Drug Discovery and Toxicology
MSc
University of Hertfordshire
Key Course Facts
Course Description
Taught by expert staff with big Pharma Research and Development experience and guest lecturers from industry fostering inquiry and strengthening inter-professional education.
Access to unparalleled teaching and research facilities in a new science facility.
Blended learning approach to teaching including problem-based learning to develop high-level critical analysis skills, substantial exposure to practical techniques in drug discovery and toxicology, and guaranteed laboratory-based research projects.
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.
About the course This programme gives you in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on toxicology, the science behind the safety of drugs. We make full use of our geographical location at the heart of the UK Pharmaceutical industry attracting numerous expert contributions from industry professionals (e.g. GSK, AZ). The course will cover all aspects of new medicine research and development from identifying novel targets through drug screening to clinical trials of candidate medicines. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you will be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies including discovery biology and toxicology, as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry.
What will I study? The MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology Course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the drug discovery process and the role of toxicology in developing safe medicines. The programme comprises four taught modules and a project module. In Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology students study the essential aspects of these topics that provide a necessary background for contemporary drug discovery. A focus on immunology reflects the growing understanding of the contribution of this area to disease and hence novel opportunities for drug discovery. The Translational medicine module explores the process of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on translation, developing molecules that will eventually work in human patients as well as in a laboratory. Molecular Medicine explores with the emphasis on recent examples of chemical and biological approaches to developing 21st Century medicines and Contemporary topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology provides a focus on recent developments in drug safety science. A problem-based learning approach is integral to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students’ on the programme.
All students have the opportunity to complete a laboratory based research project in their chosen area of interest ranging across options in toxicology and pharmacology of drug discovery.
Currently available projects include:
Gastrointestinal pharmacology Angiogenesis Cancer Molecular pharmacology of vascular disease Diabetic Neuropathic pain Parkinson’s Disease Toxicology of new smoking devices Toxicology of novel psychoactive substances
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
-
- 6.5
- All Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Drug Discovery and Toxicology, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.
The normal entry requirements for the programme are: A first or second class Honours Degree in Biosciences or Biological Chemistry with a final classification grade of a minimum 55%; or A professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above; or A qualification in veterinary science, medicine or dentistry; or A first or second class Honours Degree in disciplines other than those described above but where the applicant, in the opinion of the Programme Leader, would benefit from, and succeed on, the programme. In addition, all international students are required to demonstrate an English Language capability of IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band) or equivalent qualification.
Costs
Average student cost of living in the UK
| Rent | £518 |
| Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
| Supermarket shopping | £81 |
| Clothing | £35 |
| Eating out | £33 |
| Alcohol | £27 |
| Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
| Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
| Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
| Transport within city | £17 |
| Self-care / sports | £20 |
| Stationary / books | £13 |
| Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
| Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
| Insurance | £51 |
| Other | £95 |
| Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
University Rankings
Positions of University of Hertfordshire in top UK and global rankings.
See all 25 university rankings of University of Hertfordshire
About University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire (UOH) is a publicly funded university in Hertfordshire, England. The university has two campuses that it operates from; College Lane, and de Havilland. The university works with approximately 25,000 students at any given time, and has 11 distinct schools within the university dedicating themselves to a wide variety of subjects.
Student composition of University of Hertfordshire
-
Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 16415
- postgraduates:
- 5780
- Total:
- 22195
Where is this programme taught
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