Drug Chemistry Newcastle University

This course provides advanced training in modern organic and medicinal chemistry from conception to production of novel drugs. It enables you to understand and experience the way modern small molecule medicine is developing. You will gain hands-on experience of working within a medicinal chemistry team during your research project.

The course is suitable if you have a background in the chemical or pharmaceutical sciences. It includes 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit practical project.

Themes include drug design, metabolism and toxicology with an understanding of synthetic organic chemistry. Building on University research strengths, specialist topics include bio-imaging and modern approaches to chemotherapy. You will develop expertise in drug design as practised in the pharmaceutical industry and in academia.

You will also gain knowledge of modern and experimental therapies developing in the Northern Institute for Cancer Research.

Delivery

The course is delivered through the School of Chemistry in collaboration with the Northern Institute of Cancer Research and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. The School will provide personal study support throughout your course.

Your work is in chemistry and biology laboratories using modern analytical equipment with access to computer clusters, specialist computer software, online resources, an extensive library and dedicated study areas. All teaching takes place at the university's campus in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Facilities

The School of Chemistry has modern teaching and research facilities along with major research strengths in drug and medicinal chemistry. Our new teaching laboratories, costing £1.9 million, have recently opened.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 BSc honours degree, or international equivalent, in a chemistry related subject, such as:

• biochemistry
• chemical technology
• applied chemistry
• industrial chemistry

We also consider applicants whose undergraduate degree included a significant element of organic chemistry, such as:

• pharmacology
• pharmacy
• pharmaceutical sciences
• medicine
• veterinary science
• biology
• biomedical sciences
• zoology
• microbiology
• biotechnology
• genetics

Applicants with lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 1 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry : IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

• 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 1 sub-skill at 5.0 and 3 sub-skills at 5.5)
• 10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in all sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.