Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry

Chemistry with medicinal chemistry focuses on the interface between chemical science and the life sciences, examining how chemistry contributes to the understanding of biological systems and to the development of medicines that treat disease. Medicinal chemistry is concerned with the design and synthesis of molecules that have therapeutic effects, and with understanding how drugs interact with their biological targets at the molecular level. This is chemistry at its most socially consequential, contributing to the treatment of conditions from cancer and infection to neurological disorders and the diseases of an ageing population.

This five-year full-time MChem at the University of St Andrews provides a master's-level programme that takes you from the foundations of chemistry through to advanced work in biological and medicinal chemistry, reinforced throughout by extensive practical experience in the laboratory and familiarity with modern instrumental and computational techniques. You will learn about the critical role chemistry plays in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries and in addressing challenges such as antibacterial resistance. A year abroad is integrated into the programme, giving you the opportunity to study in a different scientific and cultural environment.

A typical entry tariff of 216 points reflects the high academic standards of this programme.

Graduates from chemistry with medicinal chemistry programmes are exceptionally well placed for careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical device industries, as well as in chemical research, forensic science, and academia. Many go on to doctoral research in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, or chemical biology. The master's-level qualification positions graduates for senior technical roles and research leadership from relatively early in their careers.