Program Overview

Pharmacology and Drug Discovery MSc

Course Overview

This course is designed for you if you aspire to tackle real-world problems in academia or the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries — whether by developing new drugs and therapies, commercialising drug products or working in technical sales.

What You'll Study

Explore the fundamental principles of drug discovery, from drug target identification to critically evaluating clinical treatments. Gain hands-on experience in laboratory-based research and develop your proficiency in computer-aided techniques used in modern pharmacology. Develop skills and knowledge of the drug discovery process you can apply to your future career.

Modules

• Theoretical Principles for Laboratory Scientists - 30 credits
  • Gain a strong foundation in research methods, statistical analysis, and the key biological and chemical principles needed for success in pharmacology and biotechnology.
• Laboratory and Data Analysis Skills - 30 credits
  • Enhance your technical and data analysis skills through extensive laboratory training.
• Pharmacological Research Techniques – 30 credits
  • Delve into the intricacies of drug discovery, exploring drug target identification, pre-clinical development and advanced computational biology methods.
• Contemporary Topics in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery – 30 credits
  • Gain a real-world perspective on the drug development process, with a focus on clinical trials, regulatory frameworks, patents and ethical considerations.
• Master’s with professional placement
  • Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
• Research Project – 60 credits
  • Apply your acquired knowledge and skills to an independent research investigation, working under the guidance of an expert supervisor.

How You'll Learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• presentations
• group projects
• workshops
• practical laboratory sessions in Super Lab.

Entry Requirements

• An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a biological or medical related discipline.

Fees and Funding

• UK: £11,200
• EU: £11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary
• International: £18,600

Facilities

• The Alison Gingell Building, featuring the Super Lab (Lab+), one of the UK's largest educational laboratories.
• METIman artificial human simulation.
• Dedicated PC workshop suites for computational biology.

Careers and Opportunities

Successful graduates may seek positions in:

• clinical trial coordination
• pharmacovigilance
• regulatory affairs
• scientist/senior scientist (in-vivo/in-vitro pharmacology)
• analytical and purification, drug discovery business development (drug discovery and development)
• computational drug discovery
• PhD research opportunities.

Where Our Graduates Work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies including global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as GSK and AstraZeneca, or have moved into academic research.