MSc Pharmacology and Drug Development

Pharmacology is the science underpinning the action of drugs on biological systems, and its reach and impact – playing a vital role in medicine, nursing, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Pharmacology therefore touches all our lives.

This programme, based at the University of Hull campus, is aimed at aspiring clinical researchers, as well as those wishing to gain a deep understanding of the underlying principles of ‘how drugs work’ and ‘how to develop new drugs’.

If you are a highly motivated, inquisitive student, looking to push the boundaries of contemporary knowledge in pharmacology and drug development, whilst at the same time extending yourself and boosting your career opportunities in a high achieving academic setting, then this programme is for you.

Our MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Development will provide you with unique and unrivalled opportunities to immerse yourself in the clinical, basic science and industrial aspects of pharmacology. In this programme you will gain the skills to play an active role in developing the next generation of drugs – either from first principles in the lab, testing in clinical trials, or taking new products to clinic.

You will be based in the Centre for Biomedicine and learn from experts in their field who are at the forefront of pharmacology and the drug design process. This includes our own clinical trials unit as well as invited speakers from internationally relevant drug companies.

As well as learning from their expertise, you will be challenged to think differently and develop skills to become a self-directed learner – allowing you to continually grow your pharmacology knowledge throughout your career.

The MSc programme is built around core modules that cover the fundamental principles of pharmacology and the clinical relevance of drugs for the major organ systems, whilst demonstrating the drug development process, from initial drug design to understanding the importance of clinical trials.

Through our founding corporate partner Reckitt, a leading global hygiene, health and nutrition company with global brands such as Nurofen and Gaviscon, you will also experience regular contact with an industrial mentor, access to Reckitt’s state-of-the-art Science and Innovation Centre in Hull, and taught sessions delivered by industry employees alongside university colleagues.

The Hull Health Trials Unit will deliver high quality tuition into the principles and process of clinical trials covering a range of crucial topics, including study rigour, participant recruitment, data analysis and interpretation and appropriate regulatory and governance issues associated with modern clinical trials.

You will finish your year with us by conducting a significant research project in either basic or applied pharmacology to generate novel and cutting-edge research findings. We will support you to increase your chances of getting your work published.