MSc in Medicinal Chemistry

Aarhus University’s MSc in Medicinal Chemistry builds on a strong chemical foundation. It is a flexible study programme that can be tailored to the specific interests of the individual student, while aligning with the interests of industry, research institutions, and the public sector. While the programme is customisable, there is an emphasis on the medicinal aspects of chemistry such as organic synthesis, chemical biology, drug delivery, biophysical chemistry and biomolecular structure and function. The MSc programme is challenging, yet highly rewarding for students interested in how chemistry can be a tool for biological research. 

LEARN FROM LEADERS IN THE FIELD 

Course content is heavily influenced by the latest research conducted at Aarhus University, as all lecturers are also active researchers. Students are expected to take part in fundamental research projects within the department’s research groups, and there may also be opportunities to work with private companies or public institutions during the programme. Students will be able to specialise within one of the areas of medicinal chemistry in which Aarhus University is particularly strong: organic synthesis; analysis of new bioactive compounds; biomembranes and membrane-bound proteins; microscopic structure of bones and other bioinorganic materials; molecular biophysical chemistry; and drug delivery and chemical biology. Students in the programme have access to high-quality laboratory equipment and tools that allow them to engage in hands-on learning at the cutting edge of science. 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE 

Students enrolled in the MSc Medicinal Chemistry programme participate in courses during their first year and then complete their studies with a second year of independent research undertaken within a research group, concluding with the production of a thesis. The research project and thesis are supervised by a researcher in the research group and may be carried out in collaboration with an external partner. 

STUDENT LIFE 

The Department of Chemistry has an active student environment with both academic and social activities arranged by our student organisations. During your time as a master’s student, you will work closely with team members in one of the research groups, as well as participating in the academic and social events of the group. 

CAREERS 

There are more chemistry openings in Denmark than there are domestic graduates to fill them, making unemployment very low for graduates in Medicinal Chemistry. Medicinal Chemistry graduates have moved into R&D and consultancy jobs in both public and private sectors, and several graduates are currently working in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. As a graduate of the programme, you will be well-suited to work with pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk, Novonesis, LeoPharma and Lundbeck. Your strong chemistry background will also give you a point of entry into careers with companies in other sectors, such as IFF, Arla and Eurofins.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor’s degree amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits in medicinal chemistry can qualify the student for admission. Other qualifications can also provide admission to the Master’s programme, provided the university assesses that their level, extent, and content correspond to the degrees mentioned above.

 SELECTION CRITERIA

As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission to the programme. Student places are allocated on the basis of an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of Bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the Bachelor’s degree.

We urge that students interested in studying Medicinal Chemistry at Aarhus University apply to both the Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry programmes. If accepted into the Chemistry programme instead, Medicinal Chemistry courses can be chosen as electives in the Chemistry programme and thereby tailored to the interests of each student.

Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of medicinal chemistry, mathematics, physics and statistics.