Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis

Entry requirements

You should normally have a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above.

Your qualification should be in chemistry. Other closely related subjects such as biochemistry or biomedical science will also be considered. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Listen to our Podcast episode 1 - Drug discovery: From molecules to medicines with the University of Sussex

Antibiotic resistance, ageing populations and possible future pandemics – medicinal chemists are working on solutions to the major global challenges of our time.

If you’re curious about the drug discovery process and want to learn from industry experts, this is the course for you. On your MSc, you’ll:

• learn about drug design and organic synthesis
• develop the practical laboratory skills necessary to work in medicinal chemistry
• gain hands-on experience in analysis and data interpretation
• explore the importance of patent law in protecting novel approaches and developments
• learn from industry leaders with experience ranging from start-up companies to big pharma.

At Sussex, you’ll learn from chemists whose world-leading research informs their teaching. We have strong links with the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre. In our high-spec laboratories, you’ll get to use the latest research equipment. This includes NMR spectrometers and x-ray crystallography diffractometers. As part of your research project, you’ll work closely with one of our research groups.

On graduation, you’ll be ready to work in an agile and fast-paced medicinal chemistry environment. You’ll have the knowledge and skills, as well as a network of contacts for your future career.

Information for international students

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

Fees and funding