Masters Degrees (Pharma)

This exciting new programme has been introduced as a spin-off from the very successful Drug Discovery MSc in response to the increasing opportunities which now exist for research scientists who can evaluate the business potential of their science as well as generate the science itself.

Degree information

This MSc contains the science core of the Drug Discovery MSc and combines a broad overview of the drug discovery and development process with specialisation in management training and awareness, and strategic partnering and business development skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of four core modules (120 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-The Process of Drug Discovery
-The Process of Drug Development
-Modern Aspects of Drug Discovery
-Pharma Management

Dissertation/report
All students undertake a business development project based on an aspect of science from drug discovery either at the UCL School of Pharmacy or in industry.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars and practical classes. Assessment is through a combination of written examination and coursework. The business development project is by written report and oral presentation to the class and a judging panel of scientists and managers.

Careers

Students who complete the Drug Discovery and Pharma Management MSc will progress to careers in the varous aspects of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries including research, product development and manufacturing, clinical trials and regulatory affairs.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Pharma Management component of this MSc is led by Dr Nigel Ratcliffe, formerly Vice-President for regulatory and commercial affairs at Astra Zeneca.

Students visit a leading research laboratory e.g. GlaxoSmithKline to look at computer-based molecular modelling, how physico-chemical properties are determined, the robotic compound library, and high throughput screening. The visit is supplemented by material and instruction and the discovery process of a drug will be worked through in detail.

Students attend a one-day research conference on an aspect of drug discovery and development organised by the Society for Medicines Research where there is opportunity to interact with leading industrialists and researchers in the field.

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City’s MSc Health management provides business skills for managers and leaders in healthcare, pharma, and management consultancy; this course has an international and cross-sector outlook.

Who is it for?

The course is for high potential managers for international business and leadership roles. It is for those with a hands-on approach, wanting to learn intensively and gain global perspectives, and cross-sector knowledge. The client-facing side of the programme is particularly relevant for those wanting to engage with real business challenges, influence career direction and boost their management profile.

Objectives

The MSc in Health Management provides strategic insights and business skills for those working across the worldwide health sector. The focus is on innovation and implementation with client-facing learning emphasising forward thinking.

Learning on the course is interactive, developing student’s business awareness, leadership and management capabilities; skills in project management and working in multi-disciplinary teams.

Throughout the course students engage in client-facing activities applying taught health management skills in management consultancy, internships, technology transfer and commercialisation projects.

Practical and relevant industry discussions are born from an international student body, working across different management and professional backgrounds, alongside speakers from the professional and scientific communities who promote practical industry relevant discussion and insights.

The course aims to enable students to engage in cross-sector and multi-disciplinary working, improve their team working abilities and client facing skills to achieve careers at the highest level within the international health sector.

Placements

The MSc Health Management includes placements, projects, and internship opportunities.

Health management consultancy is a placement that is part of the academic requirement of the course. Consultancies address a wide range of issues: strategy development, operational efficiency, new technologies and business start-ups. Consultancy teams are directed by the client, and facilitated and supported by the MHM academic team.

Technology transfer and marketisation projects provide opportunities for training and mentoring in commercialisation, on-the-job learning in multi-disciplinary teams and in some cases the opportunity to join a start-up management team.

Internship opportunities are available through the MHM Intern Development Programme. This offers opportunities with some of the most influential healthcare organisations in London. Internships are three-month periods of work experience, and opportunities to leverage career experience and direction. These are in the winter and spring semesters, as the health management consultancy placement is completed in the summer semester.

Academic facilities

The MSc Health Management is based in City’s Franklin Building close to the City of London, the School of Health Sciences, and Cass Business School.

As an international city and global health centre, London is an outstanding location for health management studies. Major international corporations are headquartered in London, as well as healthcare think tanks, and policy institutes. It is the centre of the national health service (NHS) for England, and the largest strategic health authority in the United Kingdom. This reflects in the range of placements, projects, and internships available on the course.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is provided by leading academics in the fields of business and the health care sector as well as respected guest speakers from the health industry and scientific community who join us to share experiences, and insights on future trends across the health sector.

Course delivery is approximately:
-30% Lectures by health management team
-30% Speakers from health industries and scientific communities
-40% Interactive learning in teams

The assessment strategy reflects the management task, with a wide range of assessments allowing flexibility to tailor business knowledge to career needs. Collaborative group assessments emphasise communication and influencing skills as well as providing opportunities to address larger inter-connected challenges. Written assignments emphasise the principles of management and the core business functions and develop skills in organisation analysis and preparing business reports. Exams focus on specific applied skill sets for managers and leaders.

The health management consultancy project embodies the client-facing emphasis of the course, and the approach to assessment.
-54% Coursework
-29% Projects
-17% Exams

Modules

The MSc Health Management comprises seven modules and a 12-15,000 word health sector dissertation.

The emphasis is on practical and applied business skills, looking across the health sector. The outlook is international. From health services to pharma, to management consultancy, the course develops a wide range of industry relevant business skills.

There are opportunities to participate in technology transfer and commercialisation projects. A health management consultancy project applies MHM skills in a client-facing project. The Intern Development Programme offers further opportunities to apply learning.

Core modules
-Strategic Management in Healthcare
-Health Innovation and Change
-Management and Leadership in Healthcare
-Finance and Enterprise Performance
-Economic Evaluation and Pharma
-Health Management Consultancy
-Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis

Career prospects

Management is a top Masters degree for earnings potential (Forbes 2015). With global health expenditure expected to increase to US$ 18 trillion (Lancet 2016), an MSc combining business skills with health sector application conveys exceptional career prospects,

Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies value skills in strategy, innovation and change leadership, management consultancy, and economic evaluation. The average salary of MHM graduates is £50,000.

Graduates from the MSc Health Management have gone on to work in all areas of healthcare, pharma, management consultancy and at companies including:
-Almirall
-Best Doctors
-Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre
-Capita Consulting
-First Prime Co., Ltd
-Fairview Hospital Zambia
-Golin London
-JDX Consulting
-Health Designs
-Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation
-IMS Health
-Lundbeck
-Medpace
-Mullen Lowe Lintas Group
-National Medical Care Co
-Orica
-Symmetron
-Texas Children’s Hospital
-The Royal Melbourne Hospital

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This course increases your knowledge and skills in pharmacology and biotechnology to increase your competitiveness in the job market or complete research at PhD level. If you are already employed, this course can help you to further your career prospects.

The course is delivered by internationally recognised academics who are involved in biotechnology and pharmacology research. Research projects include studying the manipulation of proteins and their application to Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, ion channels and the development of novel drugs from natural products.

You learn in detail how drugs act at the molecular and cellular level and then how biotechnological techniques are used to produce new drugs. Examples include developing new and effective treatments for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis.

You also gain experience of the latest techniques used by the pharmaceutical industry to produce and study the effects of novel drugs.

The course gives you

• up-to-date knowledge of cellular and molecular pathology of various human diseases
• the basis of therapeutic rationales for treating diseases and their development
• an advanced understanding of recombinant DNA technology and how it is used to produce drugs
• experience of the latest practical techniques, such as cell culture, quantitative PCR analysis, cloning, western blotting, and analytical techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry
• the transferable and research skills to enable you to continue developing your knowledge and improve your employment potential.

Course structure

The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits. 

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.

The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits.

Core modules:

• Cell biology (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of pharmacology (15 credits)
• Molecular biology (15 credits)
• Biotechnology (15 credits)
• Professional development (15 credits)
• New approaches to pharmacology (15 credits)
• Research methods and statistics (15 credits)
• Research project (60 credits)

Optional modules:

• Applied biomedical techniques (15 credits)
• Cellular and molecular basis of cancer (15 credits)
• Pharmaceutical drug development (15 credits)
• Human genomics and proteomics (15 credits)

Assessment

Assessment is mostly by written examination and coursework including problem solving exercises, case studies and input from practical laboratory work. Research project assessment includes a written report and viva voce.

Employability

The course improves your career prospects in areas of • biomedical sciences • medical research in universities and hospitals • the pharmaceutical industry • biotechnology companies • government research agencies.

You also develop the skills to carry out research to PhD level in pharmacology and biotechnology.

Recent MSc Pharmacology and Biotechnology graduates jobs include • project specialist at PAREXEL • quality assurance documentation assistant at Vifor Pharma • PhD at the University of Manchester • clinical research associate at AstraZeneca • workplace services analyst at Deloitte India (Offices of the US) • regulatory compliance specialist for Selerant • senior product executive at PlasmaGen BioSciences.

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This course is offered in response to sustained international demand for highly skilled graduates in mechanical engineering for manufacturing and process engineering industries. On completion of the course, you will be able to:

- show a thorough understanding of the principles and theoretical bases of modern manufacturing techniques, automation, and production processes
- identify appropriate manufacturing systems for different production requirements and analyse their performance
- apply appropriate technology, quality tools and manufacturing methodology to design, re-design and continuously improve the manufacturing operations of engineering companies
- plan, research, execute and oversee experiments and research projects, critically analyse and interpret data, and effectively disseminate results
- work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, be self-motivated, able to work independently and demonstrate leadership

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr27/

Course Details

The course is 12 months in duration starting in September and consists of 60 credits in Part I from September to March, and 30 credits in Part II from June to September. You take 10 taught modules from the list below to the value of 50 credits and also undertake a preliminary research project (ME6019) worth 10 credits in Part I. If you obtain a minimum of 50% in the taught modules and the preliminary project, you will be eligible to progress to Part II and undertake a major four-month research project (ME6020) worth 30 credits, and submit a dissertation leading to the award of the MEngSc degree.

ME6001 Manufacturing Systems (5 credits)
ME6002 CAD/CAM (5 credits)
ME6003 Production Management (5 credits)
ME6004 Operations Research and Project Economics (5 credits)
ME6007 Mechanical Systems (5 credits)
ME6008 Mechatronics and Robotics (5 credits)
ME6009 Industrial Automation and Control (5 credits)
ME6010 Technology of Materials (5 credits)
ME6012 Advanced Robotics (5 credits)
PE6002 Process Automation and Optimisation (5 credits)
PE6003 Process Validation and Quality (5 credits)
PE6007 Mechanical Design of Process Equipment (5 credits)
PE6009 Pharmaceutical Engineering (5 credits)
CE3010 Energy in Buildings (5 credits)
CE4016 Energy Systems in Buildings (5 credits)
CE6024 Finite Element Analysis (5 credits)
EE4012 Biomedical Design (5 credits)

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar - http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/Masters/engineering/page05.html

Format

Each module typically consists of 24 lectures, 12 hours of continuous assessment, plus additional supplemental reading and study, carried out over one of two 12-week semesters from September to December (Semester 1), or January to March (Semester 2). The exact workload in each teaching period will depend on the choice of modules. In addition, a substantial weekly commitment to the project module ME6019 is expected over both semesters.

Assessment

Individual modules have different methods of assessment but this typically consists of a single end-of-semester examination in December or April/May, plus continuous assessment throughout the relevant semester. This continuous assessment may consist of a combination of in-class tests, formal laboratories or practicals, design exercises, project work, written reports and presentations. Any repeat examinations are held in August.

Students who pass but fail to achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the taught modules excluding the Preliminary Research Project (ME6019) or do not achieve a mark of at least 50% in the Preliminary Research Project (ME6019) will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process and Automation Systems). Candidates passing Part I of the programme who do not wish to proceed to Part II may opt to be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process and Automation Systems).

Careers

In response to increasing demand for highly skilled graduates in the field of mechanical engineering applied to the manufacturing and pharma-chem industries, this course will produce mechanical engineering postgraduates who are proficient in the development and realisation of modern manufacturing, process and automation systems. This is achieved through developing an understanding of the concepts of manufacturing systems, and the skills to analyse, design and implement manufacturing systems in practice. This is combined with an understanding of process automation and operational management. The course will equip you with an-up-to date knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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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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This course is one of our three specialist pharmacy MSc courses (MSc in 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.

During this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge required as a pharmacist - the ability to provide effective pharmaceutical formulation strategies for current and future drug therapies and medicinal products.

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 Skill
-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
-Pharmacology

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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The School is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art equipment, which would help provide relevant practical experience for the students. Therefore the course aims to help students develop the necessary knowledge and practical skills to work in various areas within the pharmaceutical industry, including formulation, regulatory, and analytical services. Students will have a holistic view on the drug development process and be able to solve common pharmaceutical problems by critically evaluating and discussing the scientific literature.

The course is offered on a one year full-time basis, taught over three terms. It includes six taught modules in the first two terms in which all lecture material will be provided on our VLE to enable access.

INDUSTRY LINKS

GSK, Quay Pharma, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and MHRA etc.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The MSc programme is delivered not only via the conventional means of face-to-face lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars, but the use of online technologies such as videos and discussion forum would also help integrate students’ learning into their normal daily activities.

Practical classes, problem-based-learning exercises related to industrial challenges and reflective activities throughout the course would also help develop students’ ability to solve pharmaceutical problems practically and provide students an opportunity to apply their knowledge into practice, particularly in relation to the need for appropriate formulation design and development, and how these factors affect clinical outcomes in practice.

A variety of assessment methods will be used for this MSc course, including essays, oral presentations, posters, written examinations and laboratory reports.

OPPORTUNITIES

Students on the course have opportunities to visit our industrial collaborators who specialise in liquid and solid dosage forms, which aim to provide an insight to students about the pharmaceutical industry and the various roles available in industry. Guest lectures and workshops provided at UCLan from the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory bodies also supplement the various modules studied in the course.

Graduate careers include: formulation scientist, PhD research student, and quality control technician.

Graduates may apply for further PhD study at UCLan or other institutions following completion of the MSc Programme. Alternatively, graduates aim to find jobs in the pharmaceutical industry as a formulation scientist, regulatory affairs officer and other roles in industry.

Eligible students may also be able to conduct their MSc research project in collaboration with an industrial partner in semester 3 as part of their MSc studies. This could be in the UK or overseas, subject to availability and agreement with the industrial organisation.

FACILITIES

The specifically designed Pharmaceutical Sciences laboratories have excellent facilities to carry out teaching and research in pharmaceutical sciences. For example, a single-punch tablet press and powder encapsulation equipment help provide practical experience of small scale solid dosage form manufacturing. Other specialist equipment such as coating and spray drying instrument also help enhance students’ learning experience at the University. The characterisation of various dosage forms in accordance to the BP or USP methods can also be carried out using dissolution, disintegration, friability testers etc.

Various advanced drug delivery devices for pulmonary, oral and transdermal applications are also available for both teaching and research at the School. Students would also be able to use the superb analytical instrument available at the University for their practical classes and research project.

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Have you ever wondered how the latest life science discoveries - such as a novel stem cell therapy - can move from the lab into commercial scale production? Would you like to know whether it is possible to produce bio-polymers (plastics) and biofuels from municipal or agricultural waste? If you are thinking of a career in the pharma or biotech industries, the Biochemical Engineering MSc could be the right programme for you.

Degree information

Our MSc programme focuses on the core biochemical engineering principles that enable the translation of advances in the life sciences into real processes or products. Students will develop advanced engineering skills (such as bioprocess design, bioreactor engineering, downstream processing), state-of-the-art life science techniques (such as molecular biology, vaccine development, microfluidics) and essential business and regulatory knowledge (such as management, quality control, commercialisation).

Three distinct pathways are offered tailored for graduate scientists, engineers, or biochemical engineers. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme offers three different pathways (for graduate scientists, engineers, or biochemical engineers) and consists of core taught modules (120 credits) and a research or design project (60 credits).

Core modules for graduate scientists

-Advanced Bioreactor Engineering

-Bioprocess Synthesis and Process Mapping

-Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control

-Commercialisation of Bioprocess Research

-Fluid Flow and Mixing in Bioprocesses

-Heat and Mass Transfers in Bioprocesses

-Integrated Downstream Processing

-Mammalian Cell Culture and Stem Cell Processing

Core modules for graduate engineers

-Advanced Bioreactor Engineering

-Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control**

-Cellular Functioning from Genome to Proteome

-Commercialisation of Bioprocess Research

-Integrated Downstream Processing

-Mammalian Cell Culture and Stem Cell Processing

-Metabolic Processes and Regulation

-Structural Biology and Functional Protein Engineering

-Bioprocess Microfluidics*

-Bioprocess Systems Engineering*

-Bioprocessing and Clinical Translation*

-Cell Therapy Biology*

-Industrial Synthetic Biology*

-Sustainable Bioprocesses and Biorefineries*

-Vaccine Bioprocess Development*

*Core module for graduate biochemical engineers; **core module for both graduate engineers and graduate biochemical engineers

Research project/design project

All MSc students submit a 10,000-word dissertation in either Bioprocess Design (graduate scientists) or Bioprocess Research (graduate engineers and graduate biochemical engineers).

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and individual and group activities. Guest lectures delivered by industrialists provide a professional and social context. Assessment is through unseen written examinations, coursework, individual and group project reports, individual and group oral presentations, and the research or design project.

Careers

The rapid advancements in biology and the life sciences create a need for highly trained, multidisciplinary graduates possessing technical skills and fundamental understanding of both the biological and engineering aspects relevant to modern industrial bioprocesses. Consequently, UCL biochemical engineers are in high demand, due to their breadth of expertise, numerical ability and problem-solving skills. The first destinations of those who graduate from the Master's programme in biochemical engineering reflect the highly relevant nature of the training delivered.

Approximately three-quarters of our graduates elect either to take up employment in the relevant biotechnology industries or study for a PhD or an EngD, while the remainder follow careers in the management, financial or engineering design sectors.

Top career destinations for this degree:

-PhD Degree/Further Studies(Imperial College London, UCL, Cambridge)

-Consultancy (PwC)

-Bioprocess/Biopharma Industry (GSK, Eli Lilley, Synthace)

-Financial Sector

Employability

The department places great emphasis on its ability to assist its graduates in taking up exciting careers in the sector. UCL alumni, together with the department’s links with industrial groups, provide an excellent source of leads for graduates. Over 1,000 students have graduated from UCL with graduate qualifications in biochemical engineering at Master’s or doctoral levels. Many have gone on to distinguished and senior positions in the international bioindustry. Others have followed independent academic careers in universities around the world.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL was a founding laboratory of the discipline of biochemical engineering, established the first UK department and is the largest international centre for bioprocess teaching and research. Our internationally recognised MSc programme maintains close links with the research activities of the Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering which ensure that lecture and case study examples are built around the latest biological discoveries and bioprocessing technologies.

UCL Biochemical Engineering co-ordinates bioprocess research and training collaborations with more than a dozen UCL departments, a similar number of national and international university partners and over 40 international companies. MSc students directly benefit from our close ties with industry through their participation in the Department’s MBI® Training Programme.

The MBI® Training Programme is the largest leading international provider of innovative UCL-accredited short courses in bioprocessing designed primarily for industrialists. Courses are designed and delivered in collaboration with 70 industrial experts to support continued professional and technical development within the industry. Our MSc students have the unique opportunity to sit alongside industrial delegates, to gain deeper insights into the industrial application of taught material and to build a network of contacts to support their future careers.

Visit the Biochemical Engineering Open Days page on the University College London website for more details on opportunities to come and see our facilities and speak to the team!

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The School is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art equipment, which would help provide relevant practical experience for the students. Therefore the course aims to help students develop the necessary knowledge and practical skills to work in various areas within the pharmaceutical industry, including formulation, regulatory, and analytical services. Students will have a holistic view on the drug development process and be able to solve common pharmaceutical problems by critically evaluating and discussing the scientific literature.

The course is offered on a one year full-time basis, taught over three terms. It includes six taught modules in the first two terms in which all lecture material will be provided on our VLE to enable access.

INDUSTRY LINKS

GSK, Quay Pharma, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and MHRA etc.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The MSc programme is delivered not only via the conventional means of face-to-face lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars, but the use of online technologies such as videos and discussion forum would also help integrate students’ learning into their normal daily activities.

Practical classes, problem-based-learning exercises related to industrial challenges and reflective activities throughout the course would also help develop students’ ability to solve pharmaceutical problems practically and provide students an opportunity to apply their knowledge into practice, particularly in relation to the need for appropriate formulation design and development, and how these factors affect clinical outcomes in practice.

A variety of assessment methods will be used for this MSc course, including essays, oral presentations, posters, written examinations and laboratory reports.

OPPORTUNITIES

Students on the course have opportunities to visit our industrial collaborators who specialise in liquid and solid dosage forms, which aim to provide an insight to students about the pharmaceutical industry and the various roles available in industry. Guest lectures and workshops provided at UCLan from the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory bodies also supplement the various modules studied in the course.

Graduate careers include: formulation scientist, PhD research student, and quality control technician.

Graduates may apply for further PhD study at UCLan or other institutions following completion of the MSc Programme. Alternatively, graduates aim to find jobs in the pharmaceutical industry as a formulation scientist, regulatory affairs officer and other roles in industry.

Eligible students may also be able to conduct their MSc research project in collaboration with an industrial partner in semester 3 as part of their MSc studies. This could be in the UK or overseas, subject to availability and agreement with the industrial organisation.

FACILITIES

The specifically designed Pharmaceutical Sciences laboratories have excellent facilities to carry out teaching and research in pharmaceutical sciences. For example, a single-punch tablet press and powder encapsulation equipment help provide practical experience of small scale solid dosage form manufacturing. Other specialist equipment such as coating and spray drying instrument also help enhance students’ learning experience at the University. The characterisation of various dosage forms in accordance to the BP or USP methods can also be carried out using dissolution, disintegration, friability testers etc.

Various advanced drug delivery devices for pulmonary, oral and transdermal applications are also available for both teaching and research at the School. Students would also be able to use the superb analytical instrument available at the University for their practical classes and research project.

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This full-time MSc course aims to equip graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds, including psychology, engineering, physical and biological sciences, with the methodological tools to undertake neuroimaging research at the highest level.

Understanding the human brain in health and disease is one of the key research challenges of our time. Meeting this challenge depends on progress at multiple-levels, from investigations of single neurons through to studies of human cognition and perception. Bridging the gap between these levels is not easy, but recent advances in non-invasive neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques seem to offer such a bridge, by providing a window on brain structure and function at the regional level. However, no single technique offers a complete picture – each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is for this reason that much recent effort has been in multi-modal integration of several different imaging approaches.

You will be taught by international experts in both multimodal methods Semester 1 and applications of these methods in several domains Semester 2. Depending on your background and interests, you may then choose to specialise in either methodology or applications-based research for your project in Semester 3.

The course aims to put you in a competitive position for a PhD studentship or research position in neuroimaging methodology, cognitive neuroscience or translational neuroscience applied to human health and disease.

The hub of the MSc is the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), which is part of the School of Psychology at Cardiff University. CUBRIC is one of only a handful of research-dedicated centres in the world that contain multiple neuroimaging techniques in one building: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Electroencephalography (EEG) and Trans-cranial Stimulation (TMS/TDCS). A key feature of this course is that you can gain hands-on experience using all of these techniques.

Distinctive features

• Hands-on experience using multiple neuroimaging techniques.
• Based in Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), a world-leading centre of its kind.
• Taught by international experts.

Structure

This one-year full-time course starts in September and is a mixture of two taught semesters and a research project in the final semester.

Each Module must be completed with a mark of 50% or greater. All 12 taught modules must be passed before the research project dissertation can be submitted at the end of Semester 3.

Core modules:

Research Design and Statistics I
Research Design and Statistics II
fMRI Physiology and Methods
MEG and EEG: Physiology and Methods
Human Brain Stimulation: Technology and Methods
Neuroimaging Methods - State of The Art
Memory: Functions and Failures
The body in the brain: neuroimaging of pain, touch and emotions
Neuroimaging of Perception & Action
Clinical Neuroimaging Research
Neuroimaging Applications - State of the Art
MRI: Technology & Methods
Neuroimaging Research Project

Teaching

You will attend lectures, participate in seminars and tutorials, and gain experience in the MRI, MEG, EEG and TMS labs. Learners play the leading role in their own training.  The School facilitates learning by identifying appropriate reading and organising practicals.  Depending on their background and interests, students may then choose to specialise in either methodology or applications-based research, or a mixture of both, for their projects in Semester 3.

Career Prospects

This course can prepare students for a range of career options, including:

• A research and academic career in cognitive/clinical neuroscience or methods development
• Industry applications such as research in pharma companies or neuro-marketing
• Supporting the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques in healthcare environments.

Graduates in this programme will also be in a strong position to apply for PhD positions.

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Upon graduation from the Master’s Programme in Translational Medicine (TRANSMED) you can be expected to:
-Be fluent in medical sciences and clinical practice from the point of view of a researcher.
-Be familiar with up-to-date translational research methodologies.
-Be adept at scientific reasoning and critical analysis of scientific literature.
-Acknowledge the regulatory and ethical aspects of biomedical and clinical research.
-Have mastered scientific and medical terminologies.
-Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to find employment in an international and interdisciplinary professional setting.

The University of Helsinki will introduce annual tuition fees to foreign-language Master’s programmes starting on August 1, 2017 or later. The fee ranges from 13 000-18 000 euros. Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area, are liable to these fees. You can check this FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees: https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/higher-education/higher-education-institutions-will-introduce-tuition-fees-in-autumn-2017/am-i-required-to-pay-tuition-fees/

Programme Contents

The TRANSMED studies are built upon three core educational themes:
Development of Research Skills
These include an introduction to current methodologies, which are further developed during a training period in a research group; research ethics: principles of clinical investigation; and writing of research or grant proposals.

Studies in Human Disease
These range from normal human physiology and anatomy, and basic biomedical courses, to more specialised studies covering various topics pertinent to the specialist option. You supplement these studies with clinical rounds, during which you have an opportunity to study selected patient cases in hospital wards, under the supervision of a clinician mentor.

Development of Communication Skills
These are promoted throughout the curriculum, through utilisation of interactive approaches and discussions, problem-based learning and oral presentations. The multidisciplinary TRANSMED community encompasses a wide range of educational backgrounds and provides ample opportunities for direct interactions with medical students, science and clinical teachers to enable you to practice and adopt interdisciplinary communication skills. At the end of the course of study, your communication skills will be evaluated in the final exam, during which you will orally present your research plan to expert examiners.

Selection of the Majors

The major of the programme is Translational medicine. During your first study year you can choose any of the five available specialisation options. These options and their specific goals are:
Neuroscience and Psychobiology
-To acquire knowledge on research methodology and state-of-the-art information in systems and cognitive neuroscience, as well as in clinical neuropsychology.
-To learn to produce new scientific information in the fields of psychobiology of human life, health, and stress, and to transfer the results between basic research and clinical settings.

Cancer
-To acquire basic knowledge of the principles of neoplastic growth, cancer progression and dissemination.
-To acquire basic understanding of the interplay between different cell types during neoplastic growth.
-To acquire knowledge of major research methodologies and disease models in cancer biology.

Regenerative Medicine
-To understand the principles of developmental and stem cell biology and regenerative pharmacology as the basis of regenerative therapies.
-To be familiar with the major technologies applied in regenerative medicine, including tissue engineering, cell and organ transplantation and transplantation immunology.
-To understand the ethical principles of clinical translation of basic research and application of regenerative medicine therapies.

Metabolic Disorders
-To be able to understand the basic metabolic pathways.
-To understand the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and obesity.
-To be able to use genetic knowledge as a basis for prediction, diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders.

Cross-Disciplinary Translational Medicine
-To achieve a broad understanding of topics and methods in the field of Translational medicine.

Programme Structure

The scope of the programme is 120 credits (ECTS) and can be completed within two academic years (60 ECTS / year).

The Master of Science in Translational medicine degree includes 60 ECTS of advanced and 60 ECTS of other studies. Both of these include both obligatory and optional studies.

The majority of the advanced studies are related to the chosen specialist option and include:
-Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
-Placement in a research group for learning advanced methods in your selected field of study
-Methodological and human health and disease-related courses
-Clinical rounds in Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) clinics
-Final examination in your field of specialisation

The other studies include e.g.
-Article analysis, scientific writing and presentation
-Biomedicine and introductory courses in research methods
-Career planning and orientation
-Individual study coaching and personal study plans
-Research ethics

You can select the optional courses based on your personal interests, or to support your chosen specialisation option. You can also include courses from other suitable Master’s programmes at the University of Helsinki, such as:
-Life Science Informatics
-Genetics and molecular biosciences
-Neuroscience
-Human Nutrition and Food Behaviour

You can also include studies in other universities under the flexible study right-agreement (JOO).

Career Prospects

The Master of Science in Translational medicine degree provides excellent opportunities to apply for and attend postgraduate studies. Currently, 50% of TRANSMED graduates are continuing their studies in doctoral programmes, either at the University of Helsinki or abroad.

TRANSMED graduates are also highly valued in the private sector. Around 35% of graduates have been employed directly by bioindustry, pharma or other health sector enterprises either in Finland or abroad. Titles include product manager, product specialist, personalised health care manager etc. All such enterprises usually recruit both at the graduate (MSc) and postgraduate (PhD) levels.

The health and health technology sectors represent a rapidly emerging field, and one of the areas with a growing importance as the population ages and the costs of new therapies steadily increase. Thus, the demand for well-trained specialists in the field of translational medicine is likely to increase in the near future, providing excellent career prospects globally.

Internationalization

The Translational Medicine major is only available in this international programme, making the programme attractive to both Finnish and international students. Indeed, opportunities for personal interaction with students from different cultures are an integral feature of the studies. During your studies, you can also volunteer to act as a tutor for the incoming international students.

The international research community in The Academic Medical Centre Helsinki actively participates in teaching in TRANSMED. You complete the research group practice for your Master’s thesis in multicultural research groups.

It is also possible to complete your Master’s thesis work or research group placement abroad, or to include coursework done at a foreign university.

Research Focus

The specialisation options of the programme – Neuroscience and psychobiology, Cancer, Regenerative medicine, Metabolic disorders, and Cross-disciplinary translational medicine – are closely aligned with the research focus areas of the Faculty of Medicine: malignancy, inflammation, metabolism, degenerative processes as well as psychiatric disorders and their mechanisms. You therefore have an opportunity to learn from, and be supervised by, the leading experts and professors in their fields.

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Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of death and ill health worldwide. This established MSc programme, taught by scientists and clinicians who are leaders in their field, offers students the opportunity to learn about topical areas in cardiovascular science, preparing them for further research or a career in industry.

Degree information

Students will develop a detailed knowledge of molecular and cellular cardiovascular science, animal models of cardiovascular disease, microvascular biology and mechanisms by which the heart and vasculature function in health and disease, as well as laboratory and statistical methods. They will gain valuable research skills and an awareness of the ethical, legal and social aspects of developments in cardiovascular disease.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and the research project (60 credits).

Core modules
-Cardiovascular Diseases
-Animal Models of Cardiovascular Disease
-Congenital Heart Disease - Fundamentals
-Heart and Circulation (30 credits)
-Basic Statistics for Medical Science

Optional modules - 30 credits of optional modules drawn from the following:
-Genetics of Cardiovascular Disease
-Clinical Application of Pharmacogenetic Test
-Drug Discovery II
-Microvascular Biology
-An introduction to Molecular Laboratory Methods in Cardiovascular Research
-Clinical Cardiology (open to clinicians only)

Clinical Cardiology is an academic MSc module rather than a standard clinical placement. The emphasis is to appreciate the impact of advances in cardiovascular science upon clinical practice.

Dissertation/research project
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words and an oral presentation (60 credits).

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials, journal clubs, a quiz, statistical and laboratory practicals and anatomical examination of human congenital heart disease specimens. Assessment is through written and oral examinations, coursework essays, case reports, journal club and other oral presentations and the dissertation.

Careers

All graduates of this programme will be well placed for a PhD in this field and a career in research, and will have a sound basis for entry into the pharma industry.

Basic scientists may use the MSc as a stepping stone to MBBS studies. The programme also provides an excellent training for related fields such as scientific journalism and in areas requiring critical appraisal of complex data.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Senior Lecturer, Lahore Medical & Dental College
-Doctor, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
-GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law), BPP
-PhD Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Surrey
-PhD Cardiovascular Science, University College London (UCL)

Employability
In addition to the academic insight into Cardiovascular Science, this programme supports the development of a wide range of skills which students will use at work. Oral and written communication skills are enhanced. Writing essays and the research project dissertation involves searching the literature, selection and interpretation of publications, and organisation of complex ideas into the final report.

Learning activities in the Statistics module develop quantitative analytical skills. Student develop group and independent projects. They gain insight into research planning and time management. They are supported by a personal tutor and informed by careers events and the UCL Careers Service.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science brings together world-leading scientists and clinicians working in cardiovascular research to conduct innovative research for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the heart and circulation, and provide world-class teaching and training, and forward-thinking policy development.

UCL has one of the largest, most dynamic cardiovascular research bases in the UK. This interdisciplinary programme is taught in collaboration with UCLH, the Institute of Ophthalmology, the Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Barts Heart Centre, offering students access to a world-leading community at the forefront of cardiovascular research.

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City's MSc in Health Policy helps you understand, navigate and influence the 21st century health and health care environment.

Who is it for?

City’s MSc Health Policy is the ideal route for graduates looking to start, change or develop their career within the health policy field. It combines an international focus and academic rigour with the development of practical, transferable skills that can be applied in a wide range of real-world health policy, planning and management settings.

We welcome applications from graduates (UK or international) from any academic discipline. The course is also suitable for established professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
-Medical, nursing and allied health professions
-Health management and administration
-Public health
-National and local government
-National NGOs
-International agencies
-Research institutions and consultancies
-Pharmaceutical, insurance and other health-related industries.

Objectives

Health and health care policy are at the top of the political agenda around the world. People are living longer, consumers are expecting more from their health services and chronic illnesses are becoming prevalent. Medical technology is advancing rapidly, creating ever-increasing demand for the latest treatments.

Health policy affects and is affected by all of these factors. It aims to meet the growing challenges facing health systems by providing answers to such questions as:
-How can we best meet people’s changing health needs?
-How can we control spiralling health costs, while maintaining high quality and comprehensive health services?
-What is the most effective way of organising and paying for health care?
-How can we tackle inequalities in health and access to care?
-How can we measure and improve the performance of health systems?

City’s MSc in Health Policy gives you the knowledge and tools you need to understand, analyse and influence the health policy process, and to operate within an increasingly complex policy environment.

You will analyse the social, political and economic factors that affect policy at a local, national and international level. You will explore how and where policy is made, and who the key players are; and learn how to present your ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of influential stakeholders to bring about change.

Placements

You have the opportunity to do a placement, but it is not a formal requirement of the course. We encourage you to create your own. One recent student worked within the refugee camp in Calais alongside the NGO Doctors of the World as part of her dissertation research on refugee access to health care.

Academic facilities

As part of the University of London you can also become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.

Teaching and learning

You will learn through a mix of lectures, class discussions and seminars, student presentations, case study analysis, interactive computer-based exercises, a virtual learning environment (Moodle) and self-directed reading.

Lecturers are drawn from City's Schools of Health Sciences and Arts and Social Sciences. A number of distinguished external honorary and guest lecturers have also taught on the programme, including:
-Professor David Oliver (President of the British Geriatrics Society, former National Clinical Director for Older People at the Department of Health, and Visiting Fellow at the King's Fund)
-Professor Paul Burstow (Chair of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and Minister of State for Care Services in the Coalition Government, 2010-12)
-Brigadier Tim Hodgetts CBE (Medical Director, Defence Medical Services, and former Medical Director, NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps)
-Beccy Baird (Fellow in Health Policy, the King's Fund)

City has an international reputation for academic excellence in the areas of health and food policy, health services research, health management, health economics and executive leadership across a broad range of professional disciplines. You will learn from and alongside colleagues who aim to influence health policy and lead health-related initiatives.

Modules are assessed through a combination of written coursework, group work and examination. The assessments reflect the learning objectives of the modules.

Modules

You will take five core taught modules, which cover the main topics and issues within health policy, the health policy process, the principles of policy analysis, and research methods.

You will also choose two or three further elective modules covering a range of related areas, including public health, global health and health management and leadership.

Core modules
-HPM001 The health policy process, politics and power
-PHM004 Social determinants of health
-HPM004 International health systems
-HPM006 Health economics
-HRM020 Foundations in research methods and data analysis*

Elective modules
-HRM001 Introduction to research methods and applied data analysis*
-HPM003 Health policy in Britain
-PHM001 Public health**
-PHM003 Global health**
-HMM002 Strategic management in healthcare†
-HMM008 Health innovation and change†
-HMM026 Finance and enterprise performance†
-HMM022 Management and leadership in healthcare†
-HMM025 Economic evaluation and pharma†
-APM006 Contemporary issues in mental health
-APM017 Engaging technology
-FPM001 Food and public policy

*The core module HRM020 covers basic research skills and enables you to perform entry-level statistics. It forms the first part of the 30-credit module HRM001 Introduction to research methods and applied data analysis, which goes on to cover more advanced research skills. If you choose to take HRM001, this will replace the core module HRM020.

**A maximum of one public health module (PHM001 or PHM003) may be chosen as an elective.

†A maximum of two health management (HMM) modules may be chosen as electives. Depending on module capacity, it may only be possible to take one HMM module.

Dissertation - you will also write a final health policy-related dissertation, on a topic of your choice, of between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

Career prospects

Because health and health care are such high priorities for both the public and policy makers, health policy specialists will continue to be in high demand. Therefore, if you are working or want to work within any health-related organisation in the public, private or third sectors, this course will help you develop the key transferable skills you need to succeed.

Graduates of the MSc Health Policy have gone on to a variety of policy, campaigning/advocacy and research roles within the public sector such as:
-The NHS and international ministries of health.
-NGOs and third-sector organisations including the Patients Association and a number of professional associations.
-The private sector such as consultancy, corporate communications and pharmaceutical companies.

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The MSc Pharmaceutical Enterprise programme is an applied multidisciplinary course designed for entrepreneurial high-achieving individuals with ambition to take leading roles in SME pharmaceutical companies.

As the major pharma business model changes, established and emerging SME pharmaceutical companies are increasingly delivering novel candidate pharmaceuticals (small molecules and biologicals). This trend is expected to continue and offers a very nourishing environment for spin-out and other SME pharmaceutical companies that require high calibre personnel who are knowledgeable about all aspects of pharmaceutical enterprise.

he MSc Pharmaceutical Enterprise programme is delivered by experts in the field, many with on-going experience of the sector; and this ensures the programme maintains relevance in this fast moving industry.

The interactive teaching equips you with the medical, scientific, regulatory and business skills to achieve success. Internships and consultancy project opportunities arising from associated SME companies offer highly prized ‘real life’ experiences.

The MSc Pharmaceutical Enterprise programme aims to provide you with a toolbox of skills to enable you to:

- select, develop and commercialise projects with therapeutic potential
- create, seek funding and take leading executive roles in companies to exploit the commercial potential of projects in a spin-out/SME environment,

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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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.

Pharmacokinetics is a key aspect of drug safety and investigates the fate of a drug in the body, and how the substance is absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated. Develop your skill and knowledge in the application of pharmacokinetics to the design and optimisation of new therapeutics. This course has been developed with an emphasis on describing mechanistic approaches to assessing and predicting the pharmacokinetics of drugs throughout the drug development process. You will encounter a broad range of experiences in the application of pharmacokinetics from early discovery and development, through to market authorisation and clinical applications.

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
-Pharmacology

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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