Program Overview

Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement) MSc

Overview

The Biopharmaceutical Development with Industrial Placement Masters is an opportunity to develop and build the necessary skill-set needed to flourish within the field of biopharmaceutical discovery and development. This program provides a springboard into a career in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a paid 12-month placement earning over £20,000 whilst working with an industry-leading company.

Course Highlights

• Accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with national recognition receiving the Princess Royal Training Award and the Advance HE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.
• Designed to fast-track students into the industry.
• Undertake a 12-month paid position in the industry as part of the course.
• Gain an integrated understanding of the full biological drug development pathway.
• Accumulate a deep understanding of the regulatory framework.
• Learn from world-leading tutors from academia and industry.
• Learn how to operate in a corporate environment.

Facilities

Prior to the start of the industrial placement, students gain practical research skills at the University's state-of-the-art research laboratory facilities, many of which are within the Biomolecule Production/Purification facility of the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with national recognition receiving the Princess Royal Training Award in 2020 and 2023, as well as the Advance HE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in 2025.

Course Details and Modules

Course Structure

The course is 20 months long, with the first eight months on campus at the University of Leeds covering all aspects of biological drug discovery, development, and commercialization. The second half of the program is an industrial placement assignment, a 12-month guaranteed work and research experience in industry.

Modules

The course information represents typical modules studied and may change from time to time. Modules include:

• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science and Commerce
• Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals
• Integrated Drug Development Plan
• Biopharmaceutical Development: Clinical
• Practical Skills for a Regulatory Environment
• Biopharmaceutical drug discovery and non-clinical testing
• Industrial placement & Research project

Learning and Teaching

The learning and teaching on the course have been constructed to align with activities performed in industry, preparing students to be work-ready immediately after they finish. This includes formal lectures, interactive workshops, practical classes, tutorials, and substantial team-based project development assignments.

Assessment

A variety of assessment types are used throughout this course, all of which resonate with the activities of professional scientists within the industry. Assessments include reports, presentations, and a dissertation report arising from the research project work.

Applying

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally have a bachelor's degree with at least a 2:1 or equivalent in a Biological Sciences subject, but relevant experience may be taken into account. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate leadership potential.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components.

How to Apply

Documents and information needed include a completed online application form, supporting statement, full CV, transcript of degree examination marks, and evidence of English language qualification.

Fees

• UK: £22,000 (Total)
• International: £37,500 (Total)

Home Fees Explained

Students who are self-funding will pay the tuition fee in 4 installments across the duration of the course. An alternative payment option is available to allow students to defer part of their fees until they start their paid placement.

International Fees Explained

Applicants who require a student visa are not permitted to study the MSc in Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement) due to the duration of the mandatory work placement exceeding 50% of the total course length.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The University of Leeds offers various scholarships and financial support to help fund Masters studies. This includes government-backed loans, alumni bursaries, and faculty-specific scholarships.

Career Opportunities

This course is designed to train talented scientists wishing to pursue a career in drug development in the international biopharmaceutical industry. Graduates will have the relevant knowledge and experience to fast-track their career in roles such as analytical scientist, project manager, or coordinator in areas like research, quality control, manufacturing, non-clinical, clinical, and market access.

Work Placements and Industry Experience

Students accepted onto this course will be awarded an industrial placement period of 12 months, provided they complete the necessary pre-requisites. Placement positions have been agreed with companies, and students will rank them in order of preference.

Related Courses

Related courses include Biopharmaceutical Development MSc, Bioscience MSc, Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc, Drug Discovery and Development MSc, Infection, Immunity and Human Disease MSc, Molecular Medicine MSc, Plant Science and Biotechnology MSc, and Precision Medicine: Genomic Data Science MSc.