Programme summary for MSc Pharmaceutical Science

The programme concentrates on the practical and theoretical aspects of the specialist areas of Pharmaceutical Science; pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics and pharmacognosy. This is one of a suite of bioscience Masters Programmes offered by the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

About the programme

The programme is based around the development of new medicines, including the design, disposition, delivery, action and use of drugs. Pharmaceutical Science is at the interface of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology and epidemiology. You will study drug development and design, legislation and regulation, drug analysis and quality control, biotechnology, pharmacology and toxicology. All students will undertake a research project in a specialist topic, which develops the ability to collect original data and take into account previous work.

Programme structure

You will study core modules in Drug Design, Legislation and Regulation, and Research Skills. You will also have the option to study Toxicology, Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Development, Advanced Cellular Pharmacology and Physiology, Bioinformatics, or Drug Analysis. All students will undertake an independent research project.

You will be assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules 40% of the module mark is derived from coursework during the semester (this can take a variety of forms including laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations etc.) and 60% from unseen written theory examination at the end of the semester. Some modules also include laboratory practical exams.

Career opportunities

A wide range of organisations employ pharmaceutical scientists in a range of roles. These include:

drug companies which are developing new drugs and evaluating new products; chemical companies making intermediates for the drug industry require graduates with analytical skills who have an understanding of drug development
major pharmaceutical companies employ graduates to advise customers on technical aspects of their products
universities and research institutes offering research-based careers

Admission

Intending students should normally hold a good honours degree from a UK university in an appropriate biological science subject or an equivalent qualification and/or experience.