University of Leicester

Medicinal Chemistry BSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Imagine being able to understand and even shape the world around you - chemistry allows you to do just that! Chemistry is the central science tackling everything from the biggest global challenges to the smallest details of daily life. How can we create life-changing medicines to fight disease?

How can we understand and influence chemical processes within our body and their link to disease? How can we feed a growing population without exhausting our planet’s resources? Chemistry answers these crucial questions and more.

By studying a BSc degree in Medicinal Chemistry, you will discover where science meets healthcare, and how to design and develop the molecules that become life-saving drugs. Medicinal Chemistry combines chemistry, biology, biomedical and pharmaceutical science to understand how chemical compounds interact with the body and how they can be optimised to treat diseases more effectively. From hit to lead drug discovery, to developing sensitive analytical tools and creating targeted cancer therapies, medicinal chemists play a vital role in modern healthcare.

Whether you're synthesising new compounds in a laboratory or modelling chemical reactions on a computer, medicinal chemistry offers a dynamic mix of theory and practice in an intellectually exciting field that directly impacts lives and drives innovation in medicine. All of our BSc degrees offer the option of an additional Year in Industry that provides career-boosting experience and insight into how chemistry drives the modern world. The School of Chemistry at Leicester isn’t just one of the best in the UK for teaching and research - it’s a place where Chemistry comes alive.

We take pride in our reputation as a vibrant, welcoming School where students thrive. You’ll join high-quality courses designed to open doors to a diverse range of careers, from research and pharmaceuticals to energy, technology, finance, and beyond. From day one, you’ll work in state-of-the-art labs, guided by passionate academi

Key highlights

  • Combines chemistry, biology, biomedical and pharmaceutical science
  • Covers hit-to-lead drug discovery and targeted cancer therapies
  • Develops skills in synthesising compounds and computational modelling of reactions
  • Optional additional Year in Industry for career-boosting experience
  • Practical work in state-of-the-art laboratories from day one

Entry requirements

  • A-level: BBB — to include including Chemistry
  • A-level: BBC — with EPQ; + EPQ at grade B
  • GCSE: C/4 — to include Mathematics
  • Access to HE Diploma — Science) : Pass Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 — to include with grad
  • BTEC: DDD/D*DD — to include including several Chemist; BTEC Extended Diploma; in Applied Science

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Medicinal chemist
  • Pharmaceutical research scientist
  • Analytical chemist
  • Drug discovery scientist
  • Computational chemist
  • Quality control chemist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £25,100

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 Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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