BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (International or Placement Year)

Keele University campus

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry program at Keele University integrates the fundamental principles of chemistry with specialized training in medicinal chemistry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery and development. This program is designed to equip students with the skills required for careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, emphasizing the application of chemistry to solve real-world problems in drug design and synthesis. Students have the option to undertake an international study year or a placement year, enhancing their global perspective or gaining valuable industry experience.The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry experience equips students with the expertise required to contribute to the development of new medicines and technologies that benefit society. Graduates are well-positioned for roles as medicinal chemists, research scientists, quality control specialists, and regulatory affairs professionals, among others, shaping the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation.

  1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program combines core chemistry modules with specialized medicinal chemistry topics, covering areas such as drug design, molecular pharmacology, and synthesis of bioactive molecules. Students develop a strong foundation in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry alongside an understanding of how chemical principles are applied in medicinal contexts.

  2. Laboratory and Practical Skills: Practical experience is central to the program, with students gaining hands-on skills in synthetic chemistry, spectroscopy, and computational methods. Laboratory sessions and research projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.

  3. Medicinal Chemistry Focus: The curriculum emphasizes medicinal chemistry concepts, including structure-activity relationships, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. Students learn how to design and optimize drug candidates, considering factors such as potency, selectivity, and bioavailability.

  4. International Study Year: Students can opt for an international study year, providing an opportunity to broaden their academic horizons and experience different cultures. This immersive experience fosters global awareness and enhances employability in the international pharmaceutical industry.

  5. Placement Year: Alternatively, students can undertake a placement year in industry, working with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or regulatory bodies. The placement year allows students to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.

  6. Research Opportunities: Keele University offers research-led teaching, and students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects. This exposure to research enhances critical thinking and prepares students for postgraduate studies or careers in research and development.

Pollster Education

Location

Keele University campus

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 17900

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 60% or above.  

English Language Proficiency: 

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 87, with a minimum score of 21 in each section.
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 64, with no sub-score below 58.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Keele University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to attract and assist international students in pursuing their studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate students. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £2,500 per year for the duration of the undergraduate program. Eligibility is based on academic merit and applicants are automatically considered when they submit their application for admission.

Keele International Student Scholarship: The Keele International Student Scholarship is available to international students enrolling in a postgraduate taught master's degree program. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £3,000. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for their chosen postgraduate program.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: Keele University participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, which is funded by the UK government. The scheme provides full tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for students from developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is available for selected master's degree programs in specific fields of study.

Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and contribute to the global community. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for the first year of study. Eligibility is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Keele University also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Examples include the Keele Nigeria Scholarship and the Keele ASEAN Scholarships, which provide financial support to students from Nigeria and Southeast Asia, respectively.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may vary each year.

The BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry degree from Keele University prepares students for diverse and rewarding career paths within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. Graduates of this program possess a unique blend of chemistry expertise and specialized knowledge in medicinal chemistry, making them highly sought after in industries focused on drug discovery, development, and healthcare innovation. 

  1. Medicinal Chemist: Graduates can pursue roles as medicinal chemists, where they contribute to the design, synthesis, and optimization of new drug candidates. Medicinal chemists play a crucial role in developing therapeutically effective and safe medicines to treat various diseases.

  2. Pharmaceutical Research Scientist: Careers in pharmaceutical research involve conducting experiments to identify and validate drug targets, testing the efficacy and safety of new compounds, and optimizing drug formulations. Research scientists work in multidisciplinary teams to advance drug discovery projects.

  3. Quality Control and Assurance: Graduates can work in quality control and assurance roles within pharmaceutical companies, ensuring that drugs meet regulatory standards for safety, potency, and purity. They may be involved in validating analytical methods and conducting stability studies.

  4. Process Chemistry: Process chemists are involved in scaling up laboratory syntheses to manufacturing processes, optimizing chemical processes for large-scale production of pharmaceutical compounds. They play a critical role in developing efficient and cost-effective manufacturing strategies.

  5. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Careers in regulatory affairs involve ensuring that pharmaceutical products comply with regulatory requirements and standards. Graduates may work on submitting regulatory filings, managing compliance issues, and liaising with regulatory authorities.

  6. Clinical Research Associate: Graduates can pursue roles as clinical research associates, coordinating and monitoring clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs. Clinical research associates work closely with healthcare professionals and trial participants.

  7. Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals: The knowledge and skills acquired in this program are relevant to careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors, where graduates can work on developing biologic drugs, vaccines, and personalized medicine.

  8. Further Studies: The program also prepares students for postgraduate studies, including MSc and PhD programs in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and related fields. Advanced degrees can lead to research-focused or academic positions in universities, research institutions, and industry.


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