MChem Medicinal Chemistry

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

The MChem in Medicinal Chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast gives you a hands-on, in-depth experience at the cutting edge of chemistry and drug discovery. If you’re curious about how medicines are designed, developed, and tested, this program will give you the skills and knowledge to make a real impact in pharmaceuticals or research.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: You’ll start by building a strong foundation in chemistry and the life sciences. Modules like Organic Chemistry Level 1, Inorganic Chemistry Level 1, Physical Theory, and Molecular Basis of Life for Medicinal Chemists help you gain essential knowledge and laboratory skills to tackle more complex topics later.

Year 2: The second year dives deeper into how molecules work and how they’re used in medicine. You’ll study Structural Chemistry, Organic Chemistry 2, Physical Chemistry 2, Industrial and Green Chemistry, and Principles of Medicinal Chemistry, giving you practical experience in drug design thinking and chemical analysis.

Year 3: By now, you’ll be tackling advanced topics and starting to specialise. Courses like Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry 3, Drug Development, and Computational Chemistry in Drug Discovery and Design will let you explore real-world medicinal chemistry challenges and carry out research projects.

Year 4: Your final year focuses on independent research and advanced study. You’ll work on a Chemical Research Project in Medicinal Chemistry and explore modules like Frontiers in Drug Development and Advanced Organic Synthesis, preparing you to step confidently into a professional or research career.

Focus areas

Medicinal chemistry, drug design and synthesis, chemical biology, analytical and physical chemistry, computational drug discovery, applied research projects

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate with the ability to design and create biologically active molecules, use modern analytical and computational tools, and communicate effectively within research teams or industry settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Queen’s University Belfast is ranked 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026), with around 93% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months. Globally, it sits at #199 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen’s, learning goes far beyond lectures. From your very first year, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves in modern chemistry labs, designing experiments, analysing molecules, and working closely with peers and experienced researchers. The program is built so that by the time you graduate, you’ll have hands-on experience with the same equipment and software used in pharmaceutical and chemical industries. You’ll also get to explore real-world drug discovery challenges and see how your work contributes to meaningful scientific outcomes:

State-of-the-art labs and equipment: Access to NMR (400/600 MHz), X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry (qTOF), HPLC/GC systems, and BET/porosimetry tools.
Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory: Train with 18+ analytical instruments including HPLC, GC-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy for drug-related experiments.
Independent and group research projects: In Stage 3 and Stage 4, you’ll join a research team to design experiments, analyse data, and present your findings.
Computational and modelling tools: Learn molecular modelling and in-silico drug discovery techniques through modules like Computational Chemistry in Drug Discovery and Design.
Industry connections: Benefit from collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, gaining insights into real-world applications and potential placement opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the MChem in Medicinal Chemistry opens the door to exciting careers in pharmaceuticals, drug discovery, analytical chemistry, and regulatory affairs. You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to work in laboratories, research teams, or industrial settings, and the professional accreditation to help you stand out:

Career support: Queen’s Careers, Employability & Skills service provides personalised guidance, CV and interview workshops, employer events, and help finding placements.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 85% of graduates enter highly skilled roles within 15 months of finishing, often in the pharmaceutical industry, research labs, or scientific consultancy.
Industry partnerships: The program works closely with companies like Almac Discovery, giving you exposure to real-world drug development and opportunities to connect with potential employers.
Professional accreditation: Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, this degree helps you meet the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Diverse career paths: Graduates have moved into roles in pharmaceuticals, forensic services, teaching, publishing, marketing, and financial services, thanks to the broad skills this program develops.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a taught Masters like an MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis at Queen’s, or take your research further through an MPhil or PhD. The School’s research is internationally recognised, giving you a strong foundation for a career in scientific discovery and innovation.

Additional Information & Requirements

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification.
A-level - AAA, including Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade B/6 or above.
Acceptable second Science subjects - Biology, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition & Food Science, Physics, Technology & Design.
IB - 36 points overall, including 6,6,6 at Higher Level with Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics grade B/6 (or Standard Level Mathematics grade 5 in place of the GCSE requirement).
IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component
TOEFL iBT - 80 overall, with minimum scores of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, and Writing 17.
Indian Standard XII (10+2) with an overall average of 70‑85% in best five subjects, including Chemistry with at least 75%
India - JEE Main or Advanced scores may be considered alongside Standard XII results if Chemistry marks are below the minimum requirement, provided the overall Standard XII percentage meets the University’s requirement and at least 60% is achieved in the key subject, Chemistry.
Applicants will be required to provide an official Digilocker verification of their Standard XII grades/certificates. Applicants who have completed CBSE qualifications should provide their Admit Card ID number.
USA - A or higher in three Grade 12 Honours/College classes, or AP scores of 5,5,5 in three subjects, or IB Higher Level 5+ in three subjects.
USA - Minimum 1350 (Minimum 700 Maths, 650 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) or ACT 28, including Chemistry as a pre-requisite; conditional offers are accepted if exams have not yet been completed.