Medicinal Chemistry

The BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry program at Queen's University Belfast offers students an in-depth exploration of the chemical processes involved in drug design, development, and action. This degree combines a rigorous foundation in organic and inorganic chemistry with specialized modules focused on pharmacology, biochemistry, and the principles of medicinal chemistry. Throughout the course, students gain practical skills through laboratory work and research projects, enabling them to understand how new medicines are created and optimized for effectiveness and safety. The program is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge required to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, and research institutions. Students will explore topics such as drug design, synthesis, characterization, and testing, along with the biological mechanisms underlying health and disease. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, preparing graduates to undertake further research or enter professional careers in medicinal chemistry and related fields. Additionally, the program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills essential for innovation in drug discovery. Queen's University Belfast's strong links with industry partners provide opportunities for internships and networking, enhancing employability upon graduation. The department of Chemistry at Queen’s University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with access to cutting-edge facilities and expert faculty committed to advancing the field. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to contribute to ongoing efforts to develop new and improved therapies for a range of diseases, addressing global health challenges. Overall, the BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast offers a comprehensive education for students passionate about making a difference in healthcare through science and innovation.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; 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

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

Requirements

MSci courses

• A-level AAB including Chemistry and one other Science subject + GCSE Mathematics
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry and one other Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

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.

Medicinal Chemistry at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chemical processes that underlie drug design, development, and action. This programme combines principles of chemistry with biological and pharmacological sciences, aiming to prepare graduates for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research, or further postgraduate study. The curriculum includes core modules in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry, alongside specialized modules focusing on drug discovery, pharmacology, molecular modelling, and toxicology. Students gain practical laboratory skills through extensive hands-on experiments, alongside training in modern computational techniques used in drug design. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, equipping students with the ability to analyze complex chemical and biological data. Queen's University Belfast’s strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and research institutes provide students with opportunities for placements, internships, and collaborative projects, fostering real-world experience and professional development. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies through optional modules and research projects aligned with their career interests. Additionally, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and computational centres. Upon graduation, students are well positioned to pursue careers in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical research, regulatory agencies, or to continue their education with postgraduate degrees. The university’s supportive academic environment, combined with its focus on research-led teaching and innovation, ensures that students receive up-to-date knowledge and skills aligned with current industry standards. Overall, the Medicinal Chemistry program at Queen’s University Belfast offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary education that prepares students to contribute meaningfully to advancements in healthcare and medicinal science.