MSc Drug Discovery and Development

Preston Campus

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The MSc Drug Discovery and Development program at the University of Central Lancashire is a dynamic and research-focused course that delves into the complexities of discovering and developing pharmaceutical drugs. 

  1. Foundations of Drug Discovery: The program begins with a solid foundation in the principles of drug discovery, including target identification and validation.

  2. Drug Design and Synthesis: Students learn about the design and synthesis of small molecules and biologics, exploring various drug modalities.

  3. Pharmacology and Toxicology: The program covers pharmacological concepts and toxicology, emphasizing the assessment of drug efficacy and safety.

  4. Medicinal Chemistry: Medicinal chemistry principles are a central component, focusing on the design and optimization of drug candidates.

  5. Pharmaceutical Formulation: Students gain insights into pharmaceutical formulation techniques, ensuring that drugs are administered effectively.

  6. Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals: The program explores the use of biotechnology in drug development, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies.

  7. Drug Regulatory Affairs: Students learn about regulatory affairs, understanding the processes and requirements for drug approval and commercialization.

  8. Drug Discovery Technologies: The program covers cutting-edge technologies used in drug discovery, including high-throughput screening and computational modeling.

  9. Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: Students are introduced to bioinformatics tools and data analysis methods for drug discovery research.

  10. Clinical Trials and Development: The program examines the clinical trial phases and strategies for advancing drug candidates through development.

  11. Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: Ethical and regulatory considerations in drug research and development are emphasized.

  12. Research Project: Students undertake a significant research project, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world drug discovery challenges.

  13. Industrial Collaboration: UCLan collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing students with opportunities for practical experience and industry networking.

  14. Professional Development: Students develop essential professional skills, including project management, communication, and teamwork.

  15. Optional Placement Year: Some students may choose to undertake a placement year, gaining hands-on industry experience before completing their degree.

  16. State-of-the-Art Facilities: UCLan provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for drug discovery research.

Pollster Education

Location

Preston Campus

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 14500

Postgraduate Entry Requirement: 

  • Academic Qualifications: Students should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum overall percentage of 60% or above in a relevant discipline.
  • English Language Proficiency:
    • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual component score below 6.
    • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80-95, with a minimum score of 20 in each component.
    • PTE: A minimum overall score of 51-61, with no individual score below 51.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan):

  1. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving international students. This scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction for the duration of the student's program. The selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCLan.
  2. International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is aimed at international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selection criteria include academic achievements, personal statements, and references.
  3. Country-Specific Scholarships: UCLan offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and encourage international students from specific regions to study at UCLan. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship.
  4. Sports Scholarships: UCLan recognizes the achievements of talented student athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships are available for international students who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and academic potential. The scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, and access to sports facilities and training programs.
  5. Alumni Loyalty Discount: UCLan values its alumni and offers a tuition fee discount to international students who have previously completed a full degree program at UCLan and wish to pursue further studies at the university. The discount is applied to the tuition fees of eligible postgraduate programs.
  6. External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the scholarships offered by UCLan, international students can also explore external scholarship opportunities and funding options. Various organizations, foundations, and governments provide scholarships for international students studying in the UK. UCLan's International Office can provide guidance and information on external scholarship opportunities.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary each year.

Graduates of the MSc Drug Discovery and Development program at UCLan are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and related industries. 

  1. Medicinal Chemist: Graduates can work as medicinal chemists, designing and optimizing drug candidates to treat various diseases.

  2. Pharmacologist: Opportunities exist as pharmacologists, focusing on the study of drug actions and interactions in the body.

  3. Drug Formulation Scientist: Careers as drug formulation scientists involve developing effective methods for drug administration.

  4. Biopharmaceutical Researcher: Graduates may pursue roles in biopharmaceutical research, specializing in biologics and gene therapies.

  5. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that drug candidates meet regulatory requirements for approval.

  6. Clinical Research Associate: Careers as clinical research associates involve overseeing clinical trials and monitoring their progress.

  7. Bioinformatics Analyst: Graduates with bioinformatics skills can work as analysts, processing and interpreting biological data for drug discovery.

  8. Data Scientist: Data scientists play a vital role in analyzing and interpreting large datasets in drug discovery and development.

  9. Project Manager: Project management roles involve leading drug development projects from conception to market entry.

  10. Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing: Opportunities exist in sales and marketing, promoting pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals.

  11. Pharmaceutical Consultant: Pharmaceutical consultants provide expert advice on drug development strategies and processes.

  12. Quality Control/Quality Assurance: Careers in quality control and quality assurance ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products.

  13. Academic/Research Positions: Some graduates may choose to pursue further studies and academic careers, becoming professors or researchers in universities and research institutions.

  14. Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial opportunities exist for those interested in starting their own pharmaceutical or biotechnology ventures.


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