Teaching & modules

Modules

Required Modules

  • Non-clinical and Early Clinical Development (15 credits)
  • Clinical Trial Management (15 credits)
  • The Safety of Medicines and Pharmacoepidemiology (15 credits)
  • Clinical Trials and Biostatistics (15 credits)
  • Medicines and the Healthcare Market (15 credits)
  • Ethics and Good Practice for Medicines (15 credits)
  • The Regulation of Medicines (15 credits)
  • Practical Drug Development Science (15 credits)
  • Design and Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use (60 credits)

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
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 could spend 200 to 300 hours researching and writing a dissertation.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Exams

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written essays, presentations and on-line examinations. Coursework typically contributes to 50% and examinations 50% to your final mark.

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 2026 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:

  • Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2026 (23:59 UK time)
  • Home fee status: 25 August 2026 (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.

Applicants who will require a visa to enter and study in the UK should note that they will be unable to obtain a 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 note funding applications may be subject to specific deadlines.

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

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 2026