Medicinal Chemistry

Program Overview:

The BSc in Medicinal Chemistry at Queen's University Belfast is a vibrant and rigorous undergraduate degree designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical principles underlying drug discovery and development. This programme combines core concepts of organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and analytical techniques to explore the intricate processes involved in designing, synthesizing, and evaluating potential pharmaceutical compounds. Students will gain practical laboratory skills through hands-on experiments and project work, preparing them for careers in pharmaceutical industry, research institutions, or further postgraduate study.

Throughout the course, students will examine the structure-activity relationships that determine the efficacy and safety of drugs, learn about the biological targets of therapeutic agents, and stay abreast of emerging trends in medicinal chemistry such as personalized medicine and nanotechnology. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, laboratory competence, and independent research capabilities, enabling graduates to contribute effectively to advancements in healthcare and medicine.

The curriculum is structured to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, with modules covering drug design, synthesis pathways, pharmacokinetics, and regulatory aspects. Additionally, students will have opportunities to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, placements, and collaborative projects, fostering valuable networking and professional development.

Queen’s University Belfast’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers support experiential learning, allowing students to participate in innovative research projects that have the potential to impact patient care directly. The programme also prepares graduates for postgraduate study or professional careers in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies, academia, and regulatory agencies.

Supporting a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, the program encourages creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, aiming to produce competent, innovative, and socially responsible scientists. Whether students aspire to work in drug discovery, development, or policy-making, the BSc in Medicinal Chemistry provides a solid foundation to advance their ambitions in the dynamic and vital field of medicinal sciences at Queen’s University Belfast.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4170 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13420 Year (Non-EEA)

EU £3,575; International £11,500

• English

Course Content

All degrees are modular, with six modules each year. To ensure that students acquire a thorough understanding of the subject and meet professional accreditation requirements, there are compulsory core modules each year, common to all the pathways, covering different aspects of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

Students on Chemistry programmes undertake all the core modules, and also topics such as organic synthesis, materials chemistry and spectroscopy. In the later stages there are optional specialist modules, and extended practical/project work. Stage 4 MSci students carry out an independent research project which counts as three modules, and provides an opportunity to acquire excellent practical skills.

Chemistry with Extended Studies in Europe students take French or Spanish alongside Chemistry in the first two years, spend a year abroad studying chemistry in French or Spanish, and return to Queen's for Stage 3.

Chemistry with Forensic Analysis students take specialist modules at Stages 2 and 3, and there is input to the programme from professional forensic scientists, which in previous years has included the opportunity to participate in mock crime scenes.

Medicinal Chemistry includes modules in Biochemistry, Genetics and Medicinal Chemistry. Project work has a medicinal or biological theme.

The four-year MSci with Professional Studies degrees incorporate an industrial placement with a distance learning element. Students on BSc sandwich degrees spend their third year working in industry (subject to the availability of a suitable placement), then return to Queen's for a further year of study.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-level: BBB including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics. (For French option: A-level French grade C or AS-level French grade B. For Spanish option: A-level Spanish grade C or AS-level Spanish grade B or GCSE Spanish grade B.)Note: if the language is studied at a higher level then the grade required at that level must be achieved.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.(For French option: Higher Level grade B1 in French. For Spanish option: Higher Level grade B2 in Spanish or Ordinary Level grade B in Spanish.)Note: if the language is studied at a higher level then the grade required at that level must be achieved.

For students whose first language is not English

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

The BSc Medicinal Chemistry programme at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive undergraduate degree that combines the principles of chemistry with the development of pharmaceuticals and therapeutic agents. This course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the chemical processes involved in drug design, synthesis, and analysis, alongside training in laboratory techniques and scientific research methods. The programme typically spans three years, during which students acquire knowledge in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as specialised modules related to medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and bioorganic chemistry.

Students will explore topics such as drug discovery, molecular biology, and the mechanisms of drug action, preparing them for careers in pharmaceutical research, innovation, or further academic study. The programme also emphasizes practical skills through laboratory classes, research projects, and industry placements, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with modern laboratory instrumentation and data analysis. Queen’s University Belfast has strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and research institutions, providing networking opportunities, guest lectures, and potential internships that enhance employability.

The course is structured to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to contribute to the development of new medicines and therapies, aligning with current global health priorities. The university offers state-of-the-art research facilities, including dedicated laboratories for medicinal chemistry and related disciplines, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge resources. The programme may also include interdisciplinary modules, allowing students to explore related fields such as medicinal physics, chemical biology, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Overall, Queen’s University Belfast’s BSc Medicinal Chemistry programme aims to produce skilled scientists who can operate in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to advances in healthcare and drug development. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, ensuring graduates are competitive in the global job market. The programme also prepares students for postgraduate study or employment in sectors including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and research organizations.