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Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science MRes

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): January 2024, September 2024, January 2025
  • Duration: One year full-time / Two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

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.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

  • 100% of postgraduate chemistry students who entered employment are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).

Course accreditation

  • Royal Society of Chemistry logo

What you’ll study

You will study four modules which will include an extensive research project. If you are a part-time student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.

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

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

Contact hours

Lectures / seminars / workshops (10%) and independent study (90%)

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.

Staff Profiles

Warren Cross - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Warren Cross, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science at Nottingham Trent University.

David Richardson - Academic Skills Tutor

Libraries and Learning Resources

Find out more about Dr David Richardson, Academic Skills Tutor and Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Analytical and Physical Chemistry at Nottingham Trent University.

John D Wallis - Associate Lecturer

Emeritus Professor of Organic Chemistry

Find out more about John D Wallis, Associate Lecturer, in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Valeria Puddu - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Valeria Puddu, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Ray Leslie - Student Academic Experience Manager

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Ray Leslie, Student Academic Experience Manager in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science.

How you’re assessed

Coursework (60%), written (30%) and practical (10%)

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.

Find out more

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 will have access to a range of first-class facilities and equipment at the School of Science and Technology. Our laboratories are modern and well-equipped with:

  • up-to-date scientific, electronic and computing equipment
  • a modern electron microscope suite.

You will also have access to specialist facilities for:

  • 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.

Rosalind Franklin Building
This facility provides you with access to some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment ensuring that you receive excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
We invested £2.3 million in the construction of this building and this has proven to be a worthwhile investment, as this facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.

Natural Sciences Research Facility
This facility supports and enhances the School's research in physics, biosciences, chemistry, imaging, materials and sport.

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.

Fees and funding

Course fees for January 2024 entries are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £16,800
Part-time £4,650 £8,400*

Course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 entries are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £17,500
Part-time £4,850 £8,750*

* 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.

Course fees for January 2024 entries are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £16,800
Part-time £4,650 £8,400*

Course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 entries are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £17,500
Part-time £4,850 £8,750*

* 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.

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.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised

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