This modular programme aims to enable postgraduate students to gain a detailed understanding of both practical and theoretical aspects of cellular and molecular pharmacology and equip them with the necessary skills to undertake individual and collaborative research in pharmacology. The programme will enable students to pursue a career in pharmacological research allied to drug development with global pharmaceutical companies, small-medium biotechnological enterprises, government funded research institutes and laboratories. Pharmacology is at the interface of biochemistry, human physiology, neurochemistry and drug discovery, all of which will be studied in the degree programme. The programme offers the opportunity not only to explore novel drug discovery technologies but also offers routes into traditional pharmacology. In addition, this programme will make use of recent research papers to inform group discussion and enhance critical thinking skills. Apart from taught modules in the programme, the student will also be trained in research from concept to delivery, culminating in an individual research project, which will foster independent laboratory study and ability. Students will study:

Advanced Cellular Pharmacology and Physiology

Understanding of concepts and mechanisms in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and immuno-pharmacology with emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms. How current concepts in cellular pharmacology have evolved and their relevance in the clinical setting. Immuno-pharmacology is introduced with particular attention to the cellular mechanisms of inflammation.

Research Skills for Pharmacology and Physiology

Introduces students to research concepts and methods in Pharmacology and Physiology. In addition, the underlying principles of research planning and design, data collection methods, statistical, computer analysis and communication skills are addressed.

Psychopharmacology and Integrative Systems

Introduction of concepts and current theories of psychopharmacology and other related systems. Students will be introduced how current concepts in psychopharmacology have been adopted for use in the clinical setting.

Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Development

Discussion of concepts and current theories of molecular pharmacology and drug development with focus on traditional molecular pharmacology and drug delivery processes. Traditional molecular pharmacology is introduced from concepts of ion channel activation to exploitation as drug targets. This module has been designed to cater for the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Research Project

Experimental laboratory-based projects are preferred, although there is an option to do a literature-based project. This module requires a written report, oral presentation and contemporaneous project notebook. With negotiation the research project could be conducted in the workplace.

This modular programme aims to produce postgraduate students with a sound knowledge of both the practical and theoretical aspects of Pharmacology, and the necessary skills to undertake individual and collaborative research. All modules are obligatory core modules and students take two specialist subject modules in semester A, two specialist modules in semester B and a module in research during the summer.

For entry to this programme, students are required to have a minimum of a second class undergraduate degree from a UK university in a relevant subject e.g. Pharmacology or Physiology. Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to these criteria may be admitted to the programme at the admission tutors discretion which will normally involve an interview.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

• One year full time or two years part time for MSc and PG Diploma (PG Diploma is only available as an intermediate award).
• One year part time for PG Certificate (only available as an intermediate award).
• Part time students take the research skills in pharmacology and physiology module in semester A and one core module in semester B of year one. In year two they take one core module in semester A and another core module in semester B. The project is carried out in year 2.
• Taught modules are delivered in a semesterised system, with semesters running from September to January and February to June.
• Students will need to pass research skills in Pharmacology and Physiology (Semester A) to be able to undertake the individual research project.
• The research projects will run through the summer period

• Learning is encouraged through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based practicals, web-based learning etc.
• In addition all students are expected to read extensively in their own time and get up to speed on current issues in Pharmacology.
• Success at university depends on developing your ability to study independently using library resources, Computer-assisted learning (CAL), handouts and web-based study activities.
• These skills are reinforced in modules in the first semester. These enable us to assess your independent learning needs at university, and also help to develop those transferable skills so important in working life. The skills with which you start the programme may vary considerably between individuals, so your personal tutor will direct your skills development work on an individual basis.

• Students are assessed in practical work and theory.
• In taught modules Advanced Cellular Pharmacology & Physiology and Psychopharmacology and Integrative Systems 50% of the module mark is derived from a theoretical practical examination. The remaining 50% from written theory examination at the end of the semester.
• In the taught module, Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Development, 50% of the module mark is derived from a dissertation and the other 50% from a critique of a journal paper.
• The Research Skills module in semester A (Research skills in Pharmacology and Physiology) is assessed by a research proposal (50%) and laboratory skills (50%).
• The Research Project is assessed mainly by the final written report, with contributions from a poster presentation and portfolio.
• The pass mark for all modules is 50%.

• The curriculum is tailored to current demand in pharmacology and related areas such as drug discovery and novel technologies.
• Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills as well as academic knowledge.
• Part-time students in relevant employment may be permitted to carry out research projects at their place of work.

• Project work is an essential component of the Masters degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme and the students will be given a thorough grounding in how to plan and execute pharmacological research.
• The individual research project is the culmination of the programme makes up 33% of the programme.
• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work and enhance their critical thinking skills, and under supervision to use appropriate pharmacological techniques to generate and analyse experimental data.
• Dissertation preparation develops literature researching and written communication skills essential in professional development.

• Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
• Staff with extensive experience of teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Sound practical as well as academic training.
• Access to modern research facilities.
• Effective careers advice and support available.

Most graduates would be expected to pursue research careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry, in the National Health Service or Health Protection Agency, environmental monitoring, in academic research in Universities, research institutes etc. Many students will acquire sufficient knowledge to allow them to go on to laboratory based careers. This degree can also be utilised by those students who would like to pursue a doctorate in areas allied to pharmacology such as basic translational research into ion channels and the drug discovery processes.

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

• When you arrive, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general. Your tutor will be responsible for directing your skills development work, by directing you to programmes which will tackle any areas in which your academic background may be deficient.
• The programme tutor may also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
• The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
• Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
• Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for all modules through UELPlus and UELDirect programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.
Support for students on a University level includes:

• Libraries and Learning Resource Centres 
• Careers advice and information · Counselling and Advice for practical problems
• Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
• Language tuition
• Dyslexia support
• Accommodation

• A small and friendly campus.
• A School with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Good connections with the Pharmaceutical industry, NHS and other employers.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away. The University and Sports Science in the School of Health and Bioscience have excellent links with the Olympic Development in Stratford, and are expected to benefit from this legacy after 2012 Olympics.
• Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford. The vast retail and leisure development named Stratford City is due to open in 2011.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London and further a field. The Channel Link rail station is due to open in 2011, providing a rapid link with continental Europe.