Program Overview
The Master's (Master) in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in natural sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 48 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in natural sciences.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Natural Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 48 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
Graduate with a degree from The University of Manchester's Chemistry Department and you'll be in demand among top graduate employers.* Our chemistry graduates are skilled in scientific methodology and are numerate, versatile and creative, making them attractive to employers from a range of sectors. As a medicinal chemistry graduate you will benefit from having an interdisciplinary grounding in both traditional chemistry and biochemistry, taught by leading academics in their field and industrialists from major pharmaceutical companies. Around half of our graduates get their first job directly using their chemical knowledge; 25% go on to study a further degree; and the remaining 25% opt for diversecareers in a variety of industries. Roles that graduates opt for include: AnalyticalChemistry; Biotechnology Science Communication; Finance; Management; Computing; IT. Whatever field you choose, a chemistry degree can open the doors through a variety of opportunities, preparing you for work in a lab, or providing you with the analytical skills vital for success as a graduate in both ascientific and non-scientific environment. Careers Service Throughout the academic year, we run an extensive programme of employability events to further enhance your employment prospects, most of which are open to all students from all years. These events are run in collaboration with the University's award winning Careers Service , involving various alumni, employers and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and include numerous drop-in sessions. Additionally, the Careers Service commits to supporting you for two years after your graduation, helping you to have the best start possible afteruniversity. * (Graduate Market in 2024 - High Flier's Research)
Accrediting organisations
BSc Chemistrywith Medicinal Chemistry is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry as satisfying the academic requirements for admission to Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC).It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).
Associated organisations
Graduates are eligible for Affiliate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry at a reduced rate. On graduation you can proceed to Associate or Full membership and Chartered Chemist Status (depending on degree class).
Program Curriculum
Course overview
A flexible degree providing a solid foundation in all core aspects of chemistry supplemented by specialist knowledge of medicinal chemistry. Over 80% of our recent graduates were in a graduate level job or further study within 6 months of finishing their course (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey). We areranked 4th in the UK and 7th in Europe for Chemistry (QS World University Rankings 2025). We're one of the most targeted universities by the UK's leading graduate employers ( High Fliers Research 2024 ) This course is accredited by the RSC. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem). Loading Think you know Chemistry? Discover the creative potential of a subject that has the scientific study of atoms, the building blocks of reality, at its heart.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities. Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible. Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab. Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Explore how you'll make your mark Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals , so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet. You will explore the following goals in your course: Goal 3: Good health and well-being Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production Goal 15: Life on land
Open days
Loading Chemistry student Zaynah tells us why she chose to study at Manchester. For details of the next University Undergraduate open day, visit our open days and visits  page. You can also view our Chemistry Virtual Open Day , and if you have any questions please just get in touch .
Contact details Department Department of Chemistry Contact name Admissions Office Telephone +44 (0) 161 306 0888 Email ug.chemistry@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk School/Faculty overview Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Chemistry
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A-level
AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject. Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year . Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either: a) sat your examinations early; or b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years. If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
A-level contextual offer
AAB, including A in Chemistry and B or above in at least one other science or mathematics subject. Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics. Find out more about contextual admissions . Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 9,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap , which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee home students pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year). Tuition fees for international students will be £37,800 for the 2026/27 academic year. For subsequent academic years, the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fee by up to 7% each year including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our education and wider student experience. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and visit the Department website .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap , which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee home students pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year). Tuition fees for international students will be £37,800 for the 2026/27 academic year. For subsequent academic years, the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fee by up to 7% each year including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our education and wider student experience. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and visit the Department website .
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-01-15
- Start Date 2018-09-19
- Language English
- Duration 48 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)
