the United Kingdom
Keele University| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MChem | Full-time | 4 - 5 years | - | - | - |
Are you looking to acquire the advanced knowledge and skills needed for a career as an independent researcher? If so, our accredited Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Integrated Master's MChem, offers a strong foundation across the entire spectrum of chemistry, with a particular emphasis on medicinal chemistry. You will apply key concepts in our cutting-edge laboratories and engage in both practical and professional development. This will equip you with the advanced analytical, problem-solving, and data processing skills, including predictive algorithms in drug design, to pursue a career in research or employment in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and related industries.
Course overview 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 also study a range of synoptic and advanced chemistry topics that include applied problem solving and research at the forefront of chemistry. As you complete your education as a professional chemist, you will develop a full toolkit of skills, including applied problem-solving, drug design, chemical synthesis and an understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.
You will also acquire practical confidence in using specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratories. Industry-ready graduates Designed to provide you with the specialist skills you will need as a professional, modern chemist, our chemistry courses have practical and professional development modules embedded throughout our curriculum. From hands-on experience using specialist computational tools and research-grade instrumentation in our sector-leading laboratory facilities, to dedicated career-focused sessions and authentic assessments, we will provide you with the knowledge, tools and connections to develop a strong foundation for your future career. Sector-leading in sustainability-education At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies.
In 2021 we were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021). Within the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences we promote sustainability through our teaching to raise awareness of the environmental issues within chemistry. On the programme you will explore how chemistry is placed within the social, political and economic context of 'the real world' with a heavy emphasis on environmental sustainability and the implications for humanity. You will also discover how chemistry associated with industrial processes has changed to become more sustainable and how it must continue to change to further this progress.
Find out more about Keele's commitment to sustainability . *We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges). Chemistry ranked No.1 in the UK with 96% of students expressing satisfaction with their course (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)* Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, our programme is relevant and valued by industry Work alongside active researchers in cutting-edge fields such as the chemistry-biology interface or drug optimisation Our practical and professional employability modules will ensure you develop the skills to succeed as a professional chemist Develop advanced practical skills using sector-leading laboratory facilities and research-grade instrumentation For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.
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