Medicinal Chemistry

Imagine being able to understand and even shape the world around you - chemistry allows you to do just that! Chemistry is the central science tackling everything from the biggest global challenges to the smallest details of daily life. How can we create life-changing medicines to fight disease? How can we understand and influence chemical processes within our body and their link to disease? Chemistry answers these crucial questions and more.

By studying a BSc degree in Medicinal Chemistry, you will discover where science meets healthcare, and how to design and develop the molecules that become life-saving drugs. Medicinal Chemistry combines chemistry, biology, biomedical and pharmaceutical science to understand how chemical compounds interact with the body and how they can be optimised to treat diseases more effectively. From hit to lead drug discovery, to developing sensitive analytical tools and creating targeted cancer therapies, medicinal chemists play a vital role in modern healthcare. Whether you're synthesising new compounds in a laboratory or modelling chemical reactions on a computer, medicinal chemistry offers a dynamic mix of theory and practice in an intellectually exciting field that directly impacts lives and drives innovation in medicine.

All of our BSc degrees offer the option of an additional Year in Industry that provides career-boosting experience and insight into how chemistry drives the modern world.

The School of Chemistry at Leicester isn’t just one of the best in the UK for teaching and research - it’s a place where Chemistry comes alive. We take pride in our reputation as a vibrant, welcoming School where students thrive. You’ll join high-quality courses designed to open doors to a diverse range of careers, from research and pharmaceuticals to energy, technology, finance, and beyond. From day one, you’ll work in state-of-the-art labs, guided by passionate academics who are also leading researchers in fields such as the Chemistry of Life and Chemistry for a Sustainable Future. You won’t just learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs—you’ll be part of them. In your final year, you’ll undertake your own research project, collaborating with experts and applying real-world techniques to explore the frontiers of chemistry. It’s hands-on, high-impact and the perfect launchpad for your future.

What's the difference between a BSc and an MChem?

We offer two different Chemistry subjects, which are available as follows:

• BSc (3 years), BSc with a Year in Industry (4 years)

• MChem (4 years), MChem with a Year in Industry (4 years), MChem with a Year Abroad (4 years)

Study for a BSc and you will receive rigorous training in chemistry and related, transferable skills – which will put you in a strong position to apply for a range of different employment sectors. Or you may want to continue your studies by applying for a Masters degree (MSc).

If you specifically want to find work as a chemist, whether in industry or the public sector, you should consider an MChem. The extra depth of experience and knowledge you will gain is valued by prospective employers that use chemical processes, and will keep you competitive in the job market against graduates who may have studied for the longer degrees taught in some European countries. Alternatively, an MChem provides a solid basis for progressing to a PhD.

Each of our MChem degrees share a common first two years with the respective BSc, during which you can switch between them (transfer from BSc to MChem is subject to satisfactory progress). Both the MChem and BSc degrees are taught and assessed to the same high standards. The difference is one of content, not quality.

Also please note that the Year Abroad option is not available on our BSc degrees.

Course Modules

For more information on this course and a full list of modules, visit the course information page on our website

For more information on the methods of assessment on this course, visit the course information page on our website