The development of safe and effective new drugs is a challenging and rewarding field. Our forward-thinking Pharmacology MSc equips you with a broad understanding of drug discovery and development, focusing on the mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level the treatment of human disease and the latest cell, molecular and genomic technologies used in pharmacology. You gain an in-depth understanding of individual examples of modern drug research and development before specialising in one research area of interest through your laboratory research project.

What will you study?

Studying our Pharmacology MSc course will equip you with the knowledge and expertise in the field of drug research and development, the treatment of human diseases, and new technologies within pharmacology. In core areas of study, you will examine cellular processes and current techniques in molecular biology in our Cell and Molecular Biology unit while considering their application in areas like genomics and proteomics. Moreover, you will develop the skills for molecular biology techniques including PCR analysis, restriction digestion, and gene cloning.

Furthermore, you will gain an in-depth understanding of Molecular Pharmacology that concerns drug and receptor interaction while also learning to apply systems biology techniques in drug development. In practical areas of study, you will be exposed to the Drug Discovery and Development process with a specialised focus on the role of toxicology in drug development. You will gain insight into clinical trials, the high throughput screening process, and how drugs are prepared to enter the market.

You will also examine therapeutic concepts and principles relating to the causes of diseases and disorders that affect the central nervous, circulatory, endocrine and metabolic system as well as infections and cancer in our Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics unit. More importantly, you will learn how these major diseases are managed and treated in current clinical practice. Finally, you will have the opportunity to complete a Pharmacology Research Project where you will apply theory and practical knowledge acquired from this course to a specialised topic of your choice that is relevant to your field of study and potentially your future career path.

Careers

Graduates progress to careers in pre-clinical research clinical research drug licensing and regulatory affairs medical information medical writing and medical sales.

You can also continue in higher education at Doctorate level (MPhil and PhD).

Mode(s) and length of study Full time over 12 (MSYPHAAF) or 15 months (MSPHAAAF), Part time pathway typically over 2-3 years