Learn to evaluate, plan and execute the studies needed to take a new medicine through exploratory clinical development, considering relevant target identification, pharmacology studies and the availability of appropriate biomarkers. One of three modular programmes in Pharmaceutical Medicine designed for working physicians, clinical scientists and allied health professionals.
KEY BENEFITS
- Programmes align with the PharmaTrain and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine curricula.
- Flexible programmes with part-time option that allows you to fit the modules in with your work schedule.
- Teaching given by leading experts from the academic staff of King’s College London, from the biopharmaceutical sector and the regulatory authorities.
- Located in the heart of London.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
It is expected that students who complete this programme will be able to work in the clinical research arena at a higher level and this will open up job opportunities that might have previously been beyond their reach and enhance their value to their employers.
Programme leader/s
Professor Tim Mant
Accreditation
Some modules are accredited by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK MSc 180 credits/ECTS 90; PG Dip 120 credits; PG Cert 60 credits
Duration
One year FT, September to September (MSc); two to four years PT, rolling enrollment throughout the year.
Location
Waterloo, Guy's and Strand campuses.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
School of Medicine
Closing date
1 June 2013 for full-time study. Rolling enrollment for part-time study and standalone modules.
Intake
20
Fees
PT Home: £1,400 is charged per module. The research project fee is £4,200(2013).
PT Overseas: £1,400 is charged per module. The research project fee is £4,200 (2013).
FT Home: £12,600 (2013)
FT Overseas: £19,000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Programme Administrator +44 (0)20 7848 4683
Email:
pharm-med@kcl.ac.ukPURPOSE
This programme is for those working in or seeking to work in the field of clinical drug development. It covers all aspects of the clinical development process through from the earliest studies to post marketing activities. It will enhance knowledge and skills in all aspects of clinical research, drug regulation and drug safety.
DESCRIPTION
Pharmaceutical Medicine is the medical scientific discipline concerned with the discovery, development, evaluation, registration, monitoring and medical aspects of the marketing of medicines for the benefit of patients and the health of the community.
In this rapidly expanding field of medicine there is a need for high quality education programmes that are compliant with the PharmaTrain initiative of the European Commission, but also with the Bologna Process. The programmes at King’s are the first in the UK that meet both of these requirements and is the UK’s first PharmaTrain Centre of Excellence. This, plus the opportunity to study at a world class university makes King’s the ideal place at which to study for one of these MSc subjects.
Translational Medicine is an emerging and highly topical discipline that involves the translation of science from the bench to the bedside, and much of this is focussed on novel drug therapies. The bank of in vitro, pre-clinical and human testing required to do this often leaves scientists bemused, but experts in translational medicine can plot a pathway to enable the very best therapies to be tested in human subjects.
The MSc programmes will not only equip the students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the whole of the drug development process and the medical aspects of the marketing of pharmaceutical products but also give them the opportunity to undertake a research project that will enable them to apply these skills and should lead to one or more publications.
EXTRA PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Additional laboratory costs may be incurred depending on the consumables required for individual projects. Each module in this programme is delivered as a distinct, intensive 4 or 5-day taught course, plus pre and post-course reading and assignments. Each module can also be taken as a standalone module.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Core modules:
- Drug Development Pharmacology (DDP) (15 credits)
- Drug Development Statistics and Data Management (SDM) (15 credits)
- Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) (15 credits)
- Exploratory Drug Development (EDD) (15 credits)
- Preclinical Science (PSC) (15 credits)
- Translational Medicine Experimental Research Project (PRT) (90 credits).
Indicative non-core content
Optional modules:
- ADME, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (ADM) (15 credits)
- Clinical Drug Development (CLD) (15 credits)
- Drug Regulatory Affairs (RGN) (15 credits)
- Drug Safety and Ethics (DSE) (15 credits).
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Three assignments plus one online multiple choice test for each module.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7BBM0013
Credit level: 7
Module code: 7BBP0001
Credit level: 7
Module code: 7MMM0003
Credit level: 7
Module code: 7BBP0005
Credit level: 7
Module code: 7BBP0007
Credit level: 7
Module code: 7BBP0011
Credit level: 7
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) or a 2:1 first degree in pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related subject, or overseas equivalent. Applicants without a degree but with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. Employment within a relevant industrial environment would be advantageous but is not essential. Overseas applicats should bear in mind that, as this is a part-time programme, they will not be eligible for a Tier 4 student visa.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
PLEASE NOTE - We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year for standalone modules and part-time study. However, please bear in mind that all modules are filled on a first-come-first-served basis so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.
All applicants will need a degree in a health or biomedical science related discipline, and relevant work experience. We will need two references. We would not normally interview potential students, but reserve the right to if deemed necessary.
Potential students are encouraged to speak by phone to one of the course organisers to determine whether or not they would be able to complete the course.
Overseas applicants who will require a visa to enter and study in the UK should note that they will be unable to obtain a Tier 4 student visa for standalone modules or part-time study. A visa can only be obtained for the full-time study option of this programme.
Please contact Shani Crawford at pharm-med@kcl.ac.uk for application instructions.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
No information required.
FUNDING
Self-funded.
Staff profiles
Translational Medicine MSc/PG Dip/PG CertProfessor Ferro’s research has focused primarily on understanding vascular endothelial and platelet function, with particular reference to the L-arginine / nitric oxide system. His group has been examining signal-transduction mechanisms relating to nitric oxide biosynthesis in endothelial cells and platelets, both in health and in patients with cardiovascular disease states. Current disease areas being investigated are hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease and heart failure. A major focus of current research is the understanding of the role of circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. The goal of this research programme is to identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of patients both with established cardiovascular disease and with cardiovascular risk factors. The work involves the complementary use of a variety of techniques such as cell culture, platelet aggregometry, flow cytometry, protein immunodetection, proteomics as well as biochemical assays of biosynthesis both of nitric oxide and of reactive oxygen species. This in vitro work is complemented by in vivo measurements of endothelial and vascular function (in collaboration with Professor Phil Chowienczyk).
International collaborators include Professor Xu Biao (Nanjing University Medical School, China) and Professor Ji Yong (Nanjing Medical University, China).
For further information please see
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/medicine/research/cardio/pi/ferro-a.html.
Translational Medicine MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
The UK is a world leader in the development of new medicines. At King’s there is a wealth of research talent in the clinical and scientific disciplines that support the drug development process and this was the main reason why I decided to join the institution 5 years ago after working in the pharmaceutical industry, first at Pfizer and then as Head of Research and development at MedPharm. Drug development requires a strong scientific base, but also appropriate clinical and commercial knowledge to apply the science where it will be most effective. This is the philosophy that drives both my research and teaching activities. I believe that physicians, pharmacists, specialist clinical researchers and scientists with experience in the pharmaceutical industry are best placed to develop new medicines, but they often need to broaden their skills beyond their area of specialty in order to effectively lead drug development programs. The MSc in Drug development at King’s is part of a suite of MSc programs in the field of pharmaceutical medicine which aim to provide the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to develop new medicines. They are unique in that they train their participants to be leaders in the drug development sector. King’s is in an excellent position to provide this training as it can draw together the knowledge of world-class researchers, which have first hand experience of drug development, from the fields of medicine, pharmacology and pharmaceutical science. My job as course leader, which is to ensure that a coherent taught course in drug development is provided to those participating in it, is made much easier by the broad range of knowledge that my colleagues that teach in the College provide.