Medicinal Chemistry Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
Course Overview - Medicinal Chemistry Master of Chemistry (with Honours) - MChem (H)
This career-focused MChem Medicinal Chemistry degree has been developed to equip students with the necessary expertise to excel in pharmaceutical and drug development settings. Whether your interests lie in understanding how medicines work at the molecular level, discovering new therapeutic compounds, or contributing to the fight against devastating diseases, the programme provides a focused, modern curriculum tailored to those ambitions. From day one, you will follow a chemistry curriculum that builds strong foundations in core areas such as chemical reactivity, molecular structure...
This career-focused MChem Medicinal Chemistry degree has been developed to equip students with the necessary expertise to excel in pharmaceutical and drug development settings. Whether your interests lie in understanding how medicines work at the molecular level, discovering new therapeutic compounds, or contributing to the fight against devastating diseases, the programme provides a focused, modern curriculum tailored to those ambitions. From day one, you will follow a chemistry curriculum that builds strong foundations in core areas such as chemical reactivity, molecular structure and bonding, and organic synthesis. As you progress through the degree, your learning will be increasingly focused on topics central to medicinal chemistry, including pharmacology, drug design, molecular modelling and the use of machine learning in drug discovery, as well as pharmaceutical analysis.
You will benefit from extensive hands-on laboratory experience, with practical classes designed to develop your technical skills and reinforce theoretical learning. Laboratory work is a key feature throughout the programme, allowing you to build confidence in experimental design, data analysis, and communication — all crucial for a successful career in the pharmaceutical sciences. In year 5, you’ll specialise further through an in-depth research project aligned with your interests and career goals. Chemistry graduates from Heriot-Watt University have a good reputation with employers who appreciate this unique combination of skills and knowledge, and alumni have secured roles with organisations including Veranova, GSK, Charles River Laboratories and Novo Nordisk. You’ll also be well prepared for postgraduate research to study for a PhD.
In addition to career pathways that directly use your practical skills and chemical knowledge, you can apply your problem-solving abilities, numeracy and other transferable graduate skills to various roles beyond chemistry. The broad range of skills involved in a chemistry degree means chemistry graduates are in high demand in other employment sectors, ranging from environmental protection to education, law and finance.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-13
Campus
Edinburgh Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A76-B56
Institution Code
H24
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
including Chemistry and Maths/Physics for entry to Year 1.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units for entry to Year 1.
Scottish Higher
including A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics/Physics at 5 for entry to Year 1.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths) for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
A level
Standard Entry Requirements: Must include Chemistry and Maths/Physics Minimum Entry Requirements: Must include Chemistry and Maths/Physics with one at B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths)
Scottish Higher
Standard Entry Requirements: Must include A in Chemistry and B in Maths/Physics/Engineering Science Minimum Entry Requirements: Must include B in Chemistry and B in one of Maths / Physics / Engineering Science.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics/Physics at 5
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with A in graded unit
Scottish HND
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
A level
including Chemistry and Maths
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Chemistry and Maths)
Scottish Advanced Higher
in Chemistry and Mathematics, plus Highers AAAB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
with Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics at 6.
Scottish HND
HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry) with BB in graded units.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £26,840 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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