Masters Degrees (Drug Delivery)

The global drug delivery sector is set to attain significant growth over the next five years. This is driven by the introduction of technologies with improved product features. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to innovate in order to maintain growth and profitability, the use of new drug delivery technologies is being explored for many treatment areas.

The introduction of new routes of delivery combined with increasing research and development spend, has created a new market for drug delivery and there is a market need for employees with matched skill sets.

What you'll study

The programme provides specialist research training and practical experience in the design and development of effective drug delivery systems, as well as promoting directly applicable skills for career and professional development.

This course is designed to provide a robust postgraduate training and skills development for life science or physical science-based graduate students seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry or at the life sciences interface.

You'll gain an overview of drug delivery and have hands-on experience of pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.

The course aims to:
-Develop your understanding of the biology of specific targets for drug-based intervention
-Develop your understanding of the biopharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic & physicochemical principles important in the design and formulation of drug dosage systems
-Address the latest advances in drug delivery & targeting & develop your understanding of the concept of drug targeting using drug -Carriers & provide an in depth appreciation of the strategies available & utilised for a particular drug & biological barrier
-Enhance your research skills & transferable skills relevant to drug delivery in preparation for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or academia including leadership skills & entrepreneurship
-Develop your understanding of advanced research methodology to enable you to carry out independent work of publishable standard

Major projects

Within your project, you'll have the exciting opportunity to work alongside leading researchers developing the next generation of drug delivery systems. We offer a range of topics from nano to macro drug delivery systems and we consider a wide range of delivery strategies.

Facilities

The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences offers an excellent environment for research and teaching. It’s located in a new building with several laboratories. All are fitted with the latest equipment.

The course will also provide students with full experiential learning with facilities including:
-Formulation & manufacturing facilities
-Thermo-analytical facilities
-Particle, microparticle & nanoparticle size & surface analysis
-Dissolution analysis facilities
-Freeze-drying
-In-vitro analysis

The course is also supported by access to the full range of analytical spectroscopic and chromatographic instrumentation for the characterisation of drug and drug delivery components, including:
-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
-Ultra-violet (UV)
-Attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR_FTIR)
-Mass spectrometry (MS)
-High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
-Gas chromatography (GC)
-Liquid chromatograph/gas chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/GC-MS)

Careers

This Masters programme is designed to support your career journey into the field of drug delivery and pharmaceutical sciences and provide the support for you to take up an exciting role within the pharmaceutical industry or continue your research career into a PhD programme.

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This course is one of our three specialist pharmacy MSc courses (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery, or Pharmacokinetics).

You’ll gain a thorough understanding and awareness of your chosen area of pharmacy, the research methods required to complete a final supervised research project and an overview of the drug discovery process.

These courses are primarily designed to prepare you for an academic or industrial career in the relevant area. You may be a scientist already working within the pharmaceutical industry or a recent science graduate.

You will undertake a variety of compulsory modules and a research project. This project will last approximately four months and you will work under the supervision of recognised experts in their field. The project allows you to undertake a detailed investigation and develop practical expertise in a specialist pharmaceutical sciences area. The University also has strong links with numerous pharmaceutical companies - there may be the opportunity to undertake your project in collaboration with one of these companies.

You will gain an overview of the drug development process from concept to market, gaining hands-on experience of pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.

What you will study

All students studying one of our three pharmacy MSc courses will take the following core modules:
-Research Methods 1: Professional Development
-Research Methods 2: Communication Skills
-Research Project
-Drug Discovery

Depending upon the course you chose, you will also undertake the following modules:
-Chemotherapy & Selective Toxicity
-Drug Dosage Form & Design
-Principles of Product Analysis and Validation
-Drug Delivery and Targeting

Learning, teaching & assessment

Ranked in the UK's top 10 in the 2017 Complete University Guide, Aston Pharmacy excellent links with the profession. In addition, our research profile ensures relevant, expertise-led teaching for the students who enrol onto our courses each year. We have a long history of proving sector-leading courses - did you know that Aston Pharmacy School can trace its roots back to 1841?

You will learn in lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Some modules may also use computer modelling and simulation sessions.

Our courses are assessed by a mixture of coursework, examinations, practical work and oral and written presentations. The research project module will be assessed on the basis of a submitted project report and an oral defence of a poster.

Your future career prospects

Graduates from our MSc programmes have taken up careers within the Pharmaceutical Industry in various disciplines such as analytical sciences, formulation development and project management. Our programmes provide the wider context and practical laboratory experience for pursuing careers in regulatory affairs, scientific writing and further studies.

Recent graduates have entered roles such as:
-Assistant Lecturer, University of Sulaimaniyah
-Associate Product Manager, AstraZeneca
-Business Development Manager, Crete Designs Limited
-Clinical Technician / Worker, Bridgewater Hospital
-Compound Technician, Sterling Pharmaceuticals
-Drug Designer, Unspecified Drug Company
-Drug Safety Specialist, PPD
-Drug Store Manager, Qaiwan group company
-Inhalation R & D Analyst, Aesica Pharmaceuticals Ltd (R5)
-Lecturer, University of Lagos, Nigeria
-Locum Pharmacist, various
-Molecular Modeller / Community Pharmacist, Verax Care Pharmacy
-OSD Technologist, GSK
-Pharma Benefit Associate, UnitedHealth Group
-Pharmacist, Government of India
-Pharmacist, Kerbala University
-Pharmacologist, Unspecified
-PhD Research Scholar, NIRMA University
-Recruitment Consultant, SRG
-Regulatory affairs trainee, PharmaLeaf India Pvt Ltd
-Research assistant, University of Leeds
-Research Scientist, Pluss Polymers
-Research Scientist, Wintean
-Researcher, Sunny Pharmtech Inc.
-Sales Relationship Coordinator, Wesley Assurance Society
-Science Teacher, Perry Beeches School
-Senior Regulatory officer, Roche Pharmaceuticals

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Overview
The MRes courses are designed to provide students with intensive laboratory-based training in research methods, supported by in-depth understanding. The aim is to prepare graduates to make contributions, as individuals and members of a team, to research-oriented activities in the biomedical industries and related service sectors, or academia. The courses are also well-suited to students wishing to upgrade a first degree, change field, or gain valuable laboratory experience before employment or a PhD. The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences represents the largest Pharmacy research group in the UK, with 55% of its staff rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour (data: Research Assessment Exercise 2008). The University of Strathclyde has invested £30M in a world-class, pioneering centre for biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences teaching and research, opened Aug 2010. Students will find themselves in stimulating, unique environment on account of the strongly multidisciplinary nature of the Institute. Combining fundamental and applied research across the areas of bioscience and pharmacy, SIPBS builds on its record of success in drug and vaccine discovery and development. The Institute engages with industry and the health services, ensuring that its excellent fundamental research is translated into products that are of benefit to health and society. For more information on SIPBS go to http://www.strath.ac.uk/sipbs

Course outline

An MRes degree is focussed on research and students will spend 8 months undertaking a laboratory-based project.
To support their chosen research project, students choose advanced-level taught courses in a named specialisation, from the following areas:

Taught classes delivered through lectures, workshops and practical classes in four areas:
1. Transferable skills training in data mining, interpretation and presentation; experimental planning, personal effectiveness, ethics in research
2. Commercialisation and entrepreneurship
3. MRes-specific classes relevant to subject area

Biomedical Sciences

Example research projects:
1. Antileishmanial activity of extracts and compounds from Monodora myristica
2. Imaging and modelling of cancer development
3. Endothelial progenitor cell expression and differentiation
4. Targeted radiotherapy for cancer
5. The involvement of pulmonary veins in atrial fibrillation: electrical properties
6. Reducing bacterial resistance to antibiotics
7. Development of neural stem cells with increased levels of the autophagy cell survival pathway
8. Investigating the role of Sigma 54 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence
9. Transcriptional network analysis of the Escherichia coli core stress response.
10. Identification of novel anti-microbial compounds targeted at biofilm formation

Drug Delivery systems

Example research projects
1. Nanoparticulate formulations of insulin and their analysis
2. Mesoporous silicas for oral delivery of cyclosporine
3. Bioprocessing of biopharmaceuticals
4. Modified and time-delayed oral solid-dose release formulations
5. Nasal formulations of poorly soluble compounds
6. Reducing bacterial resistance to antibiotics: establishing, optimising and implementing a high throughput assay to discover natural product derived inhibitors of metallo beta-lactamase.
7. Imaging of dermal formulations using Raman microscopy techniques
8. Antileishmanial activity of extracts and compounds from Monodora myristica
9. Anti-trypanosomal active triterpenoids from some African Propolis
10. Investigation into the potential therapeutic properties of marine organisms
11. Photo-triggered adhesion of mammalian cells

Drug Discovery

Projects in the areas of :
1. Drug Delivery
2. Molecular Biology
3. Pharmacology
4. Pharmaceutical Materials and Formulation
5. Toxicology

Neuroscience

Projects in the areas of:
1. Electrophysiology
2. Stem cell biology for regenerative purposes
3. Cell biology
4. Inflammation
5. In vitro culture systems
6. Functional genetics

How to Apply
Applicants should apply through the University of Strathclyde on-line application form: http://pgr.strath.ac.uk indicating "Masters by Research", and named specialisation as appropriate. Applicants are not required to submit a detailed research proposal at this stage.

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

This programme builds on a very successful in-house training programme implemented by a major pharmaceutical company.

It was designed and conceived by pharmaceutical industry experts in drug discovery and will be delivered and assessed by experts in this field at the School of Pharmacy.

The MSc covers how fundamental science is applied to the discovery and development of medicines and the main aims are to:

- provide you with the experience of critically appraising the research questions and techniques that are routine in the pharmaceutical industry workplace

- produce graduates trained in the processes by which fundamental science is linked to the design and development of modern medicines

- provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a PhD.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/736/applied-drug-discovery

Duration: One year full-time (campus based), two years part-time (distance learning)

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Course structure

This programme is taught as either a classic one year full-time programme with attendance required on Mondays and Tuesdays for 48 weeks plus an additional study day off-campus, or delivered through distance e-learning using an interactive virtual learning environment on a two-year part-time basis.

The programme comprises 60 credits at certificate level, 60 credits at diploma level and 60 credits at Master’s level. You may choose to end your study at any one of these stages.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Assessment

Assessment is by 100% coursework; including scientific reports, assignments, essays, a research project and portfolio entries.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- produce graduates trained in the processes by which fundamental science is linked to the design and development of modern medicines

- teach you an understanding of the drug discovery process

- provide you with expanded training in the biological sciences technical skills that underpin the processes of drug discovery

- provide you with the experience of critically appraising the research questions and techniques they use routinely in the workplace

- develop a variety of postgraduate level intellectual and transferable skills

- equip you with lifelong learning skills necessary to keep abreast of developments in drug discovery

- provide you with opportunities for shared multidisciplinary learning in drug discovery

- give you the experience of undertaking an independent research project

- provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue and/or further a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a higher degree (PhD) in topics related to the drug discovery process

- provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable irrespective of race, background, gender or physical disability from both within the UK and from overseas.

Research areas

- Chemistry and drug delivery

This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

- Biological sciences

This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

- Pharmacy practice

This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career. While the MSc in Applied Drug Discovery produces elite drug discovery personnel, who can pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or academia.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

This programme provides general-level hospital pharmacists – registered with the GPhC and working – with the core skills required to provide holistic pharmaceutical care in the practice setting.

The programme aligns with a nationally agreed pharmacy practitioner development strategy and is the result of a unique collaboration of higher education institutions across London and the south and east of England.

The programme develops your knowledge and skills in clinical pharmacy practice and medicines management. It works on a philosophy of student-centred workplace learning, supported by workbooks and contact days facilitated by experienced pharmacy practitioners. You are expected to take responsibility for managing your learning and achieving the programme objectives. The ethos and culture of the programme is to enhance and develop self-reliance and an adult approach to learning in support of continuing professional development.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/737/general-pharmacy-practice

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Modules

For more about the structure of this course please visit the Medway School of Pharmacy website (http://www.msp.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/cert-gen-pharm-pract/index.html).

Assessment

Assessment is by Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE), multiple-choice questions, assignments, literature review, prescribing audit, change management project, and a competency-based portfolio review.

Programme aims

The PCert and PDip aim to:

- enable you to apply appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to carry out effectively the role of the general pharmacist practitioner within your pharmacy practice base and wider healthcare teams

- enable you to carry out effective consultations with patients respecting their diverse needs and with regard to confidentiality and consent

- enable you to identify, prioritise and resolve complex pharmaceutical care issues

- enable you to apply knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and the clinical use of drugs and therapeutic guidelines to the treatment of common disease states

- enable you to access, gather, interpret, critically evaluate and summarise medicines information

- enable you to monitor the quality of services provided, identify, prioritise and resolve significant medicines management issues and monitor and evaluate outcomes

- enable you to establish population health needs and apply specialist pharmaceutical knowledge to public health issues.

The MSc aims are to:

- investigate a topic in depth

- evaluate current practice or a new service

- publish research and advance knowledge in pharmacy practice

- develop skills you require for the RPS Advanced Pharmacy Framework

- inspire you and others in your workplace to carry out much needed practice research

- support your future career and perhaps to help you explore new career paths.

Research areas

Chemistry and drug delivery
This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

Biological sciences
This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

Pharmacy practice
This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

This programme provides progression for pharmacists towards advanced practitioner status.

Completion of the practice elements of the course leads to the award of the Certificate of Completion of General Pharmacist Training from an accredited training centre.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

This programme, approved by the appropriate professional/regulatory bodies, provides a distance learning option for qualification as a non-medical prescriber.

Eight contact days cover communication and diagnostic skills. Other topics on the syllabus include the legal, policy, professional and ethical aspects of prescribing, plus pharmacology and patient assessment and monitoring.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/740/independent-supplementary-prescribing

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Course structure

You can take the Master’s programme as a stand-alone PCert in Independent/Supplementary Prescribing, or as one pathway into the Medicines Management programme, by studying prescribing as either the first or second year of the Medicines Management PDip.

On successful completion, the School will notify the appropriate professional/regulatory body that you have qualified as an independent/supplementary prescriber.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Assessment

Assessment is by Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), assignments, case-study analysis, multiple-choice questions, short answer paper, narrative based on portfolio entries and attendance at a period of learning in practice.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- prepare pharmacists to practice as supplementary prescribers

- prepare nurses and midwives to practice as supplementary/independent prescribers

- develop the knowledge and skills required by an allied health professional to practice as a supplementary prescriber

- meet the standards set by the respective professional or regulatory body as required within the legislative framework.

Research areas

Chemistry and drug delivery
This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

Biological sciences
This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

Pharmacy practice
This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

The Medway School of Pharmacy’s innovative postgraduate distance-learning programme in Medicines Management equips healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to medicines management services and to individual drug therapy decisions.

The programme emphasises clinical and costeffective prescribing in the context of holistic consideration of patient needs, and one of its pathways offers you the chance to qualify as an independent/supplementary prescriber.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/738/medicines-management

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Course structure

You can register for the full MSc programme or undertake stand-alone modules. Modules can be put together to form a short course programme. Module length varies from five to 15 credits.

For the PCert, you must complete 60 credits, of which at least 20 must be from core modules. Diploma students must complete 120 credits, of which at least 40 credits must be from core modules. To gain the MSc, you must complete a 60-credit research project, write a dissertation and present the results as a poster.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Assessment

Assessment includes case study analysis, critical appraisal of literature, assignments including short essays, a research project and dissertation.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to medicines management services and to individual drug therapy decisions in primary and secondary care.

- enable you to incorporate your learning directly into your workplace and to rise to the challenges presented by the new, patient-centred NHS.

Research areas

- Chemistry and drug delivery

This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

- Biological sciences

This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

- Pharmacy practice

This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

Start: At any time but preferably in September

Our research programme in Pharmacy gives you the integrated, broad-based research training needed to exploit current advances in pharmaceutical and biological sciences and pharmacy practice.

Within the school we have a number of home, EU and international postgraduate students who are undertaking doctoral research degrees. Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/171/pharmacy

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Study support

- Postgraduate resources

Postgraduate students have access to all the facilities at the Medway School of Pharmacy, including clinical skills labs and a ‘simulation man’. As the School of Pharmacy is a joint venture between the two universities, students have access to facilities at Kent’s Medway and Canterbury campuses, and the University of Greenwich.

- Dynamic publishing culture

Medway School of Pharmacy has a research culture and as such postgraduate students publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: International Journal of Pharmacy Practice; Nephron Physiology; Acta Physiologica; Purinergic Signalling; and European Journal of Pharmacology.

- Researcher Development Programme

Kent's Graduate School co-ordinates the Researcher Development Programme for research students, which includes workshops focused on research, specialist and transferable skills. The programme is mapped to the national Researcher Development Framework and covers a diverse range of topics, including subjectspecific research skills, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking and teamworking, and career management skills

Research areas

The Medway School of Pharmacy houses strong and vibrant research groups that span a range of pharmacy-related areas. Staff have a wealth of research experience, and UK and international links with both industry and academic institutions.

- Chemistry and drug delivery

This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

- Biological sciences

This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

- Pharmacy practice

This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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Medway School of Pharmacy is a joint venture between the Universities of Greenwich and Kent. Since 2004, the Department has invested heavily in facilities and equipment: it houses strong and vibrant research groups that span a range of pharmacy-related areas. Staff have a wealth of research experience and UK and international links with both industry and academic institutions. Our excellent relationship with both Greenwich and Kent gives the Department access to world-class research facilities. PhD studentships are awarded on a competitive basis and in a broad range of research areas, including chemistry and drug delivery, biological sciences and pharmacy practice.

The programme aims to give postgraduate students the integrated, broad-based research training needed to exploit the advances in pharmaceutical and biological sciences and pharmacy practice for conducting contemporary research. We also offer part-time MPhil/PhD programmes.

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/res/pharm

What you'll study

Research areas and recent research topics include:

Chemistry and drug delivery
Synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents
Structure-based drug design
Quantitive structure-activity relationship (QSAR) predication of ADMET properties
Controlled release
Particle engineering
Powder technology
Pharmaceutical technology
Novel drug delivery systems with a focus on respiratory drug delivery
Pharmacology, cell and molecular biology
Cancer gene therapy
Immunology of allergic response
Neuropharmacology
Neurobiology (circadian rhythms)
Control of microbial infection
Ion channels and their role in disease states
Pharmacy practice
Rational cost-effective use of drugs
Pharmaceutical care - with an emphasis on new models of care for specific patient groups
Medicines management
Pharmaceutical services, ethics and pharmacy practice

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

Students are assessed through their thesis and an oral examination.

Career options

Graduates from this programme can pursue positions in the pharmaceutical industry, consultancy, the NHS and other parts of the public sector, and academia.

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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The Biomedical Materials research degrees cover an exciting area of research in the School focusing both on fundamental understanding of interactions between man-made materials and biological tissues and the development of useful applications. We have close links with the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies and the clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine.

The subject

The subject of biomedical materials covers those materials that are used in the context of biology and medicine, usually to evaluate, treat, augment or replace any tissue, organ or function of the body. In surgery, a biomaterial may be a synthetic material used to replace part of a living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue.

A new area in biomaterials involves the exploration of nanotechnology for drug delivery, biological sensing or tissue regeneration. Examples of these bionanomaterials are small particles that may be used for the delivery of drug molecules to target sites within the body or to detect diseased areas.

Biomaterials are produced using chemical, physical, mechanical processes and they often employ or mimic biological phenomena in order for them to interact with their biological surroundings in defined ways.

Application of research

The clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine, including drug delivery, cancer, wound healing, stem cell technology, repair and regeneration of nerve, tendon, cartilage, bone, intevertebral disc, skin, ligament and cornea.

Industry collaboration

We have strong ties with industry, including ongoing collaboration with Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, and Versamatrix A/S (Denmark), developing novel biomaterial based strategies for wound healing, bone repair, control of inflammation and drug delivery.

Facilities

To underpin the research and teaching activities, we have established state-of-the-art laboratories, which allow comprehensive characterisation and development of materials. These facilities range from synthetic/textile fibre chemistry to materials processing and materials testing.

To complement our teaching resources, there is a comprehensive range of electrochemical, electronoptical imaging and surface and bulk analytical facilities and techniques.

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The Biomedical Materials research degrees cover an exciting area of research in the School focusing both on fundamental understanding of interactions between man-made materials and biological tissues and the development of useful applications. We have close links with the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies and the clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine.

The subject

The subject of biomedical materials covers those materials that are used in the context of biology and medicine, usually to evaluate, treat, augment or replace any tissue, organ or function of the body. In surgery, a biomaterial may be a synthetic material used to replace part of a living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue.

A new area in biomaterials involves the exploration of nanotechnology for drug delivery, biological sensing or tissue regeneration. Examples of these bionanomaterials are small particles that may be used for the delivery of drug molecules to target sites within the body or to detect diseased areas.

Biomaterials are produced using chemical, physical, mechanical processes and they often employ or mimic biological phenomena in order for them to interact with their biological surroundings in defined ways.

Application of research

The clinical applications of our research impact many areas of medicine, including drug delivery, cancer, wound healing, stem cell technology, repair and regeneration of nerve, tendon, cartilage, bone, intevertebral disc, skin, ligament and cornea.

Industry collaboration

We have strong ties with industry, including ongoing collaboration with Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, and Versamatrix A/S (Denmark), developing novel biomaterial based strategies for wound healing, bone repair, control of inflammation and drug delivery.

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This course is designed for graduates of chemistry, pharmacy and other related sciences who are contemplating a career in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, the NHS or with government agencies such as drug licensing authorities.

The programme provides a good background in basic pharmaceutical sciences followed by advanced training in drug discovery, drug product design, drug delivery, pharmacology, microbiology and regulatory processes. It also offers advanced practical experience and supervised training, together with an opportunity to undertake an in-depth research project as part of an active research group.

This course is suitable for both UK and non-UK graduates, and international students benefit from our excellent support networks.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for this course. Please click the link below for more information.
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-finance/postgraduate/index.aspx

Course structure

This course is one calendar year, full-time, involving 30 weeks of taught modules divided into two 15-week semesters, and a project which is largely carried out during the remaining time.

Students may have the opportunity to undertake a short industrial placement (optional) during their second semester. A four-month research project is integrated into the second semester, on completion of which you will be required to submit a 10,000 word dissertation. The assessment of each taught module includes coursework and a written examination paper at the end of semester two.

Past research project topics include the development of novel transdermal formulations containing naturally occurring antioxidants as sunscreen agents, and the use of mucoadhesive gels for vaginal drug delivery.

Syllabus

During the course you will:

• develop knowledge and understanding of the role of drug discovery; biological processes involved in drug action; drug product design; quality assurance, quality control and regulatory affairs
• develop knowledge and understanding of the chemical principles underlying the design, action and disposition of drug molecules
• appreciate aspects of drug ADME and the underlying mathematical principles, mechanisms of action and adverse effects of drug treatments and the phenomenon of drug interactions
• develop an understanding of the microbiological processes involved in the development and quality assurance of non-sterile and sterile medicines and devices including biotechnology products
• develop knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and current trends in the formulation design and manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage forms
• deveop an appreciation of the physicochemical and biological factors which affect uniformity, performance, stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical products.

Modules:

Research Project
Research Methods
Pharmacology and Drug Development
Regulatory Affairs
Industrial Pharmacy, QA and QC
Current Research in Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Options:

Industrial Placement
Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
Advanced in Biochemical and Clinical Analysis
Quality Issues in Complementary Therapies That Utilise Plants
New Medicinal Products: From Inception to Market
Industrial Manufacturing Processes
Advanced Drug Delivery

Careers and Employability

This course will equip you for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, NHS, academic centres, research institutions or with government agencies such as drug licensing authorities. Our graduates are also well placed to apply for a PhD.

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Pharmaceutical Technology is a science-based programme, for pharmacists, life science, chemistry and chemical engineering graduates, focused to teach skills in formulation and drug delivery. The course utilises well-equipped laboratories for hands-on time with a range of modern techniques and instruments.

Key benefits

- King's is ranked 4th in the world for Pharmacy & Pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016)

- Well-equipped laboratories allowing students lots of 'hands-on' time for a range of modern techniques and instruments.

- Students learn about the art of developing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients into medicinal products.

- Opportunity to undertake an extended project of interest in the laboratories of internationally-rated scientists.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/pharmaceutical-technology-msc.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

Our advanced programme is concerned with the science and application of formulation of pharmaceutical products to support the discovery and development of better medicines.

- Course purpose -

To provide pharmacists and other life science or engineer graduates with the necessary knowledge and expertise in liquid and solid dosage form design and handling and the scientific principles underlying dosage form stability for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, research institutes or biotech. The programme is science-based concerned with the biopharmaceutic and physicochemical aspects of dosage form design.

- Course format and assessment -

Lectures; laboratory classes; tutorials; laboratory-based research project or dissertation; modules assessed by coursework and written examination.

Required Modules:

- Principles of Analytical Techniques
- Numerical Methods and Regulatory Affairs
- Principles of Drug Delivery and Disposition.

Career prospects

Recent graduates have gone on to take PhD studies; to work in R&D laboratories in the pharmaceutical industry; or biotech. Overseas students have returned to similar positions in their home countries.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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Sunderland is ranked sixth in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology, according to The Guardian University Guide 2013.

Course overview

This Masters is one of the few in the UK that covers biopharmaceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals. The course covers drug delivery systems for large molecules such as proteins, genes and anticancer drugs that offer innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of our society.

The course also covers advanced formulations and delivery of small drug molecules. There is a focus on nanotechnology, dosage forms, pharmacokinetics and statistical methods used in data analysis.

Our supportive tutors will guide the development of rigorous approaches to research including sound methodologies, good manufacturing practice, high laboratory standards and effective communication of results.

Your Masters research project will be supervised by an expert in the relevant field, possibly in collaboration with a pharmaceutical company or research institution.

This course is particularly relevant if you plan to undertake a PhD in the area of pharmaceutical sciences, biopharmaceuticals or drug delivery. It is also suitable if you are considering, or already involved in, a career in pharmaceutical-related industries, hospitals or research institutions.

Pharmacy is a particular area of strength at the University of Sunderland. We have worked with GlaxoSmithKline for over 20 years and Pfizer has funded research projects at Sunderland for over 10 years.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent research and self-directed study. There is flexibility to pursue personal interests in considerable depth, with guidance and inspiration from Sunderland's supportive tutors. Modules on this course include:
-Dosage Forms and Pharmacokinetics (20 Credits)
-Delivering Gene and Therapeutic Proteins (20 Credits)
-Essential Research and Study Skills (20 Credits)
-Research Manipulation (20 Credits)
-Nanotechnology (20 Credits)
-Bioinformatics (20 Credits)
-Research Project (60 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, problem-based learning, laboratory work, group work and visits to relevant companies. We also welcome guest speakers from the pharmaceutical industry who deliver guest lectures and seminars.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. Assessment methods include written examinations, online tests and coursework, which includes oral and poster presentations.

Facilities & location

Sunderland's exceptional facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for pharmaceutics, synthetic, analytical and medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.

Facilities for Chemistry
We’ve recently spent £1 million on our new state-of-the-art analytical equipment. The analytical suite contains equipment which is industry-standard for modern clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories. Our state-of-the-art spectroscopic facility allows us to investigate the structures of new molecules and potential medicinal substances. We are equipped with Liquid Chromatography-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy (LCNMR/MS) platforms; this is an exceptional facility for a university. We also have low and high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis equipment.

Our facilities allow you to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and infra-red spectroscopy, which are of great importance in determining both ionic/metal content of pharmaceuticals and simple chemical structures. You will also gain experience of revolutionary protein and DNA separation techniques, as well as Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography for separating unknown chemical mixtures.

Facilities for Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology
Our highly technical apparatus will help you gain a better understanding of the effects of drugs on specific receptors located throughout the human body and related physiological effects. In addition to equipment for standard pharmacopoeial tests, such as dissolution testing, friability and disintegration, we also have highly sophisticated test methods. These include rheometry, thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy), tests for powder flow, laser diffraction, photon correlation spectroscopy, image analysis and laser confocal microscopy.

We also have equipment for wet granulation, spray drying, capsule filling, tablet making, powder mixing inhalation, film coating and freeze drying.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles. Some of the most important sources for your studies include:
-Embase, which is a complex database covering drug research, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, clinical and experimental human medicine, health policy and management, public health, occupational health, environmental health, drug dependence and abuse, psychiatry, forensic medicine and biomedical engineering/instrumentation
-PsycINF, which includes information about the psychological aspects of medicine, psychiatry, nursing, sociology, pharmacology and physiology
-PubMed, which contains life science journals, online books and abstracts that cover fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care
-Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
-Web of Science, which covers a broad range of science areas

Employment & careers

On completing this course you will be equipped with the skills and understanding needed for Research & Development roles with employers such as:
-Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies
-Medical research institutes
-Hospitals

Salaries for senior pharmacologists range from £35,000 to around £80,000. Clinical laboratory scientists earn an average of £36,000. A Masters degree will also enhance opportunities in academic roles or further study towards a PhD.

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Overview

This exciting new MSc is designed to equip students with an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of drug discovery, integrating teaching in chemistry and biology to develop graduates who have exceptional scientific understanding and a host of transferable skills. The course blends the two fundamental disciplines underpinning drug delivery, and provides students with the opportunity to practise background theory within the productive research-led environments offered by the Schools of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. Nottingham has world-leading expertise in the areas of drug discovery and pharmaceutical science, and students on this course will have the chance to learn directly from staff at the forefront of the field.

The course content covers all aspects of drug delivery, and includes a 12-week (60 credit) research project based in our laboratories, encouraging the practical application of the theory taught within the programme.

The course will be technology-rich, using online learning packages to supplement face-to-face teaching and innovative assessment methods.

Aims

The overall aim of the MSc is to develop knowledge and understanding, cognitive skills, key skills and practical and professional skills in the area of Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Science. The overall drug discovery process from ‘concept to clinic’ provides the reference point for the education and training delivered in the more specific scientific and regulatory aspects.

Students will, therefore, be able to develop an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the main topic areas housed within the arena of drug discovery. In addition, upon completing the degree students will be able to make effective use of electronic communication and information search & retrieval to facilitate development of key critical skills with which to assess and analyse a broad array of scientific literature.

Further information

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