Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Work Placement MSci

5 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Glasgow

Program Overview

This five‑year MSci programme combines a strong foundation in all major areas of chemistry with a special focus on medicinal chemistry, exploring how molecules interact with living systems. It’s perfect for students who are curious about drug design, want hands-on lab experience, and are keen to spend time in a real-world work placement.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll start with the essentials — core chemistry topics like the periodic table, organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical reactions, energy changes, and macromolecules. Alongside this, you’ll explore other science or non-science subjects to broaden your knowledge and set a solid foundation for more advanced study.

Year 2: Building on the first year, you’ll dive deeper into molecular structure, stereochemistry, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, and organometallic compounds. You’ll also cover organic synthesis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and applied chemistry, giving you a well-rounded understanding of how chemistry works in theory and in practice.

Years 3, 4 & 5: In Year 3, you start specialising in medicinal chemistry, studying topics like anticancer compounds, antibiotics, analgesics, and antivirals. Year 4 is all about gaining real-world experience through a full-year work placement in industry or research. Finally, in Year 5, you’ll tackle advanced modules and undertake a major research project, designing and testing compounds, and developing your skills as a professional chemist.

Focus areas: Medicinal and biologically-active compounds, organic synthesis, pharmacology, work placement experience, research projects.
Learning outcomes: Gain a deep understanding of chemistry, learn to design and evaluate therapeutic molecules, apply your knowledge in professional settings, and carry out original research confidently.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Reputation (employability rankings): Chemistry at Glasgow is consistently ranked among the UK’s top programmes; around 90% of graduates go on to work or further study within 15 months.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Glasgow, you won’t just be reading about chemistry — you’ll be doing it. From your very first year, you’ll be hands-on in the labs, learning to plan and conduct experiments, solve problems in teams, and get guidance from researchers working at the cutting edge of chemical biology, drug discovery, and materials science. The work placement year adds another dimension, letting you step into a real industry or research setting to see how chemistry is applied in the real world.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Work in modern chemistry laboratories on the Gilmorehill campus, performing experiments like synthesising biologically active compounds, using spectroscopy, chromatography, and exploring chemical kinetics.
Undertake a dedicated Chemistry Project in your final year, where you design and test compounds and report your findings, just like a professional chemist.
Complete a full-year work placement in the UK or overseas, gaining hands-on industry or research experience.
Participate in group projects and team-based problem-solving, building collaboration and communication skills that employers value.
Access high-end instrumentation and analytical tools to support research and medicinal chemistry practice.
Benefit from excellent learning resources, libraries, and support facilities that help you succeed in both labs and study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this five-year MSci programme leave Glasgow ready for exciting careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and analytical chemistry, or for further study in chemistry-related fields. Common roles include research scientist in drug development, medicinal chemist in biotech, analytical chemist in quality control, or process development chemist in manufacturing. Here’s how the University helps you get there:

The Careers Service provides tailored support for chemistry students, including one-to-one career advice, employer events, and workshops to prepare for roles in pharma, biotech, and research.
Around 90% of Chemistry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with starting salaries typically ranging from £22,500 to £29,000, averaging around £25,000.
Strong university–industry links connect students to companies like Quotient Clinical, Reckitt Benckiser, and Sterling Medical Innovation, giving real-world insights and networking opportunities.
Professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry ensures your degree is recognised and valued by employers across the chemical sciences.
Graduates leave well-prepared for a variety of paths, from pharmaceutical research and quality assurance to process development or continuing into postgraduate research.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, the MSci sets you up perfectly for postgraduate options such as an MSc in Drug Discovery, a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry or Chemical Biology, or specialised research roles in academia or industry.