Overview

The Medicinal Chemistry (Hons) programme offered by Heriot-Watt University provides a clear and structured pathway into roles such as drug discovery scientist, pharmaceutical analyst, and toxicologist. Graduates are well-equipped for employment or for pursuing further study, including MSc and PhD programmes. This career-focused programme responds to growing demand for expertise in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, combining scientific depth with practical training to prepare you for a rewarding future in healthcare and life sciences. 

Key Facts

Hands-on laboratory work is embedded throughout the course, developing your technical skills and reinforcing theoretical knowledge. You'll gain confidence in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication — essential skills for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Reasons to study this programme:

Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 1st in Scotland in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through optional courses, including molecular biology, medical microbiology, and cell & molecular biology.
Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and hands-on laboratory practicals and be assessed by coursework, examinations and a research project while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Synthesis, Solutions and Potentials of Molecules
Energy Levels to Structure

Microbiology
Molecular Biology

Medical Microbiology
Cell and Molecular Biology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-14 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

OR

4

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Chemistry View 368 other Bachelors in Chemistry in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

OR

4

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Highers AABB (over two sittings). Must include Chemistry at A, and one of Maths or Physics or Engineering Science at B.
A-Levels BBC. Must include Chemistry at B, and either Maths or Physics at B.
International Baccalaureate 29 points. Must include Chemistry at Higher Level 5 and either Maths or Physics at Higher Level 5.
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
HNC A in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
HND BB in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25808 GBP / year

≈ 25808 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

9790 GBP / year

≈ 9790 GBP / year

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Medicinal Chemistry (Hons).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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