Start date
22 September 2025
Duration
4 years inc. placement year
Places available (subject to change)
30
About the course
Reasons to study
- Gain valuable real-world experience in your third year on a placement year in industry or with an academic research group.
- Your learning will take place in new £18.2 million facilities like our modern chemical sciences labs where you'll undertake hands-on practicals.
- You'll be taught by staff who are all educated to doctoral level and are specialists in their academic fields, and you'll complete a research project under their supervision.
Our Pharmaceutical Chemistry MSci degree gives you the chance to explore the fundamentals of organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology, while developing a specialism in pharmaceutics. Where this course differs from the Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc(Hons) degree is that the third year of the MSci is a compulsory UK placement year in industry, a government agency or academic research group. We’ll support you to find a place that’s right for you and wherever you choose to go, you’ll complete academic assignments alongside your work experience.
This advanced degree opens you up to potentially exciting career opportunities where you can make an impact in a variety of fields including pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical analysis, research and teaching, healthcare and chemical analysis and chemical manufacturing.
You can also develop your logical reasoning skills and your ability to use imaginative thinking to approach real-world problems. Some of the core modules you’ll study on this course include physical chemistry, infectious diseases and therapeutics and drug degradation.
Taught by doctoral level staff, you’ll be gaining real-world experience in this course by learning in our new £18.2-million facilities, which include purpose-built state-of-the-art chemistry and pharmaceutical labs where you’ll use modern instrumentation.
In your final year, you’ll delve deeper into the complexities of targeted synthesis of organic compounds, molecular targets and drug design, and also have the opportunity to complete a chemically based independent research project. You can pursue the topics that interest you the most, or that you wish to examine further in your future career.
Why study Pharmaceutical Chemistry MSci
You’ll be learning from the best in this course, as the University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. Not only that, but our teaching staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates (HESA 2022).
Course detail
Core modules:
Introduction to Analytical Science and Spectroscopy
This module aims to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the range of skills required in modern analytical science and illustrate how analytical methodology underpins scientific investigation across the conventional discipline boundaries. The module will build on and develop your prior knowledge of analysis whilst not assuming any particular area of expertise and will also endeavour to improve your numerical, IT and communication skills by illustrating analytical methodology in the context of these key skill areas. This module also aims to develop your ability to obtain and interpret a wide range of spectroscopic data in a systematic and logical fashion. In this way you'll be taught to apply your knowledge to a wide range of new problems and in so doing develop your general problem solving skills. The module will be taught primarily by lectures and tutorials with illustrative practical work to highlight salient points from the lecture material.
The Reactivity and Properties of Carbon Compounds
This module teaches you to recognise a range of functional groups and to name systematically compounds that contain them. Structure and bonding in organic compounds are discussed, as are the concepts of the octet rule, orbital hybridisation, formal charge, bond polarisation and resonance. The importance of molecular geometry is introduced and the basic principles of molecular conformation and of stereochemistry are covered. In preparation for the chemistry to follow, an integrated treatment of the 'language of chemical change' is presented. The ideas of mechanism and reaction intermediates are met, together with the curly arrow symbolism which chemists use to represent the electron movement inherent in chemical reactions. In the second half of the module, the chemistry of the principal functional groups is considered, using the ideas developed earlier. The lecture programme is reinforced by regular tutorials in which problems are worked. Running parallel to the lecture programme is a continuously assessed practical course that introduces you to the basic techniques of preparative organic chemistry.
Physical Chemistry 1
This module covers four areas of physical chemistry: Units, Conversions and the Properties of ideal and non-ideal Gases, Solution Chemistry of Acids, Bases and Salts, Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis, and Introductory Thermodynamics
Pharmaceutics 1
This module introduces you to the underpinning physical pharmaceutics and the skills appropriate for the formulation and compounding of medicines prepared extemporaneously. You'll also be introduced to a range of dosage forms and will adopt best practice in the preparation of a range of extemporaneous preparations including sourcing formulae, performing calculations and record keeping.
Biochemistry 1
Biochemistry 1 gives a basic account of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and is illustrated by reference to such molecules as haemoglobin. A firm grounding in enzyme action is provided and this is supported by a number of practical classes. The relationship between genes and proteins and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology are emphasised. A foundation in the study of metabolism is provided, directing you towards an understanding of the underlying principles rather than rote learning of metabolic pathways. The subject provides the basis for further studies in subjects such as Cell Structure and Pharmacology. The subject is delivered by formal lectures and in laboratory classes. However your learning is supported by tutorial classes, the provision of web-based material and, where necessary, a limited amount of individual tuition.
Physiology 1: Structure and Function
This module covers all the major organs of the body together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health.
Core modules:
Organic Chemistry 2
This module provides coverage of the more important methods of forming carbon-carbon single and double bonds. Following on from year 1 carbonyl chemistry, some more advanced aspects of carbonyl chemistry will be discussed. Main-group elements and their role in synthesis will also be considered. Retrosynthetic analysis will be introduced in the context of carbonyl chemistry and will be developed to enable you to plan some complex multistep syntheses. The synthesis and reactions of the main classes of simple heterocyclic compounds will be covered. The chemistry of other biologically-important compounds such as carbohydrates amino acids will also be detailed. More advanced aspects of stereochemistry are covered, and the relationship between conformation and reactivity is explored. The module has a practical component which focuses on the use of more advanced techniques for the preparation, isolation and analysis (IR and NMR) of target molecules. A part of the practical session is devoted to the isolation of stereochemically pure products.
Analytical Science 2
In this module you'll have the opportunity to consolidate the interpretative skills learnt in the module Analytical Science 1 and extend these to the analysis of spectra from more complex organic molecules. The majority of samples encountered in analytical science are mixtures, you'll be introduced to the basics of the most widely used forms of chromatography and a number of application areas of each will be described including the application of combined separation and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally you'll be introduced to a selection of instrumental analyses including atomic spectroscopy, thermal methods and electrochemical techniques, and statistical methodology which provide solutions to many of the analytical problems which are encountered in modern society. This module aims to develop your abilities in these directions to enable you to design an analytical process whilst further developing your IT, communication and numerical skills.
Pharmaceutics 2
This module builds on the pharmaceutics provided in the first year module Pharmaceutics 1. You’ll be introduced to the pharmaceutical dosage form, design of tablets and capsules, and have the opportunity to gain an understanding of biopharmaceutics together with an appreciation of bioequivalence, which supports the choice of medicines. The module will also introduce you to the basics of pharmaceutical industrial practice, for example, pre-formulation issues and unit processes and controls, the application and theory of GMP including standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Cell Biology
This module will extend and develop your understanding and knowledge of cell biology with a particular focus on how cells communicate and the importance of this for multicellularity. Key themes include regulation of the passage of molecules across the cell membrane, intracellular and cell surface receptors, signal transduction pathways and second messengers. The role of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and selective cell adhesion in formation of tissues are also considered. You will gain an understanding of different techniques that are used to study cell biology. The practical component of this module will help you to develop your laboratory practical skills and ability to analyse and present acquired data.
Infectious Diseases and Therapeutics
The aims of this module are to introduce you to a range of pathogens responsible for major and emerging infectious diseases globally. To outline how pathogen biology not only influences pathology and transmission of disease, but is also the target for therapeutic intervention. We'll provide you with an overview of the drug discovery pipeline and other factors involved in the control of infectious diseases. This module also covers the mechanisms of action of existing and potential new therapies and discusses the significance of infectious diseases in the context of 21st century life. It also introduces the emerging importance of the commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of pathologies. The bases of pathogenicity and virulence for a range of bacterial, eukaryotic and viral pathogens will be addressed alongside discussion of current and prospective treatments for the diseases caused by these micro-organisms. The emerging importance of commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of human pathologies and antibiotic/drug-resistance are also important themes in this medical microbiology-themed module. Infectious diseases significant in a UK context and more widely in a global context will both be addressed. Lectures and assessment will cover bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic pathogens, which are the aetiological agents of human disease in tropical and temperate countries. Lecture content will include discussion of leading causes of mortality globally: e.g. cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV-AIDS. Threats posed by antibiotic resistance, challenges and opportunities associated with new medicine development, and the significance of emerging diseases against a backdrop of climate change will all be addressed.
Option modules:
Choose one from a list which may include-
Biochemistry 2
This module considers protein structure in relation to function, in particular enzyme action and membrane mediated metabolic processes. The various types of post-translational modifications of proteins are discussed in detail, followed by an account of protein folding. Protein mis-folding, aggregation and intrinsic disorder are also discussed using prion proteins, amyloid and FnBPA as examples. Various globular and fibrous proteins illustrate regulatory strategies. Channels, pumps and cytoskeletal components illustrate higher levels of organisation of proteins. The techniques of X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM for protein structure determination are introduced. Advantages and limitations are discussed. Lectures will discuss various techniques for analysing protein structure, folding and protein-protein interactions (isothermal titration calorimetry, near and far UV circular dichroism). The structure and function of mitochondria and chloroplasts is also covered including respiration and photosynthesis pathways, focusing on electron transport chains. Mechanisms of enzyme catalysis are discussed with numerous examples (acid-base, covalent, nucleophilic, metal ion etc). In lectures, practicals and problem based tutorials you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills required for determining kinetic and inhibition constants (kcat, catalytic efficiency, Ki). Practicals will also allow you to isolate a pure protein from egg white, assess product quality and consider the commercial value of this purified material.
Physiology 2: Control and Integration
The module builds on the basic physiology that was studied in the first year. The organisation and regulatory roles of the nervous system are considered and their interaction investigated. The central nervous system (CNS) will be investigated and the functions associated with its anatomical regions. Interactions such as sensory and motor integration, sleep-wake cycles and higher mental functions (consciousness and memory) will also be introduced. Endocrine physiology and hormonal control will also be considered with integration of activities of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Core modules:
Supervised Training
Training will normally take place across a 48-week period in a suitable organisation, usually a university laboratory. The exact nature of the training will vary depending on the specific background and demands of individual students and the opportunities available within the differing laboratory environments. Assistance is provided to help you find a suitable laboratory research position. Once a position is secured, you'll be instructed about the assessment criteria of the module via a workshop. You'll usually be appraised up to twice a year by a University tutor. This module provides an opportunity for you to experience research within a laboratory related to your chosen pathway and at the same time improves your technical, social and transferable skills. The practical content of this module differs from that in the Investigative Project Module in that it is the your day-to-day laboratory work that is assessed and not a specific project. You are also assessed on your laboratory note-book keeping and on the production of training portfolio that reflects the demands of continuing professional development and reflective practice.
Research Project
You'll carry out a substantial research project, under supervision, in an industrial or academic research environment, during the course of Year 3 of the MChem/MSci integrated Master’s degrees. The subject of the research may be any relevant and topical area of chemistry, forensic or pharmaceutical science, but must be agreed in advance between you, your project supervisor and the University course or module leader.
Business Aspects of Science
This module is designed for those students who are in Year 3 of an Integrated MChem or MSci. Part of this module is specific to the organisation in which you'll be working and involves you carrying out a review of the organisation and a review of the sector that the organisation operates in (e.g. the pharmaceutical industry, analytical service providers or the higher education sector). Alongside this, you'll have the opportunity to carry out a series of assignments designed to improve your wider understanding of certain aspects of science-based businesses such as green chemistry/environmental issues, project planning and marketing.
Drug Degradation
This module will discuss the common (non-metabolic) degradation courses of biologically active pharmaceutical molecules. These processes are degradation by hydrolysis, oxidation and photolysis. Solid state degradations of formulated medicines will also be considered.
Scientific Communication
This module is taken by students during Year 3 of an integrated Masters' degree and covers three aspects of communication of importance in science; the ability to read and understand scientific journal papers, the ability to write a scientific journal paper and the ability to give oral presentations.
Core modules:
Research Project
A chemically-based independent research programme. Academic supervisors will outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Before undertaking experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project and to evaluate this literature. You'll then have the opportunity to plan your project in light of the current state of the field of research. You'll be given some advice on research methods but will be expected to lead the planning yourself. Your project will be expected to show depth and involve advanced laboratory and instrumental techniques. Your project will also be open ended and you'll be expected to review progress regularly and modify research plans accordingly. Group projects will also be encouraged, though you'll also work independently. You'll be required to outline your research plans via an oral at a mini-conference in the early stages of the project and then present your results, interpretation and conclusions on a poster, which you'll defend at a poster day once the project is completed.
Targeted Synthesis of Organic Compounds
This module draws together the basic concepts of synthesis and reaction mechanisms in the context of providing methods for designing suitable synthetic routes to target compounds and also extends the range of reaction types to include pericyclic reactions. The module also introduces contemporary preparative methods for the synthesis of organic compounds. Further aspects relating to designing a synthesis and the connection between design and retrosynthetic principles are covered. The selectivity of reactions and the concepts of regio-, chemo-, stereo- and enantioselectivity are developed and expanded as are the rules governing pericyclic reactions. The reaction mechanism component draws together concepts in both physical and mechanistic organic chemistry; this section of the course covers those techniques that can be used to differentiate between mechanistic types. The use of product analysis, activation parameters, linear free energy relationships and isotope effects to determine reaction mechanisms are included.
Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques; Electroanalysis and Sensors
In this module you'll be provided with an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application. In mass spectrometry you'll be introduced to the range of ionisation and scanning techniques and the ways in which the coupling of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry can enhance and extend the capabilities of both methods. In nuclear magnetic resonance you'll consider a range of advanced experimental methods to enhance the quality of the analytical information which can be obtained. Modern electroanalysis is a powerful and versatile analytical tool for investigating a wide range of analytical problems. This module will introduce you to a selection of these methods and will illustrate the practicalities, uses and limitations of these techniques. Sensor technologies represent a rapidly expanding area of analytical science. The module aims to familiarise you with the wide range of fields, which contribute to sensor developments and then to reinforce this knowledge with pertinent examples such as glucose monitoring systems for diabetics.
Option modules:
Choose two from a list which may include-
Pharmaceutical Formulation and Drug Analysis
This module extends your understanding of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics, and relevance to an extended range of dosage forms. Different delivery methods, routes of delivery and formulation type will be individually reviewed including oral and aerosol formulations. Formulation approaches to targeting the different routes of delivery (buccal, colon, rectal, nasal ophthalmic, pulmonary and transdermal) will also be covered. The structure and the nature of the barrier properties of the tissue will be discussed in terms of the advantages afforded by delivery to the site and strategies for maximising absorption. The design, manufacture and performance of modified release drug dosage forms and factors governing release kinetics from reservoir, osmotic and monolithic systems and mathematical calculations will be covered. Aspects of formulation and the importance of pharmaceutical analysis to maintain the quality, safety and efficacy of the product will be consolidated in the practicals and case-study. Pharmaceutical analysis including thermal, and rheological analyses are covered along with release testing, UV analysis, aerosol testing and particle sizing.
Analytical Science 3
In this module the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course will be expanded and extended. Recent developments in the subject will be discussed in terms of basic chromatographic theory. The application of separation methods to the identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites in toxicological samples will be discussed. The metabolism of drugs, in so far as this process impinges upon the analytical methodology employed in toxicological analysis, together with the effects of sample type and their storage will be highlighted.
Medical Pharmacology 3
The aim of this module is to extend the knowledge of use of drugs from years 1 and 2 to the management of disorders in the CNS and Cancer. CNS topics will include depression, psychosis and anxiety, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Other topics will include pain and the use of opioid analgesics, CNS stimulants, psychotomimetics and the physiological basis of drug dependence and drug abuse. The mechanisms of general and local anaesthesia with reference to the CNS and the peripheral nervous system will be covered. Pharmacology of drugs in cancer treatment will be covered. Further lectures on applied pharmacokinetics will complement the kinetic lectures covered in years 1 and 2. This is in addition to including drug-drug interaction.
The first year offers you the opportunity to develop a foundation in chemistry, biology and pharmaceutics. Year two builds on these areas of study and also includes topics such as pharmacology and pharmaceutics. There’s the option to gain real-world experience through a placement in year three. And in the final year, you’ll have the chance to engage in a research project, and investigate advanced topics such as drug design, drug analysis and analytical chemistry.
On average 32.6%* of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.
*based on 2023/2024 timetables
You’ll be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and directed reading. Assessment will include written exams and coursework including problem solving assignments, laboratory reports, short tests, and oral and poster presentations.
Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.
Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.
Huddersfield is the UK’s only university where 100% of the permanent teaching staff are fellows of the Higher Education Academy.*
*permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching.
Further information
The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. In Year 3 you'll be expected to follow the working practice of your placement or research position provider. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course you may have to attend every day of the week.
Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 480 credits in total for an Integrated Masters' qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.
If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.
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The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
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Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
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We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
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We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).
Read more about academic staff at the University of Huddersfield
At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.
Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.
*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.
Entry requirements
BBB-BCCat A Level including a grade B in Chemistry. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. |
120-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a grade B in Chemistry at A Level. |
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. |
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If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.
Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.
Facilities
Student support
At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.
Important information
Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons
When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.
Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons
Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on
If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.
Changes to your course after you enrol as a student
Changes to option modules:
Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.
Major changes:
We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment, or pandemics.
Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.
In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.
The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.
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