Pharmacology MSc

Overview

Our Pharmacology MSc will give you a deep understanding of pharmacology, and allow you to put this into practice through laboratory practicals and projects in our world-class facilities. We will train you in the design and execution of practical approaches to the mechanisms by which drugs act. This course will provide you with a strong platform from which to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical or research-related industries, or to continue in academic research with a PhD.

Course detail

The taught component of the course includes a compulsory lecture-based module in which you will study systems and cellular pharmacology, which is complemented by a lab-based practical module. You will also undertake projects to develop your critical thinking and research skills, such as a literature research module, a research design module and a lab-based practical research project. On the MSc you will take 180 credits including a 60 credit research project.

Teaching and assessment

You will have 20 hours of contact each week with our academic staff and we will expect you to complement this with 20 hours of self-study a week. Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include dissertations, lab reports, posters and exams. Coursework contributes approximately 85% and examinations approximately 15% to your final mark. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Career prospects

Our extensive training in research skills mean that many of our graduates go on to PhD research degrees, or transfer their skills and knowledge to work in the pharmaceutical or research-related industries.

A medical degree (such as an MBBS) or a 2:1 first degree in a biomedical science, pharmacy, medicine or related subject or, in chemistry if the course includes sufficient biological support.