Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Keele University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by chemistry and curious about how medicines are designed, the BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at Keele University is perfect for you. You’ll gain a solid foundation in core chemistry while exploring the science behind drug development, preparing you for careers in pharmaceuticals, research, or further study.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: You’ll start by building strong chemistry fundamentals with modules like Chemical Structure and Reactivity, Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills, and Chemistry Connections. Here, you’ll learn about atomic bonding, molecular structures, lab techniques, and even some computational and statistical tools, setting you up for more advanced study later.
Year 2: The second year dives deeper into chemical analysis and drug chemistry. Modules like Chemical Characterisation and Transformations, Environmental Analysis, and Structure and Function in Medicinal Chemistry will teach you advanced lab methods, how drugs interact with biological systems, and the use of instruments like mass spectrometers and chromatographs.
Year 3: Your final year is all about research and independence. You’ll complete an Independent Research Project, review scientific literature, and explore topics through optional modules like Forensic Toxicology or a work placement. This year gives you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned and work on projects that could shape your future career.

Focus Areas:
Medicinal chemistry, drug design and synthesis, analytical techniques, sustainable chemistry, professional lab skills

Learning Outcomes:
Design and synthesize drug-like molecules, master advanced analytical instruments, critically interpret chemical data, conduct independent research, and understand the ethical and real-world impact of your work

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this program meets the academic requirements toward becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem)

Reputation (Employability):
Keele students report 96% satisfaction in the latest NSS survey, and the university ranks in the top 15 UK universities for graduate employability, highlighting the strength of its chemistry programs

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Keele, studying Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry isn’t just about sitting in lectures — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and really getting hands-on with science. From your very first year, you’ll be in state-of-the-art labs experimenting with real chemicals and learning professional techniques. You’ll use modern instruments like NMR and mass spectrometers, work on team projects, and even try your hand at drug design simulations, giving you a taste of what working in a pharmaceutical lab is really like. By the time you graduate, you won’t just know the theory — you’ll have the practical experience to back it up. Here’s how Keele makes that happen:

Top-notch labs: Work in the purpose-built Central Sciences Laboratories, including fume-hooded synthetic labs and open “light labs” for analytical chemistry.
Cutting-edge equipment: Get hands-on with NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
Team projects: Collaborate with fellow students on experiments and industrial-style projects that mirror real-world challenges.
Digital and virtual tools: Use Keele’s learning platform (KLE) for lab scripts, tutorials, quizzes, and simulations, and try computational drug-design software to see how molecules interact with biological targets.
Independent research: In your final year, design and carry out your own project under expert supervision — from synthesis to analysis, or even computational studies.
Industry experience: Optional placements let you gain real workplace experience in a chemical or pharmaceutical company.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Keele’s Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Many of our students go on to become medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, pharmaceutical scientists, or research assistants, working in drug discovery, biotech, or chemical industries. Thanks to your hands-on lab experience, drug design training, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be ready to make a real impact in the workplace. Here’s how Keele helps you get there:

Personalised career support: Keele offers dedicated careers tutors for chemistry students, running workshops, mock interviews, and talks by alumni now working in pharma and chemical industries.
Comprehensive Careers & Employability services: You’ll get help with CVs, interviews, networking events, and access to part-time and graduate job listings, as well as guidance for entrepreneurial ventures.
Industry-relevant experience: Through professional development modules, training on industry-standard instruments, and your independent research project, you graduate with skills that employers value.
Flexible Work Placements: Optional placements in chemical or pharmaceutical companies let you gain real-world experience and strengthen your CV.
Professional accreditation: The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, contributing toward Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
Strong graduate outcomes: Keele chemistry graduates go into roles such as medicinal chemist, analytical chemist, environmental scientist, or research assistant, and are well-prepared for long-term careers in pharmaceuticals, green chemistry, and drug development.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying, you could continue with a Master’s degree (MSc) in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, or pursue a PhD in drug design or chemical biology. Keele’s research community provides excellent opportunities to build on your undergraduate project or join cutting-edge research groups, giving you a head start on a career in advanced scientific research.