Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad
About this course
MChem, BSc in Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad, a chemistry degree focused on the molecular principles underlying pharmaceutical science. Core topics include Data Analysis. The course includes a study abroad period and practical laboratory work supported by specialist facilities on campus. The first year covers core chemistry fundamentals through Introduction to Modern Chemistry, Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future, Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills, and Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter. The second year progresses to advanced chemical principles and applications with Organometallics: from Bonding to Catalysis, Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life, Chemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, and Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics. Optional modules across the course allow students to study topics such as Maths for Scientists, Big Data, Big Science, and Ethical Issues in Chemistry. The final year offers advanced research-focused options such as Developing novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, The design and optimisation of novel inhibitors of amylin, Third generation drug discovery: human-on-a-chip, and Discovery of drugs and biomarkers for cancer therapy.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB BTEC: D*DD with a significant number of Chemical and Scientific Modules. IB: 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 43 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 110 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 27 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 165 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 16%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 36%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 13%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 130 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 96%
- Other HE qualification: 4%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- You’ll also begin to develop skills as an experimental chemist in our teaching labs, learning to:
- safely handle reagents/solvents and manipulate laboratory apparatus
- synthesize inorganic and organic molecules of straightforward structural complexity
- determine structure using spectroscopic data such as infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
- record data and physical measurements and comment on their precision and accuracy
- use PC-based spreadsheets, graphics and word-processing packages to manipulate and plot data and to prepare reports.
- Introduction to Modern Chemistry
- Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future
- Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills
- Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter
- Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology and Synthesis
- Chemistry of the Material World
- Maths for Scientists
- You’ll also have the option to study ethics or business within the degree programme or to complete a placement in a local school.
- Organometallics: from Bonding to Catalysis
- Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life
- Chemical Pharmacology and Drug Design
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
- Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Medicinal Chemists
- Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography
- Specialisms in Chemical Science
- Chemistry in the Real World
- Big Data, Big Science
- Ethical Issues in Chemistry
- Developing novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease
- The design and optimisation of novel inhibitors of amylin
- Third generation drug discovery: human-on-a-chip
- Discovery of drugs and biomarkers for cancer therapy
- Re-engineering bacterial toxins for drug delivery
- Developing novel inhibitors for bacteria toxins via DNA nanotechnology
- Biosensors for point-of-care detection of bowel diseases
- Optimisation of small molecule inhibitors for uncontrolled bleeding
- Developing an online drug discovery project for use in the undergraduate laboratory course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £30,500 after 15 months, £28,000 after 3 years, £35,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £45,000. The £35,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Is Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Medicinal Chemistry with Study Abroad at University of Leeds?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.