Explore medicine and drug development
Learn about the pathways or chemical signals that cells use to communicate—and the way that chemical substances or medications navigate those pathways through the body to help treat disease.
Explore modern chemical methods for creating drugs. Consider the wider implications of drug development—like regulatory requirements and intellectual property protections.
A quarter of your study will be hands-on in the laboratory, learning the practical skills for to work or further study. If you’re interested in both chemistry and biology then Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry is right for you.
Choose your study path
You can major in Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry with the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBmedSc).
You could also choose to study Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry as a minor, or combine it with another subject as a double major or a conjoint degree.
The BBmedSc page has more information on your options. Or you can find out about the majors and minors you can choose from.
Selecting your major
In the first year of your BBmedSc, you'll get a grounding in general aspects of cell and animal biology, and the processes of disease.
From your second year on, you can choose to major in Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Studying Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry is an important first step to pursuing a career in drug discovery or pharmaceuticals.
You could work in research and development for a large multinational company such as Bayer, or combine your degree with Law to become a patent lawyer.
After your graduate, you might work in a lab, hospital or clinical setting. You’ll most likely start as a lab technician or assistant.
You might work in areas such as:
- clinical biochemistry
- immunology
- molecular pathology
- developing new pharmaceuticals.
You may need further study or work experience for some careers in these areas.
Find out about your career opportunities in more detail.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve completed your BBmedSc in Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, you can choose to expand your knowledge with a postgraduate qualification to develop your skills further. You could study for a Master’s or PhD.
You could work on building hypotheses, gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data—then putting it all together and communicating your findings.
You could focus on Molecular Pathology as part of study in:
The BBmedSc is also an excellent starting point for medical school.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.