Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with Industrial Placement MSci

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how chemistry and biology come together to create new medicines, this four-year MSci is the perfect fit. It blends advanced scientific study with a paid industrial placement, giving you real-world experience while you explore how molecules can transform lives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your journey starts with the essentials — you’ll dive into modules like Organic Molecules and Mechanisms, Exploring the Periodic Table, and Building Blocks of Life. These courses give you a deep understanding of the molecular world while developing your lab and analytical skills through Foundation Skills in Practical Chemistry. You’ll also explore sustainable science through Principles of Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Innovation.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll start connecting chemistry to real biological systems. Modules such as Synthesis and Spectroscopy, Biological Chemistry, and Sustainable Products and Processes help you see how new materials and medicines are made. You can also get hands-on with Medicinal Chemistry and Biomedical Imaging or even learn programming with Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Year 3:
This is where your industrial placement begins — a full year working in a professional chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment. You’ll take modules like Industry Project: Planning and Literature and Industry Project: Implementation and Results, applying your knowledge to live research while gaining invaluable workplace experience. You’ll also keep your academic development on track through Chemistry Distance Learning.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll return to Nottingham as a confident, work-ready scientist. You’ll lead an independent Chemistry Research Project and choose from cutting-edge options like AI for Drug Design, Biosynthesis and Biotherapeutics, Nanomaterials, or Molecular and Materials Modelling. This year lets you tailor your studies to your interests while pushing the boundaries of modern chemistry.

Focus areas: Medicinal chemistry, biological chemistry, drug discovery, sustainable and green chemistry, industrial research experience, advanced analytical techniques.

Learning outcomes: Graduates leave with strong practical and problem-solving skills, confidence in the lab, and the ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data — essential qualities for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, or further study.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings): Nottingham ranks among the top 10 in the UK and top 100 globally for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Impressively, 88% of Nottingham Chemistry graduates secure skilled employment or further study within 15 months, with an average starting salary of around £27,800.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This course is designed for people who learn best by doing. From your very first week, you’ll be in the lab — experimenting, problem-solving, and learning how chemistry drives biological systems and drug discovery. The University of Nottingham gives you access to cutting-edge research spaces, advanced digital tools, and a full year of paid industrial experience, so you graduate not only with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills that employers look for.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:

Industrial Placement Year: Spend your third year working in the real world — past students have joined major companies like GSK, AstraZeneca, and Unilever, contributing to genuine research and development projects.
State-of-the-art Laboratories: You’ll train in Nottingham’s modern chemistry facilities, including the award-winning Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry, where you’ll work with the same instruments used in professional research and industry.
Digital and Computational Tools: Develop in-demand tech skills through modules like Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, molecular modelling exercises, and digital distance-learning modules during your placement.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams to tackle real-world chemical and biological problems — an approach that mirrors how professional scientists operate in research and industry.
Research-led Learning: In your final year, you’ll become part of an active research group, designing and running your own Chemistry Research Project alongside academic experts.
Sustainability Focus: Learn how to make chemistry cleaner and greener through projects and experiments in labs designed around sustainability principles.
Support and Resources: From your personal tutor and career coaches to the university’s world-class libraries and digital resources, you’ll have everything you need to succeed academically and professionally.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSci leave with both a strong scientific foundation and hands-on experience that sets them apart in the job market. With your industrial placement, advanced lab skills, and Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation, you’ll be ready for exciting roles across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemical research. Typical career paths include pharmaceutical research scientist, drug development chemist, biotechnology specialist, or analytical scientist — and that’s just the beginning.

Here’s how Nottingham helps you turn your degree into a thriving career:

Dedicated Careers Support: The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and employer networking events — all tailored to help science graduates stand out.
Strong Employment Record: Around 89% of chemistry graduates from Nottingham are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, with an average starting salary of £26,000–£28,000.
Industry Partnerships: Through the placement year, students have worked with leading companies such as GSK, AstraZeneca, Unilever, BP, and Lubrizol, gaining real-world insights into the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Accreditation Advantage: This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meaning it meets the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status — a globally respected professional qualification.
Career-Ready Skills: The blend of lab experience, digital tools, and industry exposure prepares you for both research and leadership roles in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to keep exploring, this degree also opens doors to PhD research in medicinal or biological chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or materials chemistry. You could also pursue advanced master’s programmes focused on drug design, green chemistry, or biotechnology — continuing your path as a research innovator or academic scientist.