Cancer Drug Discovery MSc

Overview

Exciting new opportunities for chemical intervention in disease have emerged based on a greater understanding of the molecular aspects of disease progression. Drug discovery combines the expertise of medicinal chemists required in translating the understanding of the molecular aspects of disease progression to the identification of suitable chemical entities, and the process of optimisation that ultimately leads to the discovery of new medicines.

This exciting course run by the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics is designed to provide you with a 'state-of-the-art' education in modern drug discovery, which meets the demand of employers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Opportunities to learn the latest innovations in drug discovery are provided, including computer-aided drug design and techniques in parallel synthesis, as well as electronic data management.

Learning and assessment

A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme, and are supported by the virtual learning environment provided by the University.

You will experience lectures from ICT research/teaching staff and visiting clinicians and industrial researchers, small group workshops, one-to-one tutorials and practical classes. You will also attend the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics Research Seminar programme.

Self-directed independent learning forms a significant component at MSc level; you will be supported to develop the attributes and skills needed for life-long learning and continued professional development. Directed private study will involve a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, use of the virtual learning environment (directed web-based materials), report writing, preparing presentations to deliver to peers, and other assignments.

Career prospects

The largest destination of our graduates is enrolment in PhD studies (47%) including here at Bradford, as well as King’s College London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Sheffield.

Career destinations of our graduates includes the NHS, Covance, Envigo, St James Hospital Leeds, Cyprotex, Chiltern, Perrigo, Dewsbury & District Hospital, Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, and Public Health England.

To be admitted to the programme, applicants must have an undergraduate Honours qualification (minimum 2: 2) or equivalent in a scientific discipline, usually within chemistry, biology, pharmacy, biomedicine, or related fields. Candidates who do not meet these entry criteria but who can show relevant experience may also be considered.