Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours)

Upon graduation, students receive a formal accreditation from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). This accreditation represents the highest standards of education and professional practice, making graduates stand-out candidates for employers in the pharmaceutical and science industries.

In the final (fourth) year — the Honours year — students undertake a supervised independent research project worth 48 units of credit. This provides the opportunity to contribute to original research in the field of drug development, working alongside leading scientists, and prepares graduates for postgraduate study or immediate entry into the workforce.

The Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours) is jointly offered by UNSW's Schools of Chemistry, Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, and the Pharmacology section of the School of Biomedical Sciences, all within the Faculty of Science.

For international students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $61,500 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $266,000. These fees are subject to annual review and are for tuition only; other fees and charges are not included.

The program comprises a total of 192 units of credit (UOC) and is completed over four years of full-time study (part-time options are also available). Students must complete 108 UOC of core courses across Levels 1, 2 and 3; 12 UOC of approved Medicinal Chemistry electives; 12 UOC of free electives; 12 UOC of general education courses; and 48 UOC for the Honours year.