MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry
About this course
MChem in Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry, a chemistry degree focused on the design and synthesis of therapeutic molecules, structural biology, and drug discovery processes. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Research Methods, and Statistics. The course includes a compulsory industrial placement year and culminates in an independent research project. The first year covers fundamental chemical principles through Organic Chemistry 1, Medicinal Chemistry 1, Fundamental Laboratory Skills, and Instrumental Methods of Analysis. The second year expands into structural chemistry, reactive intermediates, and Principles of Medicinal Chemistry. The third year builds expertise with Drug Development, Organic Chemistry 3: Structure and Reactivity, and Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry. The fourth year consists of a professional placement via the Year in Industry module. The final year involves advanced study in areas such as Advanced Organic Synthesis and Frontiers in Drug Development (Medicinal Chemistry 4), alongside optional modules in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry, complemented by a substantial Chemical Research Project.
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: AAA including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. IB: 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.
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What students say
Based on about 35 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Modules
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry 1
- Medicinal Chemistry 1
- Fundamental Laboratory Skills
- Instrumental Methods of Analysis
- Practical Skills for Chemistry 1
- Inorganic Chemistry 1
- Physical Chemistry 1
- Structural Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry 2
- Inorganic Chemistry 2
- Industrial and Green Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry 2
- Principles of Medicinal Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry 3
- Advanced Chemistry Options
- Drug Development
- Organic Chemistry 3: Structure and Reactivity
- Advanced Practical Work in Chemistry
- Year in Industry
- Advanced Organic Synthesis
- Chemical Research Project
- Frontiers in Drug Development (Medicinal Chemistry 4)
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- Frontiers in Sustainable Chemistry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £35,000. The £31,000 median after fifteen months is £1,000 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast?
88% 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 with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.
Does MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry at Queen's University Belfast?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.