Drug Discovery and Development MSc

Overview

This course is an innovative, industry-orientated taught Masters programme offering a broad coverage of the pharmaceutical sciences with scope for developing a specialisation in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis or drug design.

In the context of current global pharmaceutical R&D, the course covers advanced pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, drug design, pharmacology, the biology of disease, proteomics and pharmacogenomics. You will also cover regulatory processes for medicines, in line with ICH guidelines. It is a direct response to employers’ search for postgraduates who have the optimum mix of theoretical and practical skills to be able to make an immediate contribution to frontline modern drug development.

The course mixes taught elements in a compact timetable with self-directed research. The topic of the project or dissertation is designed collaboratively to fit both your personal interests and the expertise of Sunderland's supportive tutors. It will involve typical industry-style problem solving perhaps even with pharmaceutical company partnership.

Career ready

Previous Sunderland graduates have been employed in companies such as GSK, Eisai, Reckitt Benckiser, Merck, Sharp & Dohme, Covance and Norbrook Laboratories. Given the breadth of pharmaceutical experience afforded by the course, overseas students have found particular success in regulatory, quality assurance and pharmacovigilance positions on returning to their home country. It should also be noted that the course has provided an excellent platform for graduates wishing to continue their studies through research towards a PhD.