Overview

The innovative and industry-focused MSc Drug Discovery and Development course at University of Sunderland gives you the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in the pharmaceutical sector, or as a stepping stone to PhD research.

You’ll study a broad range of topics including pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, drug design, pharmacology, disease biology, proteomics, pharmacogenomics, and medicines regulation aligned with international ICH guidelines. The course allows you to specialise in areas that match your interests, such as formulation, quality control, or drug discovery.

Teaching is delivered by experienced academics with global expertise, supported by modern laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology. A key feature of the course is a research project, designed around your interests and often involving real world challenges or collaboration with industry partners.

Careers

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles across drug design, clinical and pre-clinical research, product development, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical analysis. Previous students have secured roles with leading companies including GSK, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Eisai, Reckitt Benckiser, Covance, and Norbrook Laboratories. Many international graduates have progressed into regulatory, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance positions, while others have moved into PhD study. This MSc is designed to help you contribute immediately and effectively in today’s fast-moving pharmaceutical environment.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Essential Pharmaceutical Science Research and Study Skills

Pharmaceutical R&D: Sciences and Regulation

Science and Technology for Drug Discovery

Science and Technology for Drug Development

Double Project

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Most courses are open for applications all year round – we’d highly recommend applying for a master’s degree at least six months before the start date.

Language

English

IELTS

6

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Sunderland, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Pharmacology View 69 other Masters in Pharmacology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

We require a 2:2 honours degree or above in one of the following subject areas: pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, or a related subject. Alternative qualifications may be considered if supported by relevant experience.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17000 GBP / year

≈ 17000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8500 GBP / year

≈ 8500 GBP / year

Living costs

Sunderland

United Kingdom

758 - 1438 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Check for any work restrictions

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In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Drug Discovery and Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Sunderland

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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