Why do a Postgraduate Degree in Pharmacology?

Studying Pharmacology at postgraduate level will allow a graduate of science or medicine to focus on the effects of chemical substances on biological states and processes, and develop the knowledge and independent research skills required to work in pharmacological sciences.

Postgraduate study in Pharmacology covers a wide range of subjects, including Clinical Pharmacology, Bio-Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Technology, Drug Discovery and Drug Design. 

A popular postgraduate pharmacy course offered by a small group of universities is the OSPAP (Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme) which allows international students to qualify for Pharmacy practice in Great Britain. 

A Pharmacology Masters degree (or Pharmacology MSc) will take one year to complete full-time, and will typically provide a science graduate with a broad base of knowledge in the specific area of pharmacology or pharmaceuticals, as well as the practical skills and approaches required for the investigation of the specific effects of drugs in treating disease. 

A Pharmacology PhD or Pharmacology MPhil generally takes between three and four years to complete, and will require you to undertake a significant piece of independent research which contributes something original to the field of pharmacology. 

Careers for those with a postgraduate qualification in pharmacology typically cover lab work and research (either in an academic or industry setting), quality testing and perhaps, if you prefer to make use of your knowledge away from the lab, in pharmaceuticals marketing. 

To study pharmacology at masters or doctoral level, you will traditionally require a good (2:1 or above) honours degree in a similar field, like medicine, pharmacology, pharmaceutical science or biochemistry, although requirements will vary between institutions.

Some universities have excellent connections with the pharmaceutical industry, and it may be possible for you to become part of a collaborative research project with industry, allowing you to build excellent professional connections before you graduate.

Pharmacology is a well-funded area of research, so make sure you check your options for grants, bursaries and scholarships at the universities you’re considering. You may be able to get a significant proportion of your fees and living costs paid by a research council or charity.  

(Image by cage.info)