Overview
Please note the course details apply to 2026 entry.
The Drug Development Science course is one of our three MSc courses in pharmaceutical medicine that are designed for those working in, or seeking to work in, the field of drug development, including pharmaceutical companies, contract research organisations and regulatory authorities.
The Drug Development Science course is a highly flexible study programme designed for those working in or seeking to work in the field of drug development. The course aims to provide students with expertise and skills in all aspects of medicine development, including pre-clinical testing, clinical development, drug regulation and drug safety.
Key benefits
- This course has been designed by, and is taught by individuals who are highly experienced in pharmaceutical medicine, with the many of our lectures delivered by current senior employees of pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities.
- The study programme is compliant with the European PharmaTrain initiative and thus allows international transfer of credits.
- The taught modules are almost all taught over one week, from Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 5.00, which facilitates part time MSc study by students who are employed in the industry and looking to further their careers.
- The course modules are supported by a programme of class tutorials which provide the non-technical skills that promote productivity, efficiency and effective communication in the workplace and for postgraduate academic study.
- Lecture and workshops are delivered by a mixture of academics and expert practitioners from the pharmaceutical industry.
Course essentials
Forming a medicine from an active molecule is a multidisciplinary process. It is an activity that requires a large budget and takes several years to achieve. Importantly, it requires those who contribute to the activity to have a good working knowledge of whole development process.
The Drug Development Science MSc equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage drug development projects and make critical decisions during the development of a medicine. It has been framed in such a manner that it will enhance the skills of those working in the pharmaceutical industry, who wish to take a leadership role in drug development and those who currently work in aligned clinical or scientific disciplines and wish to enter this field.
Through a series of taught postgraduate level modules, it will bring participants into contact with world class scientists and clinical experts, who have developed active molecules for human use. Each module lays down a foundation of current practice and allows the participants to put this knowledge into practice, through practical drug development problem based exercises.
The MSc 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.
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
Credit value:
UK MSc180 credits/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Administrative bodies
Regulating body
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.
Base campus
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.