Medicinal Chemistry Courses in UK

Medicinal Chemistry Courses in UK

Medicinal chemistry involves the combined study of chemistry and pharmacy. This multidisciplinary program focuses on the study, analysis and development of chemical compounds used in pharmaceutical drugs. Medicinal chemistry widely contributes to the pharmaceutical industry, and the course has gained attention from international students in recent years. Here’s everything you need to know about medicinal chemistry courses in the UK.

Medicinal chemistry degree in the UK: Highlights

Course typeFull-time
Course duration

Undergraduate degree: 3-5 years

Postgraduate degree: 1-4 years

Doctorate: 1-3 years

Medicinal chemistry requirements

Undergraduate degree: A student from a science background.


 

Postgraduate degree: A student with an undergraduate degree in medicinal chemistry, chemistry, or any equivalent course.


 

Doctoral degree: A student with a postgraduate degree in medicinal chemistry, chemistry, or any equivalent course.

English proficiency

IELTS: 6.0-6.5

PTE: 59

Fees range£13,000-£30,000

Data updated as of June 2023

Medicinal chemistry: An overview

  • Medicinal chemistry studies the discovery, identification, design, development, and preparation of biologically active compounds and uses them in pharmaceutical drugs.
  • This field of study contributes to the effective production of medicines after thorough testing to conclude that the compounds are safe for human consumption.
  • Medicinal chemistry is in high demand in the global market. The drug discovery market is expected to show remarkable growth of 13.5% or more from 2022 to 2029. The industry is only anticipated to grow, considering the high requirement for medicines.

Why study medicinal chemistry courses in the UK?

  • UK universities have a great reputation for providing international students with the finest theoretical and practical experience. The courses are structured to equip them with knowledge and skills before beginning their careers.
  • According to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the pharma sector widely contributes to the country's economic growth. The industry has a remarkable turnover and a high employment rate, making it a successful sector in the UK.

Best countries to pursue medicinal chemistry

Different study levels in medicinal chemistry in the UK

Eligibility criteria for medicinal chemistry degrees in the UK

UK universities have a remarkable education system, making the country a top study destination for international students. When applying for a course, check if you satisfy the eligibility criteria before sending your application. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for medicinal chemistry courses in the UK.

Eligibility criteria to study medicinal chemistry in the UK

FactorEligibility criteria
Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: A student from a science background.


 

Postgraduate degree: A student with an undergraduate degree in medicinal chemistry, chemistry, or any equivalent course.


 

Doctoral degree: A student with a postgraduate degree in medicinal chemistry, chemistry, or any equivalent course.

English proficiency

IELTS: 6.0-6.5

PTE: 59

VisaUK student visa

Data updated as of June 2023

Note: The minimum grades, educational requirements, and English proficiency scores differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Student requirements to study medicinal chemistry courses in the UK

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the university will request some documents to proceed with your application process. Here are some of the standard documents required by educational institutions.

  • Academic transcripts
  • Application form
  • CV
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Statement of purpose
  • Admission exam results

Visa requirements for international students to study in the UK

VisaCost
UK student visa (outside UK)GBP £363

Data updated as of June 2023

Documents required for international students to apply for a visa in the UK

  • Your passport
  • Your tuberculosis test results
  • Proof of financial support
  • Written consent from the financial sponsor
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
  • Parental or legal guardian consent (if the international student is under 18)
  • Proof of parental or legal guardian relationship (if the international student is under 18)

Top universities for medicinal chemistry in the UK

UniversityTimes Higher Education Ranking 2023
University of Glasgow82
University of Exeter137
Newcastle University139
University of Leicester163
University of Liverpool176
Cardiff University187
Loughborough University351-400
Keele University501-600
Manchester Metropolitan University601-800

Data updated as of June 2023

Top medicinal chemistry courses in the UK

  • MSc Medicinal Chemistry
  • MD Medicinal Chemistry
  • PhD Medicinal Chemistry
  • MPhil Medicinal Chemistry
  • BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
  • MSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
  • BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
  • MSc Medicinal Chemistry with Management Studies
  • BSc Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
  • BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry With Study Abroad
  • MSc/PGDip/PGCert Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry

Average fees to study medicinal chemistry in the UK

Fees for medicinal chemistry courses in the UKAverage fees
Minimum fees£13,000
Maximum fees£30,000

Data updated as of June 2023

Cost of living for international students in the UK

The average annual cost of living for an international student in the United Kingdom is around £16,000.

Data updated as of June 2023

Scholarships for medicinal chemistry courses in the UK

A scholarship is a grant for students to ease their financial burden while studying abroad. Edvoy has partnered with educational institutions in the UK to offer scholarships to international students pursuing higher education. The scholarships are:

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded to international students with excellent academic performance. Institutions reward scholarships to students with academic achievements according to their grades.

Early Bird Scholarships

Early Bird scholarships are applicable to international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees within a given time. These scholarships reduce students' financial burden by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees.

Note: Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the University deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.

Job opportunities for medicinal chemistry graduates in the UK

The pharmaceutical industry has been introducing various job opportunities over the years, paving the way for medicinal chemistry graduates for a scopeful career. The courses provide students with the knowledge, improve their skills, and prepare them for a remarkable career ahead.

How much does a medicinal chemistry graduate earn in the UK?

A medicinal chemistry degree offers international students a wide range of job opportunities. The average annual salary of a Medicinal Chemist in the UK is around £36,500.

Graduates in entry-level positions earn about £31,500, while experienced employees earn over £47,500 per year.

Data updated as of June 2023

What are the career opportunities for medicinal chemistry in the UK?

  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Lab Analyst
  • Academic Researcher
  • Biotechnologist
  • Scientist
  • Immunologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Toxicologist

What are the career prospects for medicinal chemistry in the UK?

  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Research & development
  • Immunology
  • Genomics
  • Enzymology
  • Production
  • Quality Assurance

Post-study work permit for medicinal chemistry graduates in the UK

CountryName of post-study work visaTime of stay in the country
UKGraduate visa2 years

Data updated as of June 2023

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Medicinal chemistry courses in the UK

Medicinal chemistry offers various specialisations for international students and helps them gain knowledge and skills to find the best opportunity that suits their interests. Here are the top medicinal chemistry courses in the UK:

FAQ

Whether something is easy or hard is relative to your experience and skills. If you are well prepared and work hard, whilst there may be difficult times, you should be able to see the degree through. Always make sure you ask for help from tutors or other university staff if you are finding things too difficult, and they should be able to help.
Absolutely! Studying abroad opens the doors to meeting new people and new opportunities. You can get many experiences that can benefit you in the long run, such as your future career and well-being.
You will have access to a greater variety of courses, some from reputable universities, that will open up your opportunities. It also allows you to live in United Kingdom once you’ve graduated.

This can vary depending on the intuition, so ensure that you check. However, in general, you will need the following: 

  • Academic transcripts
  • Application form
  • CV
  • Letter of recommendation
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Statement of purpose 
  • Admissions test results 

Here are some of the top medicinal chemistry courses in the UK.

  • MSc Medicinal Chemistry
  • MD Medicinal Chemistry
  • PhD Medicinal Chemistry
  • BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
  • MSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
  • MSc Medicinal Chemistry with Management Studies
  • BSc Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
  • BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry With Study Abroad
MSc medicinal chemistry requirementsA student with an undergraduate degree in medicinal chemistry, chemistry, or any equivalent course.
English proficiency

IELTS: 6.0-6.5

PTE: 59

Here are some career options for international students with a medicinal chemistry degree.

  • Toxicologist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Academic Researcher
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Pharmacology
  • Research & development
  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Immunology
  • Enzymology

The average annual salary of a Medicinal Chemist in the UK is around £36,500.

Highlights

  • Institutions offering the courses
    Institutions offering the courses
    100
  • Count of UG courses
    Count of UG courses
    86
  • Count of PG courses
    Count of PG courses
    7
  • Count of Doctorate courses
    Count of Doctorate courses
    4
  • Fee range (min-max)
    Fee range (min-max)
    £13,000 - £30,000

Countries with Medicinal Chemistry courses