The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry (PgD Medicinal Chemistry) is a highly specialized qualification designed for professionals who wish to advance their expertise and achieve excellence in the field of medicinal chemistry. This programme is ideal for learners aiming to expand their scientific knowledge, strengthen their research capabilities, and enhance their career prospects while supporting their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Medicinal chemistry is a cornerstone of pharmaceutical innovation, combining chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to design and develop effective therapeutic agents. By undertaking this qualification, learners will gain advanced knowledge of drug discovery, molecular design, pharmacokinetics, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The course also focuses on emerging technologies and current challenges in medicinal chemistry, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills required to contribute meaningfully to global pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
The qualification is structured to integrate both theoretical concepts and practical applications, enabling learners to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and professional competence. It is particularly suited for individuals aspiring to senior positions in pharmaceutical research, drug development, or academic roles requiring advanced scientific expertise.
Centres delivering this qualification must demonstrate a commitment to excellence by employing competent and qualified staff, as well as providing access to high-quality facilities, laboratory equipment, and essential learning resources. This ensures that learners receive the best possible training experience, aligned with international standards, and are fully supported in achieving success.
With its focus on innovation, professional growth, and industry relevance, the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry is the ideal pathway for ambitious learners seeking to make a significant impact in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry (PgD Medicinal Chemistry)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201239
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry (PgD Medicinal Chemistry) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201239-1 |
Advanced Concepts in Medicinal Chemistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201239-2 |
Drug Discovery and Development Strategies |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201239-3 |
Synthetic Methods and Bioactive Compound Design |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201239-4 |
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Toxicology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201239-5 |
Research Methods and Data Analysis in Medicinal Chemistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201239-6 |
Dissertation / Independent Research Project in Medicinal Chemistry |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Concepts in Medicinal Chemistry
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate advanced principles of medicinal chemistry and their application in drug discovery.
- Analyse the role of molecular structure, functional groups, and stereochemistry in drug activity.
- Assess structure–activity relationships (SAR) to predict biological function.
- Apply advanced knowledge to propose strategies for new drug design.
Unit 2: Drug Discovery and Development Strategies
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically examine the stages of modern drug discovery and development.
- Evaluate methods for target identification, validation, and lead compound optimisation.
- Assess pre-clinical approaches to safety, efficacy, and bioavailability.
- Formulate innovative strategies for improving the efficiency of the drug discovery pipeline.
Unit 3: Synthetic Methods and Bioactive Compound Design
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of synthetic organic chemistry in drug development.
- Critically evaluate stereoselective and catalytic processes in medicinal synthesis.
- Design and synthesise novel bioactive molecules using appropriate methods.
- Apply synthetic approaches to address challenges in drug formulation and optimisation.
Unit 4: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Toxicology
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse pharmacokinetic processes, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
- Evaluate pharmacodynamic mechanisms and their role in therapeutic outcomes.
- Assess toxicological principles and safety profiles in drug development.
- Integrate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data to inform clinical application.
Unit 5: Research Methods and Data Analysis in Medicinal Chemistry
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of research methodologies relevant to medicinal chemistry.
- Apply advanced statistical and computational tools to analyse experimental data.
- Critically evaluate existing research to identify knowledge gaps and research opportunities.
- Design a scientifically robust research proposal with clear objectives and methodology.
Unit 6: Dissertation / Independent Research Project in Medicinal Chemistry
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Undertake independent, original research in a specialised area of medicinal chemistry.
- Apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to a defined scientific problem.
- Analyse, interpret, and present complex research data with accuracy and academic integrity.
- Produce a well-structured dissertation that demonstrates critical thinking, innovation, and professional relevance.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry is designed for ambitious learners who want to advance their expertise and achieve success in the pharmaceutical and scientific research sectors. This qualification is ideal for:
- Learners with a background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or related life sciences who want to specialize in medicinal chemistry
- Professionals working in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare industries aiming to progress into advanced or leadership roles
- Individuals aspiring to careers in drug discovery, development, research, or regulatory affairs
- Learners preparing for further academic progression, including doctoral studies or specialized research programmes
- Professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug design to stay at the forefront of industry innovation
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to expand their professional skillset and career opportunities
- International learners looking for a globally recognized qualification to strengthen employability across pharmaceutical and research markets
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry must maintain the highest academic and professional standards to ensure quality delivery, learner success, and international recognition of the qualification. To achieve approval, centres are required to provide the following:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Tutors and assessors must hold relevant academic qualifications and professional expertise in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related disciplines.
- Appropriate Teaching Facilities: Centres must provide access to modern classrooms, laboratories, and IT resources to support advanced theoretical and practical learning.
- Learning Resources and Materials: Comprehensive study resources, textbooks, research databases, and laboratory equipment must be made available to support learner achievement.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems: Centres should demonstrate robust internal assessment procedures, verification processes, and quality assurance mechanisms to uphold academic integrity.
- Learner Support Services: Ongoing academic and pastoral support should be available to guide learners throughout their studies and professional development journey.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres must ensure that teaching staff remain up to date with industry advancements and evolving best practices in medicinal chemistry.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards: All delivery and assessment activities must meet LICQual’s regulatory and quality benchmarks to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes for learners.
By fulfilling these requirements, centres guarantee a professional and supportive learning environment, enabling learners to succeed in the PgD Medicinal Chemistry and progress towards advanced roles in research, pharmaceuticals, and academia.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
