MChem Medicinal Chemistry
About this course
MChem (Hons) in Medicinal Chemistry, a chemistry degree focused on the design, development, and mechanisms of pharmaceutical drugs and medicines. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Communication & Writing. The programme includes practical hands-on work in specialized facilities, with an optional placement year in industry available. Year one introduces fundamental concepts through modules such as Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry, Fundamental Synthetic Chemistry, Laboratory and Computer Skills 1, and Spectroscopy and Analysis 1. Year two builds on this foundation with Structural Characterisation, Spectroscopy and Analysis, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Quanta, Laboratory and Skills 2 (MPC), and Principles of Biological Chemistry MPC Option. Year three covers advanced material via Investigative Projects for Medicinal Chemists, Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry, Drug discovery: from bench to bedside, and Science Communication. Year four involves independent research through Research Project, Contemporary Organic Synthesis, and Drugs: Mode of Action, Properties and Synthesis, alongside optional modules including Digital and Sustainable Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry and Associated Techniques, Biomedical Analytical Technologies, Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry, and Molecular Simulation and Bioinformatics.
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 to include Chemistry and preferably one other Science or Maths IB: 35 (6,6,5 HL) including HL Chemistry and preferably one other science or Maths at HL BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science: DDD to include optional modules 13, 14, 18 and 19 BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus A level Chemistry at Grade B BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus two A levels at Grades AB including Chemistry Preferred BTEC: Applied Science
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 77%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 58%
- Academic support: 82%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 8%
- East Midlands: 17%
- West Midlands: 12%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 15%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
- Fundamental Synthetic Chemistry
- Laboratory and Computer Skills 1
- Spectroscopy and Analysis 1
- Energetics and Equilibria 1
- Structure and Reactivity 1
- Structural Characterisation, Spectroscopy and Analysis
- Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Quanta
- Laboratory and Skills 2 (MPC)
- Structure and Reactivity 2
- Principles of Biological Chemistry MPC Option
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Investigative Projects for Medicinal Chemists
- Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry
- Drug discovery: from bench to bedside
- Science Communication
- Current Trends in Inorganic Chemistry
- Energy, Molecules and Applications
- Research Project
- Contemporary Organic Synthesis
- Drugs: Mode of Action, Properties and Synthesis
- Digital and Sustainable Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry and Associated Techniques
- Biomedical Analytical Technologies
- Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry
- Molecular Simulation and Bioinformatics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £27,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,500. The £35,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University?
77% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 136 UCAS points.
Is MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MChem Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.