Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc
2025-26 Year of entry
The Drug Design and Discovery course is designed for those looking to broaden their knowledge in the process of drug discovery and work in a related field
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Why choose Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc at Middlesex?
This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of how drugs are made as well as offering you advanced knowledge of computational analytical and/or synthetic techniques.
This flexible course offers optional modules to ensure the course is accessible to a wide audience from a broad scientific background including pharmacy, chemistry, biology, and biomedical sciences, and at the same time provides advanced knowledge of subject-specific areas.
What you will gain
Our academics have strong links and years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and will share their knowledge and expertise with you.
You will learn the knowledge and laboratory skills essential for pursuing careers within the drug discovery field including:
- Understanding of the principles of the drug discovery process as well as advanced topics such as, nanotechnology and/or cheminformatics
- Experience of analytical or synthetic techniques used in diagnostic and/or pharmaceutical research.
- High level of research and problem-solving skills
- Creativity, innovation or business acumen.
You will apply your knowledge to practicals in our newly renovated laboratories that are equipped with the latest facilities for chemical, analytical and biological analyses.
3 great reasons to pick this course
Modules
The main areas covered in the MSc are: Current topics in drug discovery including, computer-aided drug design, immunotherapy and nanotechnology; Research, management, and leadership; Ethics and intellectual property; Advanced laboratory techniques.
Compulsory modules
This module will equip you with a deep understanding of drug discovery and development, emphasising the vital roles of various disciplines, including clinical and non-clinical scientists. By mastering these concepts, you will be well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and achieve their career aspirations.
This module is designed to empower you to put into practice the planning and execution of analytical projects. You will engage in independent research, fostering the ability to explore and investigate new ideas autonomously. You will delve into the critical evaluation of real-world research using the knowledge and skills from the taught modules. Beyond that, this module will elevate your communication and presentation skills, enabling you to share your findings with confidence to inspire a scientific audience.
This module will give you a solid understanding of ethical principles and their application in biomedical science, cardiology and pharmaceutical science. You will learn key concepts like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, and how to apply these in real-world research and clinical practice. You will be encouraged to analyse and resolve ethical dilemmas using theoretical knowledge and decision-making models. The module also emphasises professional integrity, ethical conduct, diversity, and inclusivity, preparing you to maintain high standards throughout your careers. Communication skills are a key focus, with training on how to clearly and effectively discuss complex ethical issues with various audiences.
This module is designed to spark your curiosity and help you develop the skills needed to create innovative experiments. You will learn how to test scientific hypotheses rigorously and use advanced statistical tools to present your findings clearly. By the end of the module, you'll be well-prepared to tackle challenging research questions and contribute to scientific innovation through your capstone research project module and beyond. This module provides essential preparation for those pursuing a career in NHS diagnostics biomedical science research. The skills gained here are directly applicable to designing and conducting experiments in biomedical fields, analysing complex data, and presenting research findings effectively.
The module aims to equip you with knowledge of current theories and approaches for leading and managing people, resources, and processes to achieve organisational goals, preparing you for leadership roles or senior positions within organisations.
This module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques used in research and development, product analysis, disease understanding, and biomarker analysis. It provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory, and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques, and the analysis and interpretation of analytical data.
Optional modules
The module will equip students with essential knowledge and skills to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. It covers quality control processes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. You will gain practical experience in applying quality assurance techniques to drug manufacturing, testing, and compliance, preparing them to maintain high-quality pharmaceutical products in line with global regulatory guidelines.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to learn and apply computational techniques that are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for discovering and optimising biologically active molecules. By mastering these industry-relevant skills, you will enhance your employability and be well-prepared to make significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sector.
This module will equip you with a deep understanding of drug discovery and development, emphasising the vital roles of various disciplines, including clinical and non-clinical scientists. By mastering these concepts, you will be well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and achieve their career aspirations.
This module is designed to empower you to put into practice the planning and execution of analytical projects. You will engage in independent research, fostering the ability to explore and investigate new ideas autonomously. You will delve into the critical evaluation of real-world research using the knowledge and skills from the taught modules. Beyond that, this module will elevate your communication and presentation skills, enabling you to share your findings with confidence to inspire a scientific audience.
This module will give you a solid understanding of ethical principles and their application in biomedical science, cardiology and pharmaceutical science. You will learn key concepts like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, and how to apply these in real-world research and clinical practice. You will be encouraged to analyse and resolve ethical dilemmas using theoretical knowledge and decision-making models. The module also emphasises professional integrity, ethical conduct, diversity, and inclusivity, preparing you to maintain high standards throughout your careers. Communication skills are a key focus, with training on how to clearly and effectively discuss complex ethical issues with various audiences.
This module is designed to spark your curiosity and help you develop the skills needed to create innovative experiments. You will learn how to test scientific hypotheses rigorously and use advanced statistical tools to present your findings clearly. By the end of the module, you'll be well-prepared to tackle challenging research questions and contribute to scientific innovation through your capstone research project module and beyond. This module provides essential preparation for those pursuing a career in NHS diagnostics biomedical science research. The skills gained here are directly applicable to designing and conducting experiments in biomedical fields, analysing complex data, and presenting research findings effectively.
The module aims to equip you with knowledge of current theories and approaches for leading and managing people, resources, and processes to achieve organisational goals, preparing you for leadership roles or senior positions within organisations.
This module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques used in research and development, product analysis, disease understanding, and biomarker analysis. It provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory, and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques, and the analysis and interpretation of analytical data.
The module will equip students with essential knowledge and skills to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. It covers quality control processes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. You will gain practical experience in applying quality assurance techniques to drug manufacturing, testing, and compliance, preparing them to maintain high-quality pharmaceutical products in line with global regulatory guidelines.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to learn and apply computational techniques that are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for discovering and optimising biologically active molecules. By mastering these industry-relevant skills, you will enhance your employability and be well-prepared to make significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sector.
To find out more about this programme, please download the Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc course specification (PDF).
Register your interest
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Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Your personal tutor will support you with help and advice throughout your studies.
You will take part in online problem-solving discussions, critical discussions, critical debates and exercises, online workshops, and in-class activities. You will supplement all this with your own guided and independent reading. The mix of delivery modes will be varied and suitable to the content being delivered.
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
| Learning | Contact hours per week |
|---|---|
| On-campus/Online | 8 (FT), 4 (PT) |
| Independent study | 32 (FT), 16 (PT) |
Learning terms
FT: Full-time
PT: Part-time
On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.
Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Zoom or MS Teams, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.
Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.
Part-time study
You can also study this course part-time.
You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.
Your knowledge and understanding is assessed by:
- Presentations
- laboratory reports
- case studies
- coursework
- research project report and thesis defence.
We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.
Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas and 600 computer spaces
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Make the most of our free laptop loans, e-books, printing and photocopying
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject such as pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical science, biology
- Graduate-level professional qualifications.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview.
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm. Our recruitment processes adhere to the principles of safer recruitment — we implement robust and safe recruitment practices which support the identification and rejection of any applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people. We will respond to any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process.
Careers
How can the Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc support your career?
Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.
We are a top 10 UK University for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025), and a top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.
This MSc course provides a broad overview of the drug discovery and development process and is designed for as preparation for either PhD-level research or a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Potential employers include pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, as well as contract research organisations. Students can also pursue non-laboratory careers such as, with a government regulatory body, science education, project management, and intellectual property (patent law).
MDXworks
MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.
Global alumni network
You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.
Fees
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year.
UK students1
- Full-time students: £10,700
- Part-time students: £71 per credit
- Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit
International students2
- Full-time students: £17,100
- Part-time students: £114 per credit
- Part-time students: £57 per dissertation credit
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Work while you study
If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.