University of Liverpool

Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology with Research in Industry

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

Passionate about medicinal chemistry and pharmacology? Our MChem Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology programme offers advanced modules and research projects focused on drug design and pharmacology. You can specialise in key areas within medicinal chemistry and pharmacology and gain hands on experience in industry.

This is ideal preparation for a PhD, research career, or expanding your scientific curiosity. Study medicinal chemistry at Liverpool and learn in a culture of research excellence. Medicinal chemistry is a great choice for those with a keen interest in medicinal chemistry, digital chemistry, analytical chemistry and sustainability, alongside traditional areas of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry.

The MChem degree in chemistry equips graduates for a range of career opportunities in academic or industrial research, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and other fields requiring strong scientific and numerate skills. The programme also provides a foundation for further study in specialized or interdisciplinary areas of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. The programme offers a mix of interactive teaching, and practical work in our award-winning undergraduate laboratories, ensuring students develop advanced research skills, professional competencies, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s real-world applications.

During year 3, you’ll work with academics to delve into the research literature, an important aspect for all research chemists, or take an opportunity for wider research experiences through summer internships or local industry. You’ll also spend your final year on a paid external/industrial placement, acquiring experience and awareness of practical chemistry in an industrial environment to further develop your commercial and professional skills. Previous examples of potential placements include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Liverpool ChiroChem.

The assessment strategy combines formative workshops and interactive lectures

Key highlights

  • Final year spent on a paid external or industrial placement
  • Past placements include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Liverpool ChiroChem
  • Advanced modules and research projects focused on drug design
  • Practical work in award-winning undergraduate laboratories
  • Year 3 options include research literature work or summer internships
  • Strong preparation for PhD study or a research career

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — to include including two science
  • A-level: BBB — to include with A in the EPQ; with EPQ
  • GCSE: 4/C — to include English, Mathematics
  • BTEC: D*DD — to include in relevant diploma; BTEC Level 3 Diploma

Scholarships

  • Bridge House College Nigeria Law Scholarships

    Value: £2,000

    Up to £2,000
  • Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

    Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate, will receive a £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000
  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Undergraduates

    If you’re an international undergraduate student who hasn’t studied with us before, you could be eligible for a scholarship offering a tuition fee discount of £7,500.

    Up to £7,500
  • Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

    A very limited number of grants, worth up to £3,500, are available through the High Performance Athlete Programme.

  • University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong and Tung Undergraduate Scholarships

    The University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong undergraduate scholarships are worth £10,000 per year for three years and are awarded to students originating from Hong Kong.

    Up to £10,000
  • University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Medicinal chemist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Research scientist
  • Analytical chemist
  • Pharmaceutical development scientist
  • PhD researcher

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £9,790; Year in industry: £1,955; Year abroad: £1,465 | International: Full-time place, per year - £32,000; Year in industry: £1,955

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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