Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Integrated Masters - MChem

Keele University

Our Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Integrated Master's MChem will provide you with a deep understanding of the complex biological and chemical problems that are involved in the design and synthesis of innovative clinical drugs. Threading sustainability and industrial chemistry through traditional chemical principles and theories, you will also explore the pivotal roles chemistry and medicinal chemistry play in addressing global, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

In your first two years of your MChem degree, you will study the organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry fundamental to medicinal chemistry. As you progress, you will explore how drug molecules interact with the body and apply this knowledge to drug design.

Your development as a professional chemist is a central theme throughout the degree and you will benefit from embedded core practical, professional and employability skills woven throughout each year of your studies. To personalise your learning you will have the opportunity to choose optional modules topics that align with your career aspirations or personal interests.

Your learning will be supported through interactive teaching, workshops and small group activities as well as frequent opportunities to apply key concepts in laboratory classes. Group-based investigative project work in your first and second year provides a structured approach to developing your skills and expertise.

During your third year you will have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and undertake an independent research project. Rather than scripted laboratory work, you will collaborate with an academic member of staff to complete approximately 80 hours of project work, spread over both semesters. You will also complete a literature review, giving you the opportunity to deep-dive into an area of your own personal interest, which you may connect to your research project, or diversify into another area.

The majority of your final year is devoted to your year-long independent research project. Studying in a collaborative research environment, your project will advance knowledge and tackle a new question in your subject, preparing you for contributions to scientific literature.

Alongside your project you will participate in a series of research skills seminars that will train you in aspects of chemical research, advanced analytical techniques, and how to present data and scientific arguments to publication standard.

You will graduate with the advanced knowledge, laboratory and research skills to pursue a career in research or you may wish to enter a profession within the pharmaceuticals industry. You may also choose to complete further learning at PhD level.

Roles that are related to your degree include:

Academic chemist

Analytical chemist

Chemical engineer

Environmental scientist

Forensic scientist

Material scientist

Medicinal chemist

Pharmaceutical scientist

Policy advisor

Research assistant

Science communicator

Science teacher

Synthetic chemist

Toxicologist

Transferable skills you can acquire include:

Applied problem-solving

Communicating scientific information to a variety of audiences

Digital tools

Independent open-ended scientific investigation 

Research and presentation

Teamwork

Time management and organization

Foundation year

Studying a Foundation Year, for whatever reason, offers an alternative route to Keele, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, build your confidence.

Duration of study

4 years or 5 years with international or placement year