MChem (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

If you’re aiming to enter one of the world’s most innovative and fast‑moving industries, our MChem (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, provides the advanced training and extended research experience that employers increasingly look for. This integrated master’s degree option equips you with the scientific depth, practical expertise and professional confidence needed to thrive in pharmaceutical development and drug discovery. You’ll build a strong foundation in core chemistry before progressing into specialist areas such as drug testing, drug efficacy, computer‑aided drug design and pharmaceutical quality control.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Biological and Chemical Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time; 5 years with placement; 5 years with study abroad | Study mode: integrated, full-time, placement year available | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Our medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry degree will prepare you for a career in one of the most innovative and exciting sectors. As soon as you start, you’ll be learning through hands‑on experience in our specialist laboratories, using industry‑standard equipment to explore how molecules behave, how reactions occur and how medicines are developed. Year 1 core: Atoms to Molecules, Chemical Analysis and Data Skills, Rates and Reactivity, Professional Chemist. Year 2 core: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Structural Characterisation and Spectroscopy, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis. Year 3 core: Horizons in Chemistry and Techniques, Drug Discovery in Action, Modern Approaches to Chemical Challenges, Research Project. Year 4 core: Research Perspectives in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Advanced Techniques and Technologies in Chemistry, Advanced Project.

Career pathways

Achieving an MChem in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry opens the door to a wide range of specialist careers across the fine chemical, pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental monitoring, food and drink, materials, utilities, aerospace, automotive, information technology and telecommunications sectors. The advanced scientific training and extended research experience gained through the integrated masters route give you a strong advantage when applying for competitive roles in drug discovery, chemical development and analytical science.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A levels - grades BBB or equivalent, to include grade C or above in Chemistry (with Pass in Practical Assessment). Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (1080) in Applied Science – DDM to include relevant Chemistry modules. Pass Access to HE Diploma in Science with a minimum score of 122 UCAS tariff points to include relevant Chemistry units. IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 30 or minimum 120 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Chemistry. Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. The equivalent of A level grade C in a relevant subject will be required as part of any offer. A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement. AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A level-equivalent qualifications. Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course. GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language or Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English. and GCSE grade C/4 or above in Mathematics or Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics. IB: Pass the IB Diploma with minimum 30 points overall or 122 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Chemistry. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English and Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 4 in Mathematics. IELTS: 6.0 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date.

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time; 5 years with placement; 5 years with study abroad

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucas.com

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