This Clinical Pharmacology degree programme offers focused training which integrates basic and clinical sciences, and equips students with the essential skills required to function effectively as a clinical pharmacologist in the 21st century. As a student on the MSc Clinical Pharmacology programme, you will acquire core skills, enabling an appreciation of how to apply clinical pharmacological, regulatory and ethical principles to the optimisation of therapeutic practice and clinical research. Crucially, in addition to a firm grasp of the principles of molecular pharmacology, you will also gain foundational knowledge in the emerging science of pharmacogenomics and personalised medicine.
You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in lab, project and team work.
In addition you will undertake a dissertation/project.
Career opportunities include positions in academia, health care and the pharmaceutical industry; returning to more advanced positions within a previous clinical environment (eg pharmacicts, clinicians); and PhD study.
The Clinical Pharmacology course will give you the advanced skills and knowledge to evaluate the safety of new medicinal products in preparation for medical approval. It is one of three modular programmes in Pharmaceutical Medicine designed for working physicians, clinical scientists and allied health professionals interested in the clinical development process.
Clinical Pharmacology is the study of how drugs influence human physiology and the way the body responds. This study forms a vital part of the clinical development of new medicines and requires an advanced understanding of pre-clinical science, as well as the ethical and legal requirements for specialist research programmes. A well-designed clinical pharmacology programme informs the final regulatory of a new medicine. Therefore, generating skilled clinical pharmacologists is critical for the efficiency of future drug development.
This course will provide you with a broad knowledge and understanding of the drug development process and the medical aspects of the marketing of pharmaceutical products. You will also have opportunities to undertake advanced research projects and the possibility of one or more thesis publications.
The study programme is made up of optional and required modules. The MSc pathway requires modules totalling 180 credits to complete the programme, including 60 credits from a dissertation of around 15,000 - 18,000 words. The Postgraduate Diploma pathway will require modules totalling 120 credits, while the Postgraduate Certificate will require you to study modules totalling of 60 credits to complete the course.
If you are studying full-time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying for the MSc qualification part-time, your programme will take up to four years to complete. The Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate pathways are both part-time courses. The Postgraduate Diploma will take two to three years to complete and the Postgraduate Certificate up to two years.
This course is for those working in or seeking to work in the field of clinical drug development. It covers all aspects of the clinical development process through from the earliest studies to post marketing activities. It will enhance knowledge and skills in all aspects of clinical research, drug regulation and drug safety.
The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of coursework and written examinations. The MSc study programme also requires a research and dissertation on the subject of clinical pharmacology.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
The University of Aberdeen is highly regarded for Clinical Pharmacology as the discipline has been taught and delivered for 30 years and research spans 50 years. The programme draws on strengths within the university and medical area within disease discovery and treatment. The major innovation of Insulin was first developed at University of Aberdeen in the 1920s, winning the inventors a Nobel Prize and giving the world a major step forward in the management and regulation of insulin. Since this time the discovery of drug process, treatment and design has been developed and researched at Aberdeen. The University is also known for its research in food and nutrition, bacteria, gut issues researched at the world famous Rowett Institute and growing knowledge of disease process and latest innovative treatments.
Clinical pharmacology forms a critical part of the drug development process and our graduates are employed in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. These industries are now in rapid growth due to a combination of innovations and strength within customised and other types of medicine and treatment industry areas. The industry is also a major contributor of GDP in the UK. Further innovations which link into this industry come from easier upscaling processes, customisation and the Internet of Things and more ability to treat and diagnose at source.
There is always a strong need for the discipline to provide a foundation to any new innovations which often come from multidisciplinary teams. Our aim is to train students in the major areas of clinical pharmacology including molecular pharmacology, drug metabolism and toxicology, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmcovigilance, regulatory affairs and experimental medicine. The programme aims to achieve this by a multi-disciplinary approach.
This programme is ideal for newly qualified graduates in medical science disciplines such as biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine and similar degrees. Careers can include work in clinical trials and NPD in pharmaceutical industries, doctoral research towards teaching, spin-outs and major innovations, regulation in the pharmaceutical industry and more.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Optional
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about fees
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
Extend your knowledge and skills to advance levels within your specialist area of practice, through a selection of modules designed to enhance your ability to take on roles in advanced practice.
Develop a critical awareness of current problems, gaining new insight at the forefront of your area of advanced practice that enables further strategic development of practice (and practice knowledge).
The distinctive features of the Masters programme are its 600 practice hours and its focus on the four pillars of advanced practice. This means that the programme produces practitioners who are able to think at a high level in practice, but who also underpin their practice with a high level of scholarship. The programme therefore provides a first-class opportunity for post-registration learning in practice.
You will be supported by a medical or clinical mentor over the two taught years, a value-added feature of the advanced clinical practice course that is not available in a traditional master’s course. Further, the development of a practice portfolio over the taught elements of the programme demonstrate the student’s capacity to function at an autonomous level in practice, while also illustrating the ability to consider the complex needs of their patients/clients. This again is generally not a feature of a traditional master’s course, and allows students to review and apply enhanced knowledge in practice as part of their clinical roles.
In order to facilitate this, applicants to the advanced clinical practice course will be required to have a responsible role in practice and to either be working as an autonomous practitioner, or to be able to secure a trainee advanced practitioner role.
The programme team work in partnership with the University Health Board and Wales Ambulance Service Trust to select candidates appropriate for this course interviewing applicants.
-The course features a programme structure based on a 50% theory and 50% practice divide in programme hours
-Assessment of practice learning through a portfolio of evidence allows the student to demonstrate their progression in practice
The programme aims to enable experienced professionals to:
-Develop a systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of their specialist field of practice.
-Develop a critical awareness of current problems, gaining new insights at the forefront of their area of advanced practice that enable further strategic development of practice and practice knowledge.
-Enable practitioners to inform, enhance and develop their competency within their field of practice.
-Demonstrate advanced scholarship in their subject area through the planning and execution of level 7 enquiry.
Having studied 60 credits in year one, students may exit with a Postgraduate Certificate. Year one comprises Clinical Assessment in Advanced Practice and Non-Medical Prescribing OR Clinical Assessment in Advanced Practice, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice and a negotiated/optional module (for non-prescribing practitioners) for the Advanced Clinical Practice generic route.
For the Therapies route students will study; Assessment And Intervention, Clinical Evaluation and either Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice or a negotiated/optional module.
Students wishing to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma will have studied 120 credits, and will have completed 60 credits in year one plus 60 credits from year two. All students will have studied Research Methods and Advancing Clinical Practice plus either a negotiated module or an optional module. In this way, students will have a structured approach that meets their professional needs, but which allows shared learning across disciplines to take place. As the students are practitioners working in a multi-professional environment in clinical practice, this framework of common elements with the opportunity for optional modules builds on multi-professional learning, but promotes the development of the students’ professional practice within their own speciality.
In year three all students will study the Dissertation. This is a module that is core to all health masters programmes and which allows a variety of approaches to the final project. Within the advanced practice curriculum, it is expected that students will direct their enquiry to a topic important to them as practitioners, and to which they will bring a level of enquiry that demonstrates, and is related to, their position as an advanced practitioner.
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
On successful completion of the Advanced Clinical Practice/Advanced Clinical Practice (Therapies) course, students will be eligible to apply for advanced practice roles in a variety of settings, and in Wales, students will be eligible to use the title ‘Advanced’ on completion of the MSc. As it is validated by the relevant PSRBs, on completion of the Non-Medical Prescribing module, students will be able to record this qualification with their professional body (NMC, HCPC, GPhC).
To be accepted on to the programme candidates must:
-Hold current registration with a professional statutory body pertaining to their area of advanced practice.
-Have a minimum of two years full time equivalent post-registration clinical experience.
-Be employed in a clinical role with a high level of autonomy or Be able to secure a placement to the above for a minimum of two days per week or Be in a Trainee Advanced Practitioner role.
-Have a Designated Supervising Medical Practitioner (DSMP) (for those students undertaking Non-Medical Prescribing and Clinical Assessment in Advanced Practice modules) and have mentorship support during their practice placement from their employing organisation.
-Obtain a satisfactory DBS certificate.
-*Candidates without a full honours degree at 2:2 and above will be required to submit a 1,500 word essay on a topic chosen by the admissions team as part of the induction process. Alternatively, recent successful completion of an appropriate level 6 module such as Research Methods, Non-Medical Prescribing at level 6 or Preparing for Master’s Level Study will allow admission to the programme, subject to programme team agreement.
This programme teaches advanced experimental approaches to dissecting the mechanisms of drug action (pharmacology), a science that has seen innovative theoretical and technical development at UCL for over a century.
In addition to providing experience of both classical and modern pharmacological techniques, the programme will help develop skills for literature search-based data acquisition and analysis; written and verbal communication of science; abstract writing; poster preparation; graphical processing; image preparation for publication; writing a scientific paper; and giving research presentations.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three core modules (75 credits), one optional module (15 credits), and a research project (90 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose one of the following:
Dissertation/report
Students undertake an original research project which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation and an oral presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, journal clubs, practicals, tutorials and a laboratory project. Student performance is evaluated through formal examination, coursework, and the research project.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics MSc
This programme is likely to lead to careers in biomedical sciences, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and clinical laboratories, and extend to clinicians interested in moving towards a scientific career. Students will obtain a thorough knowledge of and practice in pharmacological assessment, drug design and development pathways. It is anticipated that graduates will move onto PhD programmes and/or build careers in industry or clinical investigations through employment as research associates/scientists in the pharmaceutical industry or academia.
Employability
The knowledge and transferable skills developed on this programme will be advantageous for those considering employment in any pharmaceutical or healthcare setting, or contemplating further studies in related fields. The programme will also provide excellent training in critical appraisal of complex data, which will transfer well to other disciplines.
The programme is jointly taught by UCL Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology (Division of Biosciences), and the Research Department of Pharmacology at the UCL School of Pharmacy. Both departments are historically and currently internationally leading in this field, and together provide cutting-edge education in theory, research practice and innovation in pharmacology.
The programme is designed to impart extensive experimental expertise applied to drug development and subsequent therapeutics. The combination of traditional and experimental approaches in pharmacology, coupled with current innovation in therapeutics and drug discovery and development, fosters a unique set of skills, which will enable graduates of the programme to engage in various aspects of pharmaceutical research globally.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Biosciences
82% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This MRes offers specialised training with exposure to research scientists and members of the pharmaceutical industry. It provides a foundation year for a research career in drug development and a comprehensive programme in research methodology. Students will undertake a significant research project during this MRes.
Students develop practical understanding of research methods in biomedical science and knowledge of cutting-edge research techniques alongside practical experience in laboratory, clinical or epidemiological research. They develop the ability to evaluate scientific literature and gain an appreciation of ethical and governance requirements of research, including 'Good Clinical Practice' principles.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core taught modules (75 credits) and a research dissertation (105 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme.
Dissertation/research project
All MRes students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, practicals, small group seminars and laboratory work. Assessment is through presentations, essays, examination and the research dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Clinical Drug Development MRes
Graduates of the programme have used the qualification to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine, while a significant proportion of students go on to study for PhD degrees at UCL and other institutions worldwide.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
This programme runs within the School of Life and Medical Sciences, one of the most highly rated medical research organisations in the UK. Close links with clinical colleagues in the UCL group of hospitals provides cutting-edge medical expertise and links to world-leading clinical research.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Division of Medicine has as its mission the performance of innovative, high-quality biomedical research and excellence in graduate training.
This MRes programme provides an opportunity for students to develop theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical skills in research methodology. These include statistical methods applied to medical research and drug development in a specific biomedical area.
Over the course of the year, students will have the opportunity to build a network of contacts from both academia and industry, increasing their future career prospects.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Medicine
80% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
You'll receive the highest-quality teaching in the leading Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences in Scotland by staff dedicated to your personal and scientific development.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive three-part postgraduate life sciences training.
Firstly, unlike many MSc courses, we offer you dedicated training in a broad suite of practical laboratory skills.
Secondly, this is complemented by two unique classes that develop your transferrable skills in statistics, presentations, career development, and ethics, as well as honing your science writing skills and your ability to design experiments and analyse sophisticated datasets.
Thirdly, our taught classes capture the excitement of cutting-edge research fields and you'll be taught by active researchers or practising clinical professionals.
There's a choice of classes that allows you to select a pathway to suit your future aspirations. The MSc Advanced Pharmacology has a special focus on how drugs and other chemicals affect the body in health and disease. You'll explore the development of new and improved medicines and the treatment of disease.
The course provides the perfect springboard to future training at PhD level or gives you a range of skills and experience that will prove attractive to employers from industry or the health-care provision sector.
The course is taught in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. It’s located in our new building with state-of-the-art laboratories.
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions.
If you successfully complete the required taught classes, you can go on to take a laboratory project for the MSc.
Assessment of taught classes is through the following:
The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.
After graduating, you'll be ideally qualified for positions in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries as well as hospitals and universities.
This course provides the background training for a career in:
Alternatively, you may wish to continue studies for an MPhil or PhD.
This MSc offers specialised training in biomedical science with exposure to leading research scientists, biotechnologists and the pharmaceutical industry. It provides a foundation for a career in drug development and a comprehensive programme in research methodology, the translation of basic research into therapies and the governance and social implications of health research.
Students develop practical understanding of research methods in biomedical science and knowledge of cutting-edge research alongside practical experience in laboratory, clinical or epidemiological research. They develop the ability to evaluate scientific literature and gain an appreciation of ethical and governance requirements of research, including 'Good Clinical Practice' principles. Graduates of this MSc go on to have successful careers in both academia and in industry.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of six core modules (120 credits) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate consisting of two core modules (60 credits) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this degree.
Research project/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a report of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, practicals, small-group seminars and laboratory work. Assessment is through presentations, essays, examination and the research project and dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Clinical Drug Development MSc
The programme provides an ideal foundation for graduates who wish subsequently to undertake a PhD in biomedical science, and provides key transferable skills for those wishing to pursue careers in drug development.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
This programme runs within the School of Life and Medical Sciences, one of the most highly rated medical research organisations in the UK. Close links with clinical colleagues in the UCLH group of hospitals provides cutting-edge medical expertise and links to world-leading clinical research. Graduates of the programme have pursued careers in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine, and a significant proportion go on to study for PhD degrees at UCL and other institutions worldwide.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Division of Medicine has as its mission the performance of innovative, high-quality biomedical research and excellence in graduate teaching.
This MSc programme provides an opportunity for students to develop theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical skills in research methodology. These include statistical methods applied to medical research, drug development in a specific biomedical area or health specialty, and the ethics and governance of applied health research.
Over the course of the year, students will have the opportunity to build a network of contacts from both academia and industry, improving their future career prospects.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Medicine
80% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
From inhalers that ease breathing to pills and injections that destroy cancer, pharmacology affects billions of people around the world as a powerful force for good. In our MSc Pharmacology programme, you’ll discover how to harness that power to save and improve countless lives.
At GCU, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the science behind drugs and their effects on the human body – and master the cutting-edge techniques, laboratory bench skills and critical thinking approaches you need to succeed.
As part of our thriving, diverse and globally networked research community, you’ll investigate how the body works and what goes wrong when a disease strikes – and learn how drugs are engineered to reverse and even prevent a wide range of medical conditions.
You’ll get a world-class education through a variety of teaching methods – including lectures, seminars, practical laboratory classes and a laboratory-based research project. The programme prepares you for industry and academia alike, whether you choose employment or pursue your PhD.
Skills for Professional Practice in Bioscience 1; Skills for Professional Practice in Bioscience 2; Current Topics in Pharmacology; Drugs and Cellular Communication; Advanced Topics in Neuropharmacology; Biomolecular studies; Drugs and Disease; Systems Pharmacology; and MSc Research Project.
The learning and teaching methods we use ensure that our programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centred, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.
We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.
We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.
Each module on the programme uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.
With an MSc Pharmacology, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to choose from multiple career paths.
Research pharmacology: Many of our graduates go on to work in laboratories at universities, government research institutes or in industry, conducting experiments to gain new insight into disease and developing life-changing new drugs.
Clinical pharmacology: After drugs are developed in the lab, clinical pharmacologists take the next step – focusing on application for human use. Our MSc Pharmacology prepares you for the additional training required to pursue a career in this field.
Pharmacology teaching: You might also choose to work at a university, college lecture theatre or laboratory – sharing what you've learned with the next generation.
This online programme will give you a comprehensive understanding of the processes, investigation procedures and treatment options for common diseases you encounter in general medical practice.
The programme is mostly for early postgraduate doctors. It complements the learning you need to achieve membership of the Royal College of Physicians and it may also be suitable for doctors in other specialties, or nurse consultants and other paramedical specialists with extensive clinical experience.
We cover basic physiology, pathophysiology, therapy and clinical management, as well as clinical skills, generic skills (including writing and research methods) law, ethics and prescribing ability.
Problem-based learning through clinical case scenarios will be used to enhance knowledge and clinical decision-making. We use a variety of e-learning resources and platforms, including a virtual classroom with online tutorials and lectures, online interactive resources and virtual patients.
Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace. Students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.
This programme is made up of compulsory and optional courses.
Compulsory courses
Optional courses
Further programme information
This programme is designed to help medical professionals gain the next step in their medical career, with a highly regarded qualification and first-rate expertise.
Our MSc in Clinical Biochemistry will give you a thorough grounding in a discipline that deals with the clinical analysis of body fluids and other biological material to aid the diagnosis, therapy and monitoring of diseases.
Clinical biochemists are typically clinical scientists who work in hospital laboratories providing advice and interpretation of analytical results to other healthcare professionals such as clinicians, general practitioners and nurses.
They are also involved in the development of new analytical methods and improvement of clinical services, including quality assurance and audit.
Through this MSc, you will gain a core knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the major organs and endocrine systems, as well as more specialist areas such as paediatric biochemistry and drug monitoring.
You will also develop a core knowledge and understanding of clinical disorders and how biochemical parameters and laboratory methods are used for the investigation, diagnosis and management of patients.
We aim to give you:
Innovative teaching
We utilise mobile technology in our teaching by providing you with an iPad for you to use throughout your studies. You will benefit from interactive teaching environments that simulate the clinical laboratory where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to solve real-life clinical case scenarios.
Laboratory research experience
You have the option to spend 10 weeks in the laboratory conducting research to present in your dissertation.
Professional teaching and learning
Most of the course is taught by NHS professionals working in the field of clinical biochemistry. You will also learn alongside students from a variety of health science backgrounds within pathology, helping you to integrate within a health service laboratory team in the future.
We use a range of teaching and learning methodologies throughout the course, including lectures, tutorials, workshops and interactive clinical case tutorials using mobile technology and iPads. Some of these will be delivered online.
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
We will assess your progress using a range of formative and summative assessments, such as MCQs, ECQs, written and verbal presentations.
The assessments will be constructed to assess your knowledge and understanding while at the same time refining and expanding your intellectual and transferable skills.
The units that form part of the MSc are listed in the Course unit list further down the page.
There are also two PGCert pathways available, each comprising the following units:
PGCert Clinical Biochemistry (Foundation)
PGCert Clinical Biochemistry (Advanced)
You will be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.
You will undertake your theoretical learning on the main University campus.
Your research project may be carried out in a laboratory within the University or at teaching hospitals in Greater Manchester.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .
Individual units from this MSc can be taken as standalone courses for continuing professional development .
Our course attracts a wide range of students from a bioscience and medical background from home and abroad.
Many students study this course as a springboard for further academic research or as a stepping stone before applying for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
The course may also help individuals with their own career progression if they are already working within a clinical laboratory. The course also attracts intercalating medical students and professionals who may wish to specialise in clinical biochemistry/chemical pathology.
This course is approved by the Association for Clinical Biochemistry.
