Medicinal Chemistry

This joint programme with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences trains specialists to design and develop new medicines using advanced knowledge of chemistry, biology and pharmacy. During your studies in Medicinal Chemistry, you will learn how to analyse biological materials, formulate solutions for high-tech industries and solve complex scientific problems in medicinal chemistry. Graduates acquire research skills and become qualified professionals who can contribute to innovation in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.

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Programme values

KTU lecturers – friendly, positive, and professionally active in their research fields – share knowledge with students in an open discussion. These encounters help create a motivating and inclusive academic environment.

Valued by industry leaders

Masters in Medicinal Chemistry are valued for their interdisciplinary knowledge of chemistry, biology and pharmacy and their innovative approach. They have successful careers in world-class research centres, biopharmaceutical companies, clinical research organisations and technology sectors.

KTU’s Santaka Valley building – a state-of-the-art research and innovation hub where academia and business collaborate. This is where future solutions are born.

Inspiring learning environment

The Medicinal Chemistry programme is designed by combining the best experiences of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and KTU. The implementation of the programme is ensured by a good material base of both universities, as well as the laboratories of KTU Santaka Valley with the most up-to-date research equipment.

An advanced KTU laboratory where students conduct practical research using state-of-the-art equipment. Here, students are empowered to lead scientific projects and drive innovation.

Real-world cases

You will gain knowledge and skills in a wide range of research areas, from synthesis, chemical and physical properties and biological activity of biologically active compounds to clinical research.

A student team collaborates on a task – part of KTU’s advanced study programs where learning happens through cooperation and solving real-world challenges.

New Freedom to shape your path

Medicinal Chemistry students have the flexibility to choose between research-focused modules and alternative modules in synthetic medicinal chemistry or biomedical chemistry.

Career opportunities

Create the medicines of the future by integrating chemistry, biology and pharmacology.
Medicinal Chemistry provides the knowledge and research skills to design, develop and determine the practical relevance of medicines. You can pursue a successful career in research centres, chemical, pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical biotechnology companies involved in the development, manufacture or supply of pharmaceutical products.

Here are some of the careers you can pursue after your studies:

Pharmaceutical Chemist

Develops products for the pharmaceutical industry and controls their quality and processes. Carries out experimental work, testing and analysis to study the chemical composition and energetic and chemical changes in various natural or synthetic materials, raw materials and products.

Clinical Research Specialist

Follows research progress, is responsible for research accuracy and data management, liaises with regulatory authorities and other agencies, and prepares documentation.

Head of Pharmaceutical Industry

Manages a pharmaceutical company or division, formulates and implements strategic business objectives, ensures effective implementation of plans and the smooth running of day-to-day operations.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – second cycle

Field – chemistry

Form, duration – full-time studies (2 yr.)

Study type – day-time, blended learning

Location – Kaunas, Faculty of Chemical Technology

Language – english, lithuanian

Degree awarded – master of physical sciences

Yearly price ⁱ : full-time studies – 5538 €, price per credit – 92,3 €

Financial support »

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Analytical and Preparative Chromatography	6	Blended learning
Cell Biology	6	Blended learning
Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry	6	Blended learning
Selected Chapters of Organic Chemistry	6	Blended learning
Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds	6	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Development of Pharmaceuticals	6	Blended learning
Molecular Biology	6	Blended learning
Pharmacology	6	Blended learning
Research Project 1	6	On-campus learning
Selected Chapters of Medicinal Chemistry	6	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Extraction of Bioactive Natural Materials	6	Blended learning
Research Project 2	12	Blended learning

Electives

Biomedicinal Chemistry Study Line

Drug Technology	6	Blended learning
General and Molecular Pathology	6	Blended learning
Molecular Immunology	6	Blended learning
Molecular Microbiology	6	Blended learning

Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry Study Line

Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds	6	Blended learning
Drug Synthesis	6	Blended learning
Genomics and Bioinformatics	6	On-campus learning
Mechanisms of Organic Reactions	6	Blended learning
Synthesis of Amino Acids and Peptides	6	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

On-campus learning

Good to know

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Admission requirements

University bachelor degree certificate:	Engineering sciences, technologies, Physical sciences, life sciences, health science, veterinary sciences or agricultural sciences and ≥ 18 credits of completed subjects in the study fields of chemistry.
Proficiency in English:	IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 85, CEFR ≥ C1, or previously completed studies in english language.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript of your bachelor's degree from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English / Russian
Document legalisation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued. This requirement does not apply to the documents issued in the EU and Belarus, Ukraine.

Score structure

◼	0,9	average grade (CGPA) of University‘s Bachelor’s degree (min. length – 180 ECTS) and its supplement
◼	0,1	motivation letter and online interview
+	≤ 4	additional points

Additional points

science activities (scientific publications, presentations at scientific conferences, participation in exhibitions, work in student science society or science group etc.) or art activities (publication or realization of artwork, participation in art exhibitions, contests of architecture)	≤ 2
at least 1 year of work experience in the field of study programme	0,5
graduated from academic talent development program in higher education institution (for example "GIFTed talent academy")	0,5
partial studies in the higher education institution abroad with ≥24 ECTS completed	0,5
bachelor's or master's (if integrated study programme is completed) degree diploma with honours	0,5

admission procedure

Testimonials

Portrait photo of a woman with light wavy hair tied back in a bun. She is wearing a dark blazer and a burgundy turtleneck. The background is light grey with a subtle pinkish tone on the right side.

This programme allows students to gain knowledge from two different universities, producing medicinal chemists who understand the properties of medicinal substances, their design and identification, their potential mechanism of action, and their biological effects on cells and body systems. Students use contemporary equipment at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and KTU and present their research papers at conferences.

Guoda Pranaitytė

2nd year student

Portrait photo of a young woman with long dark hair, wearing a white V-neck blouse and a delicate cross necklace. She is smiling while looking at the camera, against a neutral grey background.

This joint KTU and Lithuanian Health University programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical sessions that not only broaden your horizons, but also provide a foundation for your future career. I am currently working at Kaunas Clinics and have contributed to the development of the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre – the first infrastructure of its kind in Lithuania. I am grateful to the universities for the knowledge they have given me, allowing me to realise my dreams.

Gabija Nemeikšė

Radiochemist at Kaunas Clinic, MD, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Portrait photo of a woman with light, curly hair styled loosely. She is wearing a white shirt and smiling. The background is light grey and uniform.

Specialists in this field have knowledge of the chemical synthesis and action of biologically active compounds. KTU graduates have both practical laboratory skills and a broader theoretical knowledge of biological systems and their processes. Graduates in this field are sought after by our company because they are able to conduct innovative research and contribute to the development of new products by developing methods for their synthesis and analysis.

Indrė Jaglinskaitė

R&D Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific

International mobility partners

Join an exchange programme with our international partners:

more about exchange studies

FAQ

What opportunities are there for me to go abroad for a study exchange?

Students can expand their career opportunities with exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, studying at universities in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain and beyond. These programmes offer diverse international experiences while studying, fostering academic growth and cultural exchange for future success.

Can I specialise in new medicines development during the programme?

Yes, specialising in pharmaceutical manufacturing is an option. The Medicinal Chemistry study programme focuses on the areas of discovery, development, production, quality control, and distribution of pharmaceutical ingredients.

Will advanced laboratory equipment be available while studying?

The joint MSc in Medicinal Chemistry, established by KTU and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Students will be able to conduct research at the Faculty of Chemical Technology of KTU, the premises of the Faculty of Pharmacy of LSMU and the laboratories of the KTU Santaka Valley.

What are the career opportunities on the international market after studying Medicinal Chemistry?

A degree in Medicinal Chemistry opens up a wide range of career opportunities both in Lithuania and on the international market. The acquired knowledge and skills enable graduates to work in drug development, pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Students also have the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes during their studies to enhance their future career prospects.