Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science MRes
About this course
Develop your knowledge of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science by studying the complexities of organic synthesis, synthesis of biologically important molecules and NMR spectra.
This accredited Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science postgraduate degree covers a diverse range of materials, pharmaceutical and medicinal research and includes a substantial research-led project. You will also study current topics which include synthetic strategies involved in drug synthesis, disease state and the role of chemotherapeutics and the synthesis of drug-like molecules.
You will study under a Chemistry team comprised of academic and support staff that are subject experts in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. Scientists from AstraZeneca and Vectura deliver some of your module content and how it is relevant to their workplace. Other guest lecturers from different companies and universities also present their research to you.
Supporting you
As a postgraduate Chemistry student, you'll receive tailored support to help you develop the advanced laboratory skills needed for your research and future career.
When you choose your research project, you won’t be doing it alone. You'll work closely with your academic supervisor to identify the specific techniques and skills required for your project – whether that's analytical chemistry, synthesis, instrumentation, or something more specialised. From there, you’ll receive guidance and training to build those skills with confidence.
This personalised approach ensures you’re fully prepared to carry out your research to a high standard, while also developing practical expertise that’s highly valued in both academic and industrial settings.
What you’ll study
Masters Research Conference
As a postgraduate Chemistry student, you'll have the opportunity to take your research beyond the lab and into the spotlight at our prestigious Masters Research Conference – a highlight of the course and a unique platform to present your project work.
This event isn’t just an academic showcase – it’s a professional networking opportunity. Leading employers from across the industry are invited to attend, offering you the chance to discuss your research, exchange ideas, and make valuable connections that could shape your future career.
Top industry representatives also judge the event, awarding prizes for the most innovative and impactful projects – giving you the chance to stand out and get noticed.
Whether you're looking to continue into a research role or step into industry, this event is a powerful way to build your profile, gain feedback from professionals, and start building your network before you even graduate.
Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds (20 cp)
Develop knowledge in the synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules. Topics include retrosynthetic analysis and total synthesis of biologically important molecules; the controlled formation of C-C bonds and functional group transformations; and structure elucidation of complex molecules.
Computational Chemistry and Drug Design (20 cp)
This module explores contemporary approaches to computational chemistry, including molecular dynamics and docking, and their application to the first principles design of novel drugs.
Research Methods and Independent Study (20 cp)
This module provides an underpinning in research skills relevant to independent study. You will be introduced to the techniques required to formulate a research project and carry out a literature review. You will be given practice in the use of the library and learning resources including relevant IT packages.
Research Project (120 cp)
You will work on laboratory-based research and will evaluate and review the scientific literature relevant to the topic. Design and conduct experimental work, and present the findings in the form of a presentation, poster and written thesis.
Example of project titles:
- Drug delivery devices
- MRI contrast agents
- Peptide-mineral interactions
- Biomineralisation
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Asymmetric Synthesis
- Small Molecule Approaches to the Elucidation of Protein Function
- Multiplexing
- Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
- Fluorescence Microscopy
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
This programme is delivered by a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and tutorials, together with laboratory classes and an in depth laboratory based research project.
You will be assessed on a variety of components including:
- written exam
- oral presentation
- assignment
- poster presentation
- thesis
What equipment do we have?
As well as working and studying under the direction of world leading pharmaceutical and medicinal science staff you will gain hands on experience in a variety of modern instrumentation including:
- multi-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR)
- mass spectrometry
- transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
Coursework (60%), written (30%) and practical (10%)
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (10%) and independent study (90%)
Careers and employability
The pharmaceutical and chemical industry is a well-established market growth globally. There is a steady increase in international employment opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry.
Recent graduates have found positions as engineers, analytical chemists and researchers for employers like BAM Nuttall Ltd and Micromix Plant Health Ltd. Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of job markets including:
- pharmaceuticals
- petrochemicals
- polymers
- food and drinks
- liquid crystals
- advance materials engineering
- defence
- teaching
- finance and sales
Many graduates choose to undertake further study and this course provides a good basis for progressing to a PhD.
This Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science Masters course does not currently offer placements.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and Rosalind Franklin Building with your own allocated fume hood and access to equipment including mass spectrometers and NMR machines.
Our first-class facilities support our high quality teaching and world-leading research across subjects and disciplines. As a Chemistry student you will have access to the:
- a modern electron microscope suite.
- gas and liquid chromatography
- mass spectroscopy
- atomic absorption spectroscopy
- structure determination including powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction
- solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)
- infrared spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a chemistry-related subject including forensic science, pharmacology and pharmacy
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need one of the following:
- UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a chemistry-related subject including forensic science, pharmacology and pharmacy
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered
Student visas
Following an update to the immigration rules in January 2024, if you intend to study in the UK on a Student visa, you can only bring your partner / children (‘dependants’) if you are studying one of the following:
- a PhD or other doctorate (RQF8)
- a research-based higher degree.
Please note that all of our MRes courses are classed as ‘postgraduate taught’ and therefore do not meet the requirement for you to be accompanied to the UK by your dependants.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
The course fees for September 2025 and January 2026 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £17,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £8,925* |
* For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service at +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us at +44 (0)115 848 4460.
The course fees for September 2025 and January 2026 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £17,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £8,925* |
* For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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