Please note the Price per Module relates to 2024 entry. All other information applies to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Clinical Pharmacology MSc
Key information
Course type:
Masters
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
MSc full-time one year, MSc part-time two-six years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
The Clinical Pharmacology course will give you the skills to design, analyse, interpret and report clinical research and clinical trials. It focuses on understanding what a drug is doing to the body (pharmacodynamics), what happens to a drug in the body (pharmacokinetics), and how drugs work in terms of treating a particular disease. It is designed for scientists, physicians, clinical scientists and allied health professionals interested in the clinical development process.
Key benefits
- King's is ranked 10th in Europe for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by subject 2024)
- Lectures and workshops are delivered by a mixture of academics, clinicians and leading industry experts from the pharmaceutical industry.
- A coordinated study programme with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians curricula, which is compliant with the PharmaTrain initiative of the European Commission and thus allows international transfer of credits
- The course shares several common core modules with both the MSc Medical Affairs and the MSc in Drug Development Science, thus facilitating transfer between these courses.
- A vibrant cohort of participants, studying both full-time and part-time, with the part-time option allowing you to study around your work schedule.
- Modules with blended learning, integrating the latest learning technologies with face-to-face teaching.
- The study programme is compliant with the European PharmaTrain initiative and thus allows international transfer of credits.
“Both taught and research components of the course were intellectually engaging and provided students with valuable skills to advance to PhD or a career in the pharmaceutical industry.”
Clinical Pharmacology is the study of how drugs influence human physiology and the way the body responds. This understanding forms a vital part of the clinical development of new medicines. In the process of drug development, clinical pharmacologists are particularly important in understanding how the drug influences the natural physiological processes, as well as disease pathology and hence, they have a large role in designing clinical investigations, monitoring patients, exploring pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships and testing medicines in specific patient populations. The theme has been constructed to allow those individuals who have a basic foundation in either pharmacology and/or clinical science to expand their knowledge base beyond their initial field of specialisation and hence, to empower them to make critical decisions during the development of a medicine. The taught postgraduate level modules provide the ability to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Clinicians are drawn from King’s College and King’s Health Partners to provide a balanced perspective in this field. The courses emphasise the integrated learning of pharmacological principles and clinical practical competence with medicines development. The course is made up of compulsory and optional modules. The course is made up of nine required modules. The MSc pathway requires modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course, including 60 credits from a dissertation of around 8,000-10,000 words. If you are studying the MSc full time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying for the MSc qualification part-time, your course will take up to six years to complete.
Base campus
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Minimum entry requirements are either a medical degree (such as an MBBS) or a 2:1 first degree in pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related subject. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Work experience: Employment within a relevant industry would be advantageous but is not essential. Those without a degree but with extensive work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
PLEASE NOTE - We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year for standalone modules and the part-time study mode. 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 one reference. We would not normally interview potential students, but reserve the right to if deemed necessary.
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Potential students are encouraged to speak 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 the department on bioscience-programmes@kcl.ac.uk for application instructions.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One reference is required: this should be academic, but a professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. There are 30 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops per module. Each module requires two to four hours of pre-reading and also exam preparation.
For the MSc project there are approximately 80 hours of tutorials, plus supervision of dissertation research and ad hoc academic tutor meetings. Students should spend 200 to 300 hours researching and writing a dissertation.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Exams
The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of coursework and online examinations. The MSc course also requires a project based in the area of clinical pharmacology.
Coursework contributes 50% and examinations 50% to your final mark of taught modules.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Location
The course is primarily taught at the King's College London Waterloo campus. Please note locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules selected.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
You are required to take:
Non-clinical and Early Clinical Development (15 credits)
The Safety of Medicines and Pharmacoepidemiology (15 Credits)
Clinical Trials and Biostatistics (15 Credits)
Medicines and the Healthcare Marketplace (15 Credits)
Ethics and Good Practice for Medicines (15 Credits)
The Regulation of Medicines (15 Credits)
Practical Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)
Design and Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use (60 credits)
Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this course.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
It is expected that students who complete this course will be able to work in the pharmaceutical industry or in the clinical research arena. It is anticipated that modules and their international recognition will open up job opportunities that might have previously been beyond their reach and enhance their value to their employers. A clinical pharmacologist supports the discovery and development of new medicines, and improving understanding of existing ones. The Clinical Pharmacology Scientist aids in all aspects of medicine management. They provide specialist advice to healthcare professionals regarding medicines interactions and form a key part of groups aiming to translate novel therapeutics into medicines.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: MSc - £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: FEES PER MODULE: Per 15 credit module £1,412 (2025/26), Per 60 credit module £5,650 (2025/26)
International:
Full time: MSc - £47,700 per year (2025/26)
Part time: FEES PER MODULE: Per 15 credit module £3,975 (2025/26), Per 60 credit module £15,900 (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
MSc Full-time:
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
MSc Part-time:
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit is the full cost of the module.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
- Accommodation fees
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Clinical Pharmacology is the study of how drugs influence human physiology and the way the body responds. This understanding forms a vital part of the clinical development of new medicines. In the process of drug development, clinical pharmacologists are particularly important in understanding how the drug influences the natural physiological processes, as well as disease pathology and hence, they have a large role in designing clinical investigations, monitoring patients, exploring pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships and testing medicines in specific patient populations. The theme has been constructed to allow those individuals who have a basic foundation in either pharmacology and/or clinical science to expand their knowledge base beyond their initial field of specialisation and hence, to empower them to make critical decisions during the development of a medicine. The taught postgraduate level modules provide the ability to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Clinicians are drawn from King’s College and King’s Health Partners to provide a balanced perspective in this field. The courses emphasise the integrated learning of pharmacological principles and clinical practical competence with medicines development. The course is made up of compulsory and optional modules. The course is made up of nine required modules. The MSc pathway requires modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course, including 60 credits from a dissertation of around 8,000-10,000 words. If you are studying the MSc full time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying for the MSc qualification part-time, your course will take up to six years to complete.
Base campus
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Minimum entry requirements are either a medical degree (such as an MBBS) or a 2:1 first degree in pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related subject. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Work experience: Employment within a relevant industry would be advantageous but is not essential. Those without a degree but with extensive work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
PLEASE NOTE - We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year for standalone modules and the part-time study mode. 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 one reference. We would not normally interview potential students, but reserve the right to if deemed necessary.
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Potential students are encouraged to speak 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 the department on bioscience-programmes@kcl.ac.uk for application instructions.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One reference is required: this should be academic, but a professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. There are 30 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops per module. Each module requires two to four hours of pre-reading and also exam preparation.
For the MSc project there are approximately 80 hours of tutorials, plus supervision of dissertation research and ad hoc academic tutor meetings. Students should spend 200 to 300 hours researching and writing a dissertation.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Exams
The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of coursework and online examinations. The MSc course also requires a project based in the area of clinical pharmacology.
Coursework contributes 50% and examinations 50% to your final mark of taught modules.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Location
The course is primarily taught at the King's College London Waterloo campus. Please note locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules selected.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
You are required to take:
Non-clinical and Early Clinical Development (15 credits)
The Safety of Medicines and Pharmacoepidemiology (15 Credits)
Clinical Trials and Biostatistics (15 Credits)
Medicines and the Healthcare Marketplace (15 Credits)
Ethics and Good Practice for Medicines (15 Credits)
The Regulation of Medicines (15 Credits)
Practical Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)
Design and Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use (60 credits)
Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this course.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
It is expected that students who complete this course will be able to work in the pharmaceutical industry or in the clinical research arena. It is anticipated that modules and their international recognition will open up job opportunities that might have previously been beyond their reach and enhance their value to their employers. A clinical pharmacologist supports the discovery and development of new medicines, and improving understanding of existing ones. The Clinical Pharmacology Scientist aids in all aspects of medicine management. They provide specialist advice to healthcare professionals regarding medicines interactions and form a key part of groups aiming to translate novel therapeutics into medicines.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: MSc - £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: FEES PER MODULE: Per 15 credit module £1,412 (2025/26), Per 60 credit module £5,650 (2025/26)
International:
Full time: MSc - £47,700 per year (2025/26)
Part time: FEES PER MODULE: Per 15 credit module £3,975 (2025/26), Per 60 credit module £15,900 (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
MSc Full-time:
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
MSc Part-time:
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit is the full cost of the module.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
- Accommodation fees
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
Full-time MSc:
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Part-time MSc:
We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, but you should submit your application at the latest two months before the module start date. Please note funding applications may be subject to specific deadlines.
Key information
Course type:
Masters
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
MSc full-time one year, MSc part-time two-six years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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