Program Overview

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Drug Discovery and Development MSc

Overview

This course is an innovative, industry-orientated taught Masters programme offering a broad coverage of the pharmaceutical sciences with scope for developing a specialisation in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis or drug design.

In the context of current global pharmaceutical R&D, the course covers advanced pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, drug design, pharmacology, the biology of disease, proteomics and pharmacogenomics. You will also cover regulatory processes for medicines, in line with ICH guidelines. It is a direct response to employers’ search for postgraduates who have the optimum mix of theoretical and practical skills to be able to make an immediate contribution to frontline modern drug development.

The course mixes taught elements in a compact timetable with self-directed research. The topic of the project or dissertation is designed collaboratively to fit both your personal interests and the expertise of Sunderland's supportive tutors. It will involve typical industry-style problem solving perhaps even with pharmaceutical company partnership.

Why us?

• Highly experienced, industry-savvy academic staff with globally acknowledged expertise
• Modern laboratory facilities equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation
• A proven stepping stone to a higher research degree and/or wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical industry

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, open learning, laboratory work and group work. The Masters project may involve collaboration with a pharmaceutical or related company. Previous projects have involved collaborations with the British Pharmacopoeia and companies such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Helena Biosciences, ThermoScientific and Agilent Technologies.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working and problem solving. Assessment methods include laboratory reports, oral presentations, case studies, critical reviews, examinations and the Masters project.

Modules

Essential Pharmaceutical Science Research and Study Skills (30 credits)

You’ll study in depth the concepts of quantitative and qualitative research methods including analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, scientific method, hypothesis testing, experimental design, sampling, ethical issues, techniques of measurement and statistical analysis, interviewing skills, and questionnaire design.

By the end of the module, you’ll be able to recognise ethical, theoretical, methodological, and logistical considerations associated with the design of research studies, can perform an in-depth literature search, and the ability to make deductions from scientific and related data and communicate them.

Pharmaceutical R&D: Sciences and Regulation (30 credits)

Science and Technology for Drug Discovery (30 credits)

Science and Technology for Drug Development (30 credits)

Choose one master's module:

• Double Project (60 credits)
• Double Dissertation (60 credits)
• Single Project (30 credits) plus Single Dissertation (30 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites.

Facilities

Sunderland's exceptional facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis. This course is based in The John Dawson Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts multi-disciplinary laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• a bachelor's degree (3 years) with a 2:2 classification

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at for further advice.

Applications are welcome from holders of a good Honours degree (2:2 or above) in one of the following subject areas: pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, or a related subject. Alternative qualifications may be considered if supported by relevant experience.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

• £9,000 if you are from the UK/Europe
• £17,000 if you are an international student

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Previous Sunderland graduates have been employed in companies such as GSK, Eisai, Reckitt Benckiser, Merck, Sharp & Dohme, Covance and Norbrook Laboratories. Given the breadth of pharmaceutical experience afforded by the course, overseas students have found particular success in regulatory, quality assurance and pharmacovigilance positions on returning to their home country. It should also be noted that the course has provided an excellent platform for graduates wishing to continue their studies through research towards a PhD.

Career options

Graduates from this course can pursue a variety of careers in the following areas:

• Drug Design
• Pharmaceutical Analysis and Research
• Pre-clinical Research in Experimental and Biological Studies
• Formulation and Product Development
• Pharmacogenomics and Proteomics
• Clinical Research
• Product Registration, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Meet the team — MSc Drug Discovery and Development

• W John Lough, Reader in Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Paul Anthony Carter, Senior Lecturer
• Maria Teresa Borrello, Lecturer in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry/Programme Leader for MSc Cosmetic Science
• Cheng Shu Chaw, Senior Lecturer In Pharmaceutics

View all staff for MSc Drug Discovery and Development

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland.

Programme Specifications

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated

Page last updated: 03 December 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.