Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry MChem

Course overview

Through Chemistry we can tackle the energy crisis, discover new medicines or develop new materials for 21st century needs, from polymers for drug delivery to more efficient batteries.

Our flexible undergraduate Chemistry degree is delivered by one of the UK's top Chemistry departments, which is ranked highly for both teaching and research. It provides a comprehensive programme of study to prepare you for a lab-based scientific career – but also helps build the practical, numeracy, logical and analytical skills that are valued by top graduate recruiters.

Years One and Two will set you up with a solid foundation in state-of-the-art chemistry. Here, you will build the experimental skills and theoretical knowledge across the core branches of modern chemistry, and learn how chemical scientists understand and shape the material world around us.

By branching into medicinal chemistry you will apply your chemical knowledge to the discovery, design, and synthesis of new drugs for clinical use. Our four-year Medicinal Chemistry degree combines a solid foundation in chemistry with specialist knowledge in advanced medicinal chemistry/biochemistry.

Specialist modules explore the process of medicinal drug discovery, from the initial concept of a new product to the discovery stage, clinical trials, scale-up, and production. You can explore the biochemistry of these processes, and how this leads to medical breakthroughs. In addition to research-led teaching from top academics, you will benefit from external lectures given by pharmaceutical industry leaders. You will also complete a final-year research project.

In Year Four you will complete an individual investigative project on a topic that reflects your passion. You can also select optional modules to support your research or broaden your knowledge.

We offer the distinctive opportunity to transfer across degree programmes, dependent on good academic progress, to include study abroad or industrial placements in the UK and beyond.

Study abroad

Any study abroad components for our medicinal chemistry degrees must be related to the field of medicinal chemistry.

Our programmes offer a range of options to work or study abroadLink opens in a new window for three, six or 12 months, for example at a pharmaceutical company or at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

We welcome applications for our International Foundation and Undergraduate courses from applicants from Jordan.

High School qualification is not considered for entry. We would require completion of an approved international foundation programme, such as the Warwick International Foundation Programme. Alternatively IB, A Levels, or other European or North American system will also be considered.

If you need any advice or guidance on the qualifications above, our Middle East and North Africa Team are here to help. Contact them at mena@warwick.ac.uk.

See our Jordan Country Information page for guidance, contacts and upcoming events in your country.

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

This course requires: Band A

Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.

Placements and work experience

Students in Chemistry are also supported through our Department of Student Opportunity to gain experience during vacation periods in other industry sectors including teaching, finance, data science, law, consultancy, marketing and IT and technology.

Undergraduate research

We also have an Undergraduate Research Support Scheme which allows undergraduate students to work on an academic research project in Chemistry or another department during the summer vacation.

Industrial Placement

Three to six months may be taken in industry between April and September in Year Three (subject to availability). Should you choose this option there will be the usual lectures, tutorials and workshops at Warwick during the first two terms, and you will sit your exams in March. The placement replaces the laboratory classes that the students at Warwick take during the summer term. As a further option, a 12-month industrial placement with integrated distance learning (via transfer to MChem with Industrial Placement) can replace Year Three of study and aims to provide students in developing a range of interactive skills, as well as gaining professional experience in an industrial environment.

The actual day-to-day running of the placement will be defined by the industrial supervisor but will be designed to be of maximum benefit to both you and the company, ensuring that your professional development will encompass as wide a variety of experience as possible in the context of the placement. During the placement, you will follow our core Year Three modules studied by distance learning.

You must also complete project work that is assessed by a written literature review, and an oral presentation about your project, followed by an interview during the first term of Year Four. The industrial supervisor will write a report assessing you on your attendance, enthusiasm, and commitment. These components make up the final grade for the placement, worth 75% of the year, which counts towards the final degree result. The words 'with Industrial Training' are added to the degree title.

It is also possible to carry out a 12-month industrial placement via an ‘Intercalated Year’. The placement should involve working for a company, institution, or organisation related to chemistry, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience, without formally counting towards the final degree result. The words ‘with Intercalated Year’ are added to the degree title.

Where our Chemistry degree can take you

Our graduates are active in fields as diverse as:

• Chemical Science
• Sustainable materials
• Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Development
• Laboratory Technical Services and Leadership
• Public Health
• Business and Financial Analysis
• Investment Management
• Management Consultancy
• Academic Research and Teaching
• Medicine and paramedic
• Secondary School Teaching

Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:

• Amazon
• Deloitte
• GSK
• HMRC
• HSBC
• KPMG
• NHS Trust
• Ovo Energy
• Royal Society of Chemistry

• Unilever
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Helping you find the right career

We have dedicated careers consultants who can support you with your career choices and skills to prepare you for recruitment processes. We offer one-to-one appointments and workshops to help you find a career path, find internship or work placements and hone your applications and interview technique. You can also attend tailored careers and networking events to connect with recruiters in your field.

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.