Medicinal Chemistry / Medicinal Chemistry with Management Studies MSc
Why choose this course?
You will gain the key skills required in this specialised area of science including computing and statistical skills, data collection, communication skills, time management, organisational and team-working skills.
Kingston University's links with industry provide a practical base for our courses (and complements the practical elements of the curriculum), which is also relevant to professional placement. They also help us to ensure the programme is kept up to date and relevant to the workplace.
Students choosing the 'with Management Studies' pathway will gain an insight into how the business world operates and be introduced to marketing concepts and people management skills.
Medicinal Chemistry MSc
| Mode | Duration | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | September 2023 |
| Full time | 1 year |
January 2024 September 2024 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | September 2023 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement |
January 2024 September 2024 |
| Part time | 2 years |
September 2023 January 2024 |
Medicinal Chemistry with Management Studies MSc
| Mode | Duration | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | September 2023 |
| Full time | 1 year |
January 2024 September 2024 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | September 2023 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement |
January 2024 September 2024 |
| Part time | 2 years |
September 2023 January 2024 |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- You will gain the knowledge and key skills required for a career in medicinal chemistry.
- You will acquire job-ready skills applying your learning to real-world challenges.
- Through a research project you will be able to study an area of interest in depth and gain valuable research skills.
What you will study
The aim of the programme is to teach students how medicinal chemistry is used to discover small molecule therapeutics or biologics. Also, it will arm students with critical and technical knowledge of the analysis, development and design of medicines plus related disciplines (such as drug screening and biomarkers). Students will study and explore recent trends in chemical and biological therapeutics and cutting-edge technologies used within the pharmaceutical industry.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry with Management Studies
The MSc in Medicinal Chemistry is made up of four taught modules each worth 30 credits and a research project worth 60 credits (180 credits total). All students will be provided with the University regulations. Full details of each module will be provided in module descriptors and on module pages within Canvas.
Core modules
Statistics and Quality Systems
30 credits
The module introduces students to the role of statistics and quality systems in modern analytical science. It demonstrates how a thorough understanding of statistical concepts, the analytical process and the quality systems and quality management paradigms collectively enable the consistent and reliable interpretation of analytical chemical data to support the economic requirements of a business organisation.
Design, Discovery and Development of Pharmaceuticals
30 credits
The module details the synthetic chemistry behind the development of drug molecules and evaluates quantitatively the structure activity effects from pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic perspectives. Advanced experimental techniques in spectroscopy and compound separation will be discussed in the context of drug discovery and development. The module also outlines the process for intellectual property protection and exploitation.
Medicinal Chemistry in the Pharmaceutical Industry
30 credits
The module is intended to allow students to gain knowledge and understanding of how medicinal chemistry is used to discover small molecule therapeutics or biologics. Topics such as computational chemistry, biomarkers and medical imaging also feature in the module. In addition, other study units relevant to the pharmaceutical industry are introduced; for example pharmacodynamics and assay screening techniques.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Analyse key aspects of the development of medicines by studying cutting edge developments in medicinal chemistry.
- Apply the tools studied in this module to solve drug discovery problems.
Manufacture and Clinical Trials of Medicines
30 credits
This module introduces the student to the different phases and types of clinical trials and the associated legal, regulatory and ethical issues. This includes statistical data analyses and how to manage and review clinical trial data in relation to evidence-based medicine. The technology and application of the manufacture of various medicine formulations are discussed and the place of biotechnological products introduced. The module also covers elements of medicines regulation with particular reference to the UK and European Union. Regulations are dealt with both within a general framework and specific areas including manufacturing, dealing with specialist products, regulation in clinical use, and licensing.
Project
60 credits
This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives.
- Critically evaluate the current literature.
- Carry out appropriate experiments in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical tests.
- Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner.
Optional modules
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
For students on the MSc in Medicinal Chemistry with Management Studies route, the programme is also fixed, with four taught 30 credit modules and a research project (which may centre on a business or management theme) worth 60 credits as shown below. This route is available to students starting in September or January.
Core modules
Business in Practice
30 credits
This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts such as, but not limited to Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector.
Students will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.
The module will explain and put into context business concepts to graduates from a variety of sectors including those encompassed by Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services.
Design, Discovery and Development of Pharmaceuticals
30 credits
The module details the synthetic chemistry behind the development of drug molecules and evaluates quantitatively the structure activity effects from pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic perspectives. Advanced experimental techniques in spectroscopy and compound separation will be discussed in the context of drug discovery and development. The module also outlines the process for intellectual property protection and exploitation.
Medicinal Chemistry in the Pharmaceutical Industry
30 credits
The module is intended to allow students to gain knowledge and understanding of how medicinal chemistry is used to discover small molecule therapeutics or biologics. Topics such as computational chemistry, biomarkers and medical imaging also feature in the module. In addition, other study units relevant to the pharmaceutical industry are introduced; for example pharmacodynamics and assay screening techniques.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Analyse key aspects of the development of medicines by studying cutting edge developments in medicinal chemistry.
- Apply the tools studied in this module to solve drug discovery problems.
Manufacture and Clinical Trials of Medicines
30 credits
This module introduces the student to the different phases and types of clinical trials and the associated legal, regulatory and ethical issues. This includes statistical data analyses and how to manage and review clinical trial data in relation to evidence-based medicine. The technology and application of the manufacture of various medicine formulations are discussed and the place of biotechnological products introduced. The module also covers elements of medicines regulation with particular reference to the UK and European Union. Regulations are dealt with both within a general framework and specific areas including manufacturing, dealing with specialist products, regulation in clinical use, and licensing.
Project
60 credits
This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives.
- Critically evaluate the current literature.
- Carry out appropriate experiments in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical tests.
- Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner.
Optional modules
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Staff teaching on this course
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories, including labs dedicated to analytical chemistry;
- new work areas and dedicated laboratories for research;
- specialist equipment, such as:
- gas and liquid chromatography
- electron microscopy
- a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
- nuclear science equipment
- thermal analysis
- x-ray diffractometers
- electrochemical analysis;
- computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.
Dedicated graduate facilities
In addition, you can use the dedicated Graduate Centre on campus. This includes:
- additional IT facilities
- seminar rooms
- social spaces and a canteen
- a learning resource centre with specialist libraries.
How we work with industry partners
Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the working environment.
If you choose to study this course, you will benefit from:
- real-world experience thanks to your MSc project, which you can undertake either:
- in industry – past students have undertaken project placements in the pharmaceutical industry, forensic labs, analytical consultancies, hospital labs and research labs – or
- as collaborative research with other laboratories;
- the latest views from visiting speakers – such as Vicki Barwick from LGC (an independent chemical analysis lab) and Stephen Paton from global pharmaceutical company Ely Lilley
- industry visits, such as to Cancer Research UK or the Clinical Trials Laboratories Service.
Current research in this subject
Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
Research includes the following themes:
- parasitology and microbiology
- haematology/immunology/cancer biology
- biomedical, pharmaceutical and instrumental analyses
- medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry
- clinical pharmacy and advanced drug delivery
- nutrition/exercise and sports science.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
