade B or above in A level mathematics (or equivalent) to raise the mathematical competence of those students to that base level.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll build upon these foundations and cover various aspects of chemistry, including exploring the essential concepts of drug design and studying structure-activity relationships.

All of the lecture-based modules are backed up by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, allowing you to perform experiments that complement the material taught to you in the lectures and develop experimental skills. In addition, workshops and tutorial or seminar groups are used to support the teaching, so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.

Compulsory modules

Organometallics: from Bonding to Catalysis – 10 credits

Build upon organic and inorganic chemistry learned in year 1, with focus on the structure and reactivity of organo-main group molecules and organo-transition metal complexes, and on the increasingly important application of these species as reagents and/or catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry.

Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life – 20 credits

Examine how the shapes of organic molecules impact their physical properties and reactivity. You'll be introduced to new classes of reactions such as pericyclic reactions and enols/enolates as reactive carbon-centred nucleophiles. You’ll also cover heterocyclic chemistry principles which play a role in biological systems like DNA, enzymes and coenzymes.

Chemical Pharmacology and Drug Design – 20 credits

Medicinal chemistry starts with an understanding of macromolecular drug targets. This module will provide a chemical introduction to pharmacology covering enzymes, receptors and ion channels as key drug targets and the different modes of binding and/or inhibition by small molecules. The module will also include some basic biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and introduce concepts on recognition features in drug molecules such as pharmacophores and intermolecular bonding interactions.

Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics – 10 credits

Explore two fundamental parts of physical chemistry, namely chemical kinetics and thermodynamics. The module builds on the concepts of energy storage, states of matter and chemical change introduced in year 1. The module is concerned with the measurement and understanding of the rates and energetics of chemical reactions and illustrated using the context of societally important applications of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, for example atmospheric chemistry and combustion.

Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Medicinal Chemists – 40 credits

Throughout this module, you’ll develop skills to: (i) undertake a selection of experiments in the synthetic and physical chemistry laboratories that link to the theory you’re learning and develop good laboratory technique (ii) build transferrable skills including data analysis and coding alongside an understanding of intellectual property, enterprise, sustainability and ethical issues.

Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography – 10 credits

Develop the skills to interpret NMR and mass spectra to determine structures of small molecules, building on skills developed in year 1. The module will also provide a theoretical basis for quantitative and qualitative analytical chemistry, in particular analysis by chromatographic methods such as GC and HPLC. 

Specialisms in Chemical Science – 10 credits

Gain a deeper understanding of some specialised areas within chemistry, including for example, polymer chemistry, molecular symmetry and spectroscopy and solution equilibria. 

Year 3

You'll spend the third year of your degree undertaking a paid 12-month industrial placement. To progress onto this third-year placement, you’ll need to maintain a 2:1 level of performance in years 1 and 2. If you do not meet this threshold, you may transfer to one of our other chemistry courses.

Compulsory modules

Distance Learning for Year in Industry – 30 credits

You’ll complete distance learning coursework which you’ll hand in to the School for marking. This module is a chance for you to develop your independent study skills, whilst building an understanding in specialised topics which you’ll choose from a range of areas. Topics offered could include chemical bonding, molecular self-organization, chemical kinetics, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, molecular symmetry, organometallic chemistry, solid-state inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry and atmospheric chemistry.

Industrial Placement for Integrated Masters Students – 90 credits

Gain an insight into the relevance and application of chemistry in industry. You’ll develop a wide range of new skills and experience applying your chemical knowledge in a work-based environment.

You’ll build transferable skills such as identifying objectives, negotiating the strategy needed to achieve such objectives, written and oral communication and working within a team in an industrial laboratory environment.

Year 4

In your final year, you’ll have a range of research-led topics to study at a more advanced level, as well as undertaking a research project, which gives you the opportunity to follow your interests and investigate an area at the cutting edge of medicinal chemistry, as well as further developing transferable skills such as communication and time management. You’ll work collaboratively with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in your particular research area.

Recent projects include:

• Developing novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease
• The design and optimisation of novel inhibitors of amylin
• Third generation drug discovery: human-on-a-chip
• Discovery of drugs and biomarkers for cancer therapy
• Re-engineering bacterial toxins for drug delivery
• Developing novel inhibitors for bacteria toxins via DNA nanotechnology
• Biosensors for point-of-care detection of bowel diseases
• Optimisation of small molecule inhibitors for uncontrolled bleeding
• Developing an online drug discovery project for use in the undergraduate laboratory course

Compulsory modules

Integrated Masters Project – 60 credits

In this extended research project, you’ll bring together many of the concepts and techniques learned in the previous years of your programme. You’ll select a project to match your interests, which may be laboratory-based, computational or pedagogic. You’ll be embedded in a research group, working with your academic supervisor, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. If your project is lab-based, you’ll have access to research facilities in the School of Chemistry and elsewhere in the University. You’ll perform a review of the scientific literature in a particular area of research and acquire, develop and apply advanced research and evaluation skills

Advanced Topics in Medicinal Chemistry – 60 credits

This module will advance your understanding of a wide range of chemistry, with a focus on medicinal chemistry, giving you the knowledge to address unseen, problem-led questions in these areas. Topics change to reflect developing research areas. You’ll handle primary literature and critically evaluate the information, preparing you for your future career in either academia or industry.

Learning and teaching

As a medicinal chemistry student at Leeds, we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, group tutorials and practical lab work.

Laboratory classes and project work allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations. There’s a strong emphasis on developing chemistry-specific practical and investigative skills in both teaching laboratories 1-1 ½ days per week on average. Together, they will equip you with in-depth knowledge, key analytical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you'll receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in Years two, three or four. They’ll help you when you arrive at university and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.

Specialist facilities

To support your practical work, you’ll have an extensive range of specialist facilities accessible throughout your degree. The Joseph Priestley teaching laboratory, with space for 110 students, gives you the opportunity to perform synthetic and analytical chemistry experiments in an industry standard environment, and reflects the research-based approach to learning and teaching within the School of Chemistry. You’ll use techniques such as IR (infra-red), NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), and UV-vis (ultraviolet-visible) spectroscopy.

The George Porter teaching laboratory is equipped with modern research-grade equipment for physical and instrumental analytical experiments, along with a computer cluster where you can process your data under expert supervision.

Our research facilities, which you may benefit from during your project work, include the latest equipment for synthetic, physical and analytical chemistry, 500 and 600 MHz NMR machines, cutting-edge Mass Spectrometry (MS) facilities, a CCD-based X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and a purification laboratory.

You can also make extensive use of digital technology throughout the course; you’ll be taught in person how to use the latest software for modelling and understanding chemistry, solving chemical problems and analysing experimental data – acquiring digital skills applicable in many potential areas of employment.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Transition metal chemistry: controlling nanosized metallo-cages
• How Do Reactions Behave in Very Cold Environments? A Journey from Earth to Deep Space

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The types of assessment used for each module aim to measure the learning outcomes we want you to achieve. Although formal end-of-semester examinations are predominant, often accounting for 80% or more of the formal assessment of lecture-based modules, many modules include a significant coursework element.

There’s a significant laboratory component to our chemistry degrees which equates to 1-1 ½ days per week. You'll complete either a short proforma summary or a longer ‘lab report’ for each experiment. These proformas and reports are the basis of a continuous assessment method with regular deadlines throughout each semester. The laboratory assessment accounts for about 20% of the overall assessment in years 1 and 2.

Your research project normally accounts for 50% of the assessment in your final year.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA - AAB

AAB including Chemistry and Maths or AAA including Chemistry.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ or IPQ we may make an offer of ABB or AAB at A-Level, depending on subjects presented.

GCSE: English Language grade C (4), or an equivalent English language qualification, and Mathematics grade B (6). We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including Chemistry and pass Access to Leeds. For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

The School of Chemistry will provide you with personal protective equipment and laboratory notebooks you’ll need to undertake laboratory work. You’ll also have access to a vast supply of books, academic journals and periodicals from the university libraries however you may wish to purchase some books that are recommended on the course.

This course requires work using a range of relevant software which is provided by the university. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conferences using a computer or mobile device (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone).

You’ll have access to the extensive IT facilities on campus including 24/7 computer clusters with everything you need to complete your work however you may wish to purchase your own computer.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Chemistry

Contact us

School of Chemistry Undergraduate Admissions

Email: chmadmis@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities available to you as a medicinal chemistry graduate are extensive across numerous industries, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in medicinal chemistry from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Finance
• Environment
• Food and drink
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Technology
• Education
• Healthcare
• Scientific research and development
• Legal
• Data analytics

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem-solving, research, communication and IT skills taught on the course and developed from your year working in industry are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our chemistry graduates have obtained:

• Finance director, Danaher and Walsh group limited
• Project Manager, GlaxoSmithKline
• Science Teacher, Horsforth School
• Investment Consultant, Mercer
• Drug Discovery Chemist, Novartis
• Senior Patent Counsel, Novartis International AG
• Clinical Trial Administrator, Novo Nordisk
• Senior Research Chemist, Peakdale Chemistry Services
• Doctor, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
• Senior Publishing Editor, RSC Publishing
• Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry Takeda Cambridge
• Head of Client Relationships ( Wealth Managers), Threesixty services llp
• Teaching Fellow in Organic Chemistry, University of Leeds
• Research Fellow, University of Manchester
• Lecturer in Chemical Education and Outreach, University of Sydney

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. The School of Chemistry benefits from an External Employment and Education Advisory Board, including employers from the different sectors who recruit our graduates, who help to develop the curriculum and engage with students via talks and presentations.

Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

The study abroad programme is not an available option for this course. However, our Medicinal Chemistry MChem, BSc degree has this option.

Work placements

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• This placement is salaried
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

As this year replaces your third year of study, you'll be required to complete 30 credits of distance learning coursework. You'll complete the final year of your MChem degree at Leeds.

You'll be able to choose from a range of pharmaceutical, energy, fine chemical, colour, polymer and other chemistry-related industries in which to work.

Finding a work placement is competitive, but with the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

During your industrial placement, you'll have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Drug Discovery Placement, GlaxoSmithKline 
• Strepsils Analytical Chemistry Placement, Reckitt Benckiser 
• Formulation Technology Placement, Croda Health Care 
• Analytical Industrial Placement, Kindeva Drug Delivery Limited 
• Junior Analyst Placement, Jarmany 

Find out more about Industrial placements.