MChem (Hons) Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (with a year in industry)

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of York

Program Overview

The MChem (Hons) Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (with a Year in Industry) at the University of York brings together the worlds of chemistry, biology, and medicine. It’s perfect for students who are fascinated by how molecules affect living systems, want to understand how medicines are developed, and are looking to gain real-world experience through an industrial placement.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in core chemistry. Through modules such as Foundations of Chemistry 1 & 2 and Introductory Skills and Practical 1 & 2, you’ll explore key concepts like bonding, reactivity, and molecular structure. Alongside lectures, you’ll spend time in the lab developing essential practical and analytical techniques.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll take your chemistry to a deeper level while starting to connect it with biology. Modules such as Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications and Genes to Proteins introduce you to the chemistry of life — from the way enzymes work to how biological molecules interact. You’ll continue to refine your lab skills through hands-on experiments and project work.

Year 3:
This is where you’ll really start to specialise. Modules like Frontiers of Chemistry and Chemistry and Disease will help you understand how chemistry can be used to design new drugs and tackle medical challenges. You’ll also complete a mini-project at the chemistry–biology interface, gaining first-hand experience in research and data analysis.

Year 4 (Year in Industry):
Your final year gives you the chance to put everything you’ve learned into practice. You’ll spend a year working with an industrial partner — often in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology — on a professional research project. Modules such as Advanced Research Project (Industry) and Research Communication will help you develop both your scientific expertise and your professional confidence.

Focus areas: chemistry of biological systems, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, enzyme and protein chemistry, molecular biology, industrial research

Learning outcomes: develop advanced chemical and biological understanding, apply chemistry to real-world medical problems, carry out independent research, communicate scientific ideas clearly, and gain strong professional and analytical skills through industry experience.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This degree is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of York is ranked 6th in the UK for Chemistry (Complete University Guide 2026) and 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 — a testament to the quality of teaching, research, and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At York, learning Chemistry isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about discovery through real experience. From day one, you’ll spend time in professional-standard labs, using the same equipment found in top research and pharmaceutical facilities. The MChem Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (with a Year in Industry) degree gives you the chance to apply theory to real problems — from investigating biological molecules to developing new chemical tools for medicine.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain hands-on skills in experimental design, data analysis, and advanced chemical techniques. You’ll also work alongside academics and industry professionals who are leading research in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular science. Here’s how your practical learning comes to life:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Train in the Department of Chemistry’s world-class teaching labs, and explore advanced facilities like the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry and the York JEOL Nanocentre, where you’ll handle high-level analytical instruments used in cutting-edge research.
Year in Industry: Spend your final year working full-time with an industrial partner in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or radiopharmaceuticals. You’ll work on a real research project, gain mentorship from professionals, and experience what a chemistry career looks like in practice.
Research-focused projects: Take on a Mini Project at the Chemistry–Biology Interface in your third year — an opportunity to plan and carry out an investigation that mirrors the work of professional scientists.
Practical modules from the start: Core modules like Introductory Skills and Practical 1 & 2 and Advanced Skills and Practical give you essential hands-on experience in modern chemistry techniques, safety practices, and data interpretation.
Specialist research centres: Learn within world-leading institutes such as the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence and the York Structural Biology Laboratory, connecting your coursework to real research challenges in sustainable chemistry and biological systems.
Collaborative learning: Work with peers on group-based projects and problem-solving tasks that mirror real workplace dynamics, developing teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills that employers value.

You’ll graduate with not only advanced scientific knowledge, but also the confidence and practical skills to make an impact — whether in research, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with the MChem (Hons) Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (with a Year in Industry) from the University of York puts you in an excellent position for a rewarding career. With a solid scientific foundation, advanced laboratory expertise, and a year of hands-on industrial experience, you’ll be ready to make an impact in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and research.

Typical graduate roles include:
Medicinal Chemist, Analytical Scientist, Research and Development Chemist, Regulatory Affairs Officer.

Here’s how York helps you turn your degree into a real career:

Personalised career support: York’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service offers tailored advice for science students — from one-to-one coaching and interview preparation to exclusive networking events and employer connections within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Industrial placement advantage: Your year in industry isn’t just work experience — it’s a chance to build your professional network, gain real research experience, and often secure job offers even before graduation. Past placements have been with global companies in pharmaceuticals and radiopharmaceuticals.
Professional accreditation: The degree is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meaning it satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status — a valuable credential recognised worldwide by employers and research institutions.
Strong graduate outcomes: Many York Chemistry graduates progress quickly into employment across technology, medicine, and research sectors. Others continue their studies, with around 40 graduates each year staying on at York or joining other top universities for further research degrees.
Trusted by industry: York’s long-standing partnerships with industry leaders and its emphasis on innovation make its Chemistry graduates highly sought after for their problem-solving and laboratory skills.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree provides a strong foundation for advanced research. Many graduates go on to pursue a PhD or postgraduate study in fields such as medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences — often leading to roles in academic research or senior positions within industry.