Applications for September 2026 are open now. Further information about UCL graduate programmes can be found on the UCL Graduate degrees page. This programme is also accredited by the RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry).
The Organic Chemistry: Drug Discovery programme has been developed in response to the needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors for highly qualified students as leaders in the discovery of new medicines. The pharmaceutical sector is a major employer in the UK and high-quality graduates with an understanding of the sector are always in demand. Our recent graduates have taken up PhD positions, are working in industry and have entered teacher training.
Degree Structure:
The programme provides a thorough foundation in drug design, advanced organic synthesis and biological chemistry, together with modules on research techniques, professional development and entrepreneurship. Students will carry out a substantial research project on organic/medicinal chemistry or chemical biology over a ten-month period.
MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Please read the UCL Prospectus for full course information.
Resources:
We offer an excellent education with high standards of teaching in an exciting but friendly environment. We foster a community feel to the department and you will mix throughout your time here with staff, undergraduate students and researchers.
UCL Scholarships: find the currently available Studentships with the Scholarships and funding tool.
Questions & Answers: There’s a lot you should ask and a lot for us to tell you in our FAQ section.
Postgraduate Taught Tutor
Dr Anna Roffey
Tel: 020 7679 5574
Email: anna.roffey@ucl.ac.uk
Programme Director
Dr J.L. Kiappes
Email: j.l.kiappes@ucl.ac.uk
Study Chemistry
Thinking about applying for the Organic Chemistry: Drug Discovery MRes but have a question to ask?
2nd in UK for Research REF2021
The department was ranked joint 1st in the UK for 1st for 4* and 3* submissions in the 2021 REF exercise for the world-class impact of its research, with 100% of papers submitted for assessment judged as world-leading or internationally excellent, demonstrating the strength of the department in all areas of Organic, Inorganic, Materials, Physical and Computational Chemistry.
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