Chemistry with Biomedicine with a Year in Industry MSci

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

This 5-year MSci program at King’s gives you the perfect mix of chemistry and biomedicine, along with a full year working in industry. It’s ideal if you love understanding how molecules work, are curious about biomedical applications like drug design, and want a degree that opens doors in biotech, pharmaceuticals, health, or even wider sectors like finance and law.

Curriculum structure:

  • Year 1:
    You’ll start by building a solid foundation in core chemistry, exploring General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry 1, Inorganic Chemistry 1, and Physical Chemistry 1. Hands-on experience in the lab through Integrated Chemistry Laboratory 1 will help you apply theory to real experiments and get comfortable with essential lab techniques.

  • Year 2:
    In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into chemistry while starting to see how it connects with biology. Modules like Integrated Chemistry Laboratory 2 and Chemistry in Biological Systems give you practical and theoretical insights, while maths and computational skills support modern scientific analysis.

  • Year 3:
    Now you begin combining chemistry with biomedical applications. You’ll study modules like Chemistry of Disease and Therapy, molecular biology techniques, and biophysical methods. You’ll also complete project-based lab work, preparing you for research challenges or industry roles.

  • Year 4 (Industry Year):
    This is your chance to step into a professional environment. You’ll spend a full year on placement in a company — whether in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or even areas like finance or law — gaining real-world experience and building your professional network.

  • Year 5:
    Back at King’s, your final year focuses on advanced modules and a major independent research project. You’ll work in cutting-edge labs on topics like antimicrobial therapies, cancer research, or sustainable materials, producing a thesis and presenting your findings — honing your research, teamwork, and communication skills.

Focus areas:
Chemical synthesis and analysis, biomedical chemistry (drug design, protein and cell chemistry), computational and mathematical chemistry, lab skills, and industry experience.

Learning outcomes:
By the end, you’ll be ready to apply chemistry in biomedical contexts, conduct independent research, analyze complex data, communicate scientific ideas effectively, work in teams, and navigate professional environments in chemistry, biotech, or related sectors.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, ensuring your degree meets professional standards.

Reputation (employability rankings):
King’s is ranked 8th in the UK for Chemistry (QS / Times Higher Education 2025) and 6th for graduate employability, showing strong career prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At King’s, you won’t just learn chemistry and biomedicine from textbooks — you’ll roll up your sleeves and get hands-on from day one. Our labs are fully equipped for cutting-edge chemistry and biomedical research, letting you carry out real experiments and apply your knowledge in practical ways. You’ll also collaborate on group projects, explore computational and digital tools, and spend a full year working in industry, gaining experience that employers really value. With access to King’s specialist institutes, libraries, and links to hospitals and research centres like the Francis Crick Institute, you’ll experience science the way it happens in the real world.

Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

  • Hands-on laboratory work: Integrated Chemistry Laboratory 1 & 2 give you experience across organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.

  • Independent research projects: In your final year, you’ll tackle a six-month research project in advanced labs, exploring areas like antimicrobial therapies, computational chemistry, or cancer research.

  • Year in Industry: Spend a full year working in a UK company — in pharmaceuticals, biotech, finance, law, or chemical industry — supported by King’s Careers Service and a dedicated Placement Coordinator.

  • Digital and computational skills: Learn to use mathematical and computational chemistry tools, alongside modern digital learning platforms.

  • Group projects & communication: Team-based labs, poster presentations, and viva assessments help you present scientific ideas clearly and collaborate effectively.

  • Specialist facilities: Work at Waterloo and Guy’s campuses, with access to state-of-the-art labs, equipment, IT support, and extensive libraries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSci leave King’s with an impressive mix of chemistry knowledge, biomedical expertise, and hands-on industry experience, giving them a real edge in the job market. Many go on to roles such as Research Scientist, Industrial Chemist, Pharmacokineticist, or Policy Analyst, thriving in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biotech to finance and consultancy. With a combination of practical skills and professional exposure, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in your chosen field.

Here’s how King’s helps you get there:

  • Tailored Careers Support: The university’s Careers Service and the Department of Chemistry offer dedicated guidance, skills workshops, employer talks, and placement support for your Year in Industry.

  • Strong employability: Chemistry and Physical Sciences graduates at King’s enjoy a top-10 UK ranking for graduate employability, with competitive starting salaries averaging around £29,000–£48,500 and typical five-year earnings near £38,000.

  • Industry connections: During your placement year, you can work with leading UK companies in pharmaceuticals, biotech, finance, or law, building real-world experience and professional networks.

  • Professional recognition: The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, giving your degree credibility and long-term career value.

  • Graduation outcomes: Alumni move into exciting research, development, and analytical roles or pursue leadership positions in science-driven industries.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue your studies, this degree is an excellent springboard into MSc or PhD programs in areas like medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, biopharmaceuticals, or materials science. King’s strong research culture — with links to institutions such as the Francis Crick Institute — gives graduates a pathway into cutting-edge research and advanced scientific careers.

Program Key Stats

£38,300
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


13 %

Eligibility Criteria

AAB
NA
35
83

NA
NA
6.5
92

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Research Scientist
  • Industrial Chemist
  • Pharmacokineticist
  • Biochemist
  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Clinical Scientist
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Biotech Consultant
  • Pharmaceutical Analyst
  • Quality Control Scientist
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Science Communicator

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