Why choose the School of Life Sciences
Our academics are involved in real-world research, leading the way in COVID-19 testing technology, autoimmune diseases, obesity, cancer pathways, gene editing and global food security.
Our MSc Pharmacology graduates are employed in pharmaceutical and biotech industries as well as in medicines regulatory agencies.
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board features representatives from organisations such as Glaxo Smith Kline, the NHS and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
About the course
This two-year Master’s gives you the high-quality pharmacological training and skills you need to work in the field of drug discovery and development alongside teaching you valuable skills in project management. You acquire a broad knowledge of drug discovery and development, focusing on the mechanisms of drug action at molecular level; the treatment of human diseases; and the latest cell and molecular technologies. The Project Management units include leading and managing organisational resources; personal professional development; and achieving change.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Modern STEM building with purpose-built facilities and bespoke study spaces
- State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite
- Industry-standard technology to emulate the professional workplace
- Specialised equipment for high-end pharma and biotech experiments, including HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and facilities for qPCR and protein analysis
Industry links
The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s Life Sciences Liaison Board draws in industry-wide professionals such as GSK, Pharmaron and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The Board’s close collaboration with real-world organisations ensures our course aligns with the needs of both industry and society as well as providing you with invaluable opportunities for networking and work experience.
Student experience
Benefit from our student-centred, employment-based approach to learning to ensure you get the most from your degree, combining traditional lectures, workshops and tutorials with hands-on lab work and small-group teaching.Ìý
Learn from academics whose research and professional expertise feeds directly back into their teaching, creating a vibrant, practical-oriented learning environment.Ìý
Our staff use their active involvement in progressive areas such as cancer pathways and medicine development to keep you up-to-date with the latest industry advancements.Ìý
Develop transferable skills in areas such as critical analysis, performance appraisal, effective communication and successful leadership alongside expertise in project management.Ìý
Explore your interests in greater detail with a laboratory research project in one of four core areas.Ìý
Gain specialist knowledge thanks to subject-relevant field trips and talks from external experts, including a visit to MSD-Merck and a workshop run by the UK Health Security Agency.Ìý
Connect with leading employers through our annual STEM Careers Expo.ÌýÌý
Achieve your potential with support and guidance from your own personal academic tutor.Ìý
Course Leader - Dr Prashanth Bajpe
I joined the School of Life Sciences in May 2020 from the Francis Crick Institute, London. I obtained my PhD from Erasmus ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Medical Centre from the lab of Peter Verrijzer in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The focus of my PhD was ubiquitination and the reversal of ubiquitination (de-ubiquitination) in the context of gene regulation. I helped discover an interesting protein complex of USP7-GMPS. This work laid the foundation for future works on the role of metabolic enzymes in gene regulation in Verrijzer’s group.
Course Leader - Dr Prashanth Bajpe
I joined the School of Life Sciences in May 2020 from the Francis Crick Institute, London. I obtained my PhD from Erasmus ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Medical Centre from the lab of Peter Verrijzer in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The focus of my PhD was ubiquitination and the reversal of ubiquitination (de-ubiquitination) in the context of gene regulation. I helped discover an interesting protein complex of USP7-GMPS. This work laid the foundation for future works on the role of metabolic enzymes in gene regulation in Verrijzer’s group.
Drug discovery and development – An overview of this process, with hands-on experience of molecular modelling and computer-based drug design.
Molecular pharmacology – Explore the pharmacology of receptors in relation to the discovery and development of drugs, using relevant data-handling software.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics – ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ different disorders and how they are treated, including their causes, patterns in populations and how they are diagnosed.
Cell biology of disease – Learn how cell mechanisms cause disease, and how techniques like fluorescence imaging and high throughput screening help identify new treatments.
The regulation of medicines – Understand the principles behind the regulation of medicines, in the UK and globally, that ensure safety, efficacy and quality.
Developing independent research – Learn what goes into a research proposal and application plus the rudiments of good research design at Master’s level.
Laboratory-based research project – Formulate a research question of personal interest then plan, research and present your findings in a professional format.
Project management – Plan a project by defining its scope and using suitable project management tools to guide it to successful completion.
Leading and managing organisational resources – Acquire a ‘toolkit’ for inspirational leadership and effective management of an organisation’s resources.
Personal professional development – Create a personal development plan and build your professional image, bearing in mind your goals for the future.
For an at-a-glance list of modules for this course, download the course specification.
The assessment philosophy of the MSc Pharmacology with Project Management Award conforms to the recommendations of the aspects of relevant QAA Benchmarks and Masters level descriptors. The methods used for the assessment of students achievements will correspond with the knowledge abilities and skills that are to be developed through degree programme. Both formative and summative modes of assessment will be used.
Summative assessments will be undertaken in all units of the course to check that you have met (or are working towards meeting) the threshold standards expected of all students. Also there will be a formative assessment in the beginning of semesters 1 and 2 to help you understand the academic writing and online submission process along with the assessment marking criterion. Evidence on which assessment of students achievement is based will include: formal written examinations; summative practical assessments; laboratory and other written Academics; problem-solving exercises; oral presentations; individual planning conduct and Academicing of project work; and essay assignments. Evidence on which assessment of students' achievement is based may include: literature surveys and evaluations; collaborative practicals; individual research project preparation and displays of 'posters' Academicing project work; personal portfolios of learning achieved; computer-based assessments; and self and peer assessment.
The course assessment strategy is compliant with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Quality Assurance Regulations. The commitment to practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific Developing Independent Research is emphasised at all units of the programme. As such practical (laboratory) activities form a significant proportion of students assessment. Practical work will be assessed through written practical activities poster oral presentations and reflective laboratory diaries. Assessment throughout the units most notably in the research project will call upon abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged as some of the units require students to undertake oral presentations as a part of the unit assessments. Throughout the course formative feedback will be provided in support of various tasks that include practical work in all four units mini-projects literature reviews case studies and presentation prior to final summative assessments. Students capability in carrying out research will be assessed through a research proposal research project activities and presentations. Group work including laboratory practical sessions will help students to develop transferable skills such as taking initiative communication team working and decision making. Ability in oral communication will be assessed through presentations including a poster presentation.
Careers
On completion of this course you will be able to progress into careers in drug research and development across a wide range of employers including the pharmaceutical industry; biotech companies; academic institutions; the NHS; and other public organisations. Your project management skills are relevant across a wide range of sectors.
You also have the opportunity for further study at Doctoral level.
Entry Requirements
2.2 honours degree or equivalent in related area
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The total fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £13,000. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
International
The total international fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £19,900.
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
Please note that this course is two years in duration. International students enrolling on this programme will not be permitted to switch to a one-year programme once they have been issued with their Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) unless requested by the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ to do so.
Fees for this course
UK
The total fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £13,000. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
International
The total international fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £19,900.
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email [email protected]
Please note that this course is two years in duration. International students enrolling on this programme will not be permitted to switch to a one-year programme once they have been issued with their Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) unless requested by the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ to do so.
