Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement) MSc

University of Leeds

Do you want to develop the medicines of the future?

Biopharmaceutical drugs are transforming the way we treat patients, fighting global diseases such as cancer and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Many pharmaceutical companies are expanding their biopharmaceutical capability, which is creating demand for talented, well-trained people.

Designed, developed and delivered in partnership with Labcorp Drug Development (formerly known as Covance), a major multinational contract research company focused on drug development , this masters provides a springboard for high-quality life science graduates wanting to start a career in this industry.

Why should you study this course?

• This programme has been recognised for its industry relevant training, receiving the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award 2020.
• Designed to fast-track talented scientists into industry.
• A 12-month paid position in the industry as part of the course.
• An integrated understanding of the full biological drug development pathway.
• Focus on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, bio-similiars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies.
• A deep understanding of the regulatory framework.
• Access to innovate practical technologies.
• World-leading tutors from academia and industry.
• Learn how to operate in a corporate environment.

Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching on the course have been constructed to align with activities performed in industry, preparing you to be work-ready immediately after you finish.

This course will challenge you to think creatively, solve problems and develop strong communication and teamwork skills. You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods, including: formal lectures, interactive workshops, practical classes, tutorials, industry site visits and substantial team-based project development assignments. There are no written exams, all the assessment is performed by in-course assignments including a dissertation report arising from the research project work. A viva voce (on your experimental work) forms part of the practical skills module.

Career opportunities

This course is designed to train talented scientists wishing to pursue a career in drug development in the international biopharmaceutical industry.

This course will give you a high amount of exposure to senior industrialists working as tutors throughout the course: an ideal opportunity for you to obtain career advice. You’ll also work in industry full time for 12 months, which is an outstanding opportunity for you to gain experience and develop a competitive career plan.

On completion of the course, you’ll have the relevant knowledge and experience to fast-track your career as, for example: an analytical scientist, project manager, or coordinator, in areas such as research, quality control, manufacturing, non-clinical, clinical, and market access.

All graduates from our initial cohort went straight into full-time employment (or PhD training) in technical roles at the end of their course. Many have been recruited to positions more senior than is normally filled by a candidate with MSc level qualifications.

Some possible careers within the biopharmaceutical industry include:

• Bioanalytical Scientist
• Bioinformatician
• Business Developer
• Cell Culture Technician
• Clinical Research Associate
• Clinical Research Co-ordination
• Downstream Processing Technician
• Medical Science Liaison
• Medical Writer
• Patent Attorney
• Regulatory Affairs Officer
• Research Scientist
• Translational Scientist