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Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology with Research in Industry

Course details
  • MChem
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Study Medicinal Chemistry at Liverpool and learn in a culture of research excellence. Medicinal chemistry is a great choice for those with a keen interest in medicinal chemistry, digital chemistry, analytical chemistry and sustainability, alongside traditional areas of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry.

The MChem degree in Chemistry equips graduates for a range of career opportunities in academic or industrial research, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and other fields requiring strong scientific and numerate skills. The programme also provides a foundation for further study in specialized or interdisciplinary areas of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. The programme offers a mix of interactive teaching, and practical work in our award-winning undergraduate laboratories, ensuring students develop advanced research skills, professional competencies, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s real-world applications. The programme offers a mix of interactive lectures, workshops, and practical work, ensuring students develop advanced practical skills, professional competencies, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s real-world applications.

During year 3 you will work with academics to delve into the research literature, an important aspect for all research chemists, or take an opportunity for wider research experiences through summer internships or local industry.

You will also spend your final year on a paid external/industrial placement, acquiring experience and awareness of practical chemistry in an industrial environment to further develop your commercial and professional skills. Previous examples of potential placements include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Liverpool ChiroChem.

The assessment strategy combines formative workshops and interactive lectures with summative methods including traditional exams, group projects, professional skill development and laboratory-based activities. Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics, physics and biology, which are essential for studying chemistry to a high level, we provide supportive sessions allowing you to tailor your development.

This degree is designed to help you graduate with deep knowledge of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, practical research experience, and the skills needed for success in advanced study or professional careers in pharmaceutical science and related fields.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Chemistry, Royal Society of

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F1B4
Institution code:
L41
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

ABB including Chemistry and a second science, or AAB including Chemistry at grade A if no second science. Accepted science subjects: Applied ICT Biology (and Human Biology) Computer Science Economics Electronics Environmental Science Further Mathematics Geography Geology ICT Life and Health Sciences Psychology Physics Statistics. For applicants studying A levels with English exam boards: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD

D*DD in BTEC National Extended Diploma. Applicants will be invited to take an assessment. Applicants must be completing the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science pathway and be studying the following optional modules: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry, Practical Chemical Analysis.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 33 credits M: 12 credits

Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction (including 15 in Chemistry and 15 in a second science) and 12 at Merit. Applicants will be invited to take an assessment.

Scottish Higher - AABBB - AAABB

Higher grades AABBB + Advanced Higher grades AB in Chemistry and a second science or Higher grades AAABB + Advanced Higher grade A in Chemistry

Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB - AAB

ABB including Chemistry and a second science or AAB including Chemistry at grade A if no second science

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

32 points overall with no score less than 4 and including 5 in HL Chemistry and 5 in one other HL science subject (or 6 in HL Chemistry if no other science being taken), or pass the IB Diploma with 6,5,5 in 3 Higher Level subjects, including 5 in HL Chemistry and 5 in one other HL science subject (or 6 in HL Chemistry if no other science being taken).

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus grades AB at A level including Chemistry and a second science (or grades AA at A Level including Chemistry, if no second science).

Extended Project - A

Applicants who offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and meet our offer criteria will be made the standard offer, plus an alternative offer. This will be at one A Level grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ, for example the offer would be ABB or BBB plus A in the EPQ, including Chemistry and a second science.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in Chemistry and a second science or H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H3 including H1 in Chemistry if no second science

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Mathematics and English at grade 4/C required. Applicants with equivalent qualifications or who do not meet these GCSE requirements will be considered on an individual basis according to their circumstances.

T Level

T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism. Additional test required

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Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The University of Liverpool is committed to supporting talented applicants from all backgrounds to succeed. One of the ways we support students and fair access to higher education is through making reduced offers as part of our contextual admissions strategy, the Liverpool Scholars programme, Realising Opportunities national collaboration of universities and Sutton Trust Pathways. Additional consideration may be given to applicants with disrupted education or extenuating circumstances.

Learn more on the University of Liverpool website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

If this is your first degree and you are a Home student applying for entry in 2026, you do not have to pay your fees upfront. Instead, you can take out a tuition fee loan which is paid straight to the University. This is available to most students, no matter what their household income.

Please note, for Home undergraduate students, 2026/27 fees have yet to be confirmed. Tuition fees are subject to increase each year, subject to the government’s regulated fee limits. For information, for UK students applying for 2025 entry the Tuition Fee was £9,535.

You will find full information about tuition fees in the “Fees and funding” section of all course pages on our website. Or see the “Paying for your studies” section of our website for more information.

Some of our programmes charge less than the full £9,535 fee:

• Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation element), run in collaboration with Wirral Metropolitan College.
• Programmes with a year in industry or a year abroad

Some programmes which include compulsory fieldwork or additional elements such as the Pilots Licence in Aerospace Engineering may incur additional costs. Where this is the case, those costs will be outlined at on-campus events such as the University Open Days or Applicant Discovery Days.

For further information please see: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/

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