Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology MChem

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

 

If you're fascinated by drug design and want to explore both chemistry and pharmacology in depth, Liverpool’s MChem is a brilliant choice. This four-year integrated master’s program blends advanced chemistry with cutting-edge pharmacology, preparing you for research, industry, or PhD-level study.


📘 Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll build a strong foundation in chemistry and begin your pharmacology journey. Core modules include Introductory Medicinal Chemistry and Physiology, Core Chemistry 1A & 1B, and Shaping Future Chemists: Laboratory, Analytical and Digital Skills. You’ll also take Foundations in Chemistry to strengthen your maths, physics, and biology skills.

Year 2
This year deepens your understanding of drug design and development. You’ll study Drug Discovery and Development, Shaping Future Medicinal Chemists: Drug Design Principles and Quantitative Skills, and advanced chemistry modules like Spectroscopy and Strategies for Sustainable Synthesis and Thermodynamics, Transition Metals and Synthetic Methods.

Year 3
You’ll explore advanced topics in synthetic design and pharmacology, including Translational Pharmacology and Further Medicinal Chemistry. You’ll also complete a literature review and mini-project, with options for summer internships or industry-linked experiences. Optional modules include Catalysis, Advanced Healthcare Technologies, and Further Analytical Chemistry.

Year 4
Your final year is research-focused, with a major Chemical Research Project worth 90 credits. You’ll choose a specialism within medicinal chemistry or pharmacology and work on original research. Supporting modules include Advanced Synthesis Methods and Advanced Drug Discovery.


 Focus Areas

Medicinal chemistry, drug design, pharmacology, advanced synthesis, translational pharmacology, digital chemistry


Learning Outcomes

Design and analyse drug molecules, apply chemistry to global health challenges, conduct independent research, and communicate scientific findings effectively


 Professional Alignment

Master’s-level accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), supporting progression to Chartered Chemist (CChem) status


 Reputation

100% of MChem graduates are in highly skilled employment (Graduate Outcomes 2021–22). Liverpool’s Department of Chemistry is known for its global research impact and strong industry connections.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

 

This program is built around hands-on lab work, real-world research, and digital innovation. From your first year, you’ll work in Liverpool’s state-of-the-art Central Teaching Laboratories and gain experience with the same analytical tools used in pharmaceutical R&D. You’ll also complete a major research project in your final year, giving you the chance to contribute to cutting-edge drug development.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the degree:

  • Central Teaching Laboratories: Purpose-built labs for chemistry and pharmacology, equipped with advanced instrumentation for synthesis, analysis, and drug testing
  • Year 4 Chemical Research Project: A 90-credit independent research experience in medicinal chemistry or pharmacology, supervised by active researchers
  • Digital Chemistry Tools: Training in cheminformatics, molecular modelling, and data analysis software used in drug design
  • Group Projects: Collaborative lab work and literature reviews, especially in modules like Drug Discovery and Development and Translational Pharmacology
  • Summer Internships: Optional research placements or industry-linked experiences between Years 2 and 3
  • Literature Review and Mini-Project: Structured research training in Year 3 to prepare for your final-year project
  • Libraries and Learning Spaces: Access to the award-winning Sydney Jones Library and specialist chemistry collections
  • Departmental Research Institutes: Opportunities to engage with the Materials Innovation Factory and the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

 

Graduates from Liverpool’s MChem program are well-prepared for careers in pharmaceutical research, drug development, and biomedical innovation. Many go on to roles such as medicinal chemist, pharmacology researcher, regulatory affairs specialist, or scientific writer — with strong foundations in both lab and digital skills. The integrated master’s structure and final-year research project make this degree a standout for employers and PhD programs alike.

Here’s how Liverpool supports your career journey:

  • Careers & Employability Service: Offers tailored support for chemistry students, including CV reviews, employer events, and access to Handshake job portal
  • Graduate Outcomes: 100% of MChem graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2021–22)
  • Industry Partnerships: Opportunities to engage with the Materials Innovation Factory, Cancer Research UK, and the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), supporting progression to Chartered Chemist (CChem) status
  • Typical Roles: Medicinal Chemist, Pharmacology Researcher, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Scientific Writer

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can pursue a PhD in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or drug development. Liverpool also offers postgraduate programs in biomedical sciences, translational medicine, and chemical biology.

 

Program Key Stats

£32,000 (Annual cost)
£9,535
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


14 %

Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.0
32
70 - 85

N/A
N/A
6.0
78

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Typical careers of the graduates include assistant analyst
  • development chemist
  • research assistant
  • and site chemist

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