The University of Edinburgh
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MChem (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 30 graduates of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MChem (Hons) and other courses in Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry.

Overall student satisfaction
93 /100
30 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Chemistry

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £31000 £26500 £30500
25-75 percentile range £28000 - £34500 £21000 - £32000 £26000 - £41500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Chemistry

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26054 £24454 £29862
25-75 percentile range £22695 - £30096 £19702 - £30611 £23586 - £37101

Course Description

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry is concerned with understanding biological mechanisms and processes at the level of the atoms and molecules involved.

Through understanding the tools of synthetic chemistry and genetic manipulation, we can design and deliver pharmaceutical interventions.

You will learn how breakthroughs in the understanding of the molecular basis of diseases are being combined with cross-disciplinary advances in:

* chemistry

* biology

* nanotechnology

In addition, you will understand how these advances are helping to create new generations of innovative therapeutics.

The programme provides an understanding of the diverse range of molecules and macromolecules needed to build a living organism, including their:

* structures

* properties

* syntheses (in the lab and in vivo)

You will learn how biological molecules cooperate in finely-tuned networks and pathways or are organised into:

* macromolecular complexes

* membranes

* organelles

* cells

* tissues

This degree programme provides the intellectual framework for understanding this topic, building upon a solid foundation in chemistry and cell and molecular biology - from the fundamentals to the frontiers of current research.

The programme focuses strongly on the wide range of analytical and experimental skills necessary to practice the subject. It also provides insight into research via a final-year research project working at the cutting edge of the subject.

You may choose to undertake your project:

  • as a member of a research group in the University of Edinburgh

Or

* at one of our partner universities overseas

Or

* in a company or research institute in the UK or abroad

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MChem (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

30% Secretarial and related occupations
15% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Teaching Professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5%
5% Media Professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component.

TOEFL (iBT) 92

Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

Cambridge English Advanced

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Cambridge English Proficiency

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Trinity ISE

ISE II with distinctions in all four components

PTE Academic 62

Total 62 with at least 54 in each component

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, MChem (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MChem (Hons)

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £34800 year 1
International £34800 year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)
  • year 2

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #2 
    • #5 
    Chemistry
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #6 
    Chemistry
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #64 
    Chemistry
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #201 
    Chemistry
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

See all 40 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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