Drug Discovery and Pharma Management

The MSc in Drug Discovery and Pharma Management at University College London offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical industry. This programme addresses the increasing global demand for professionals with expertise in developing new medicines and effectively managing pharmaceutical enterprises. Throughout the course, students gain an in-depth understanding of the entire drug development process, from target identification and validation, through preclinical testing, clinical trials, regulatory approval, to commercialisation. The curriculum combines scientific principles of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology with essential business and management skills such as project management, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, marketing, and healthcare economics. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through case studies, practical projects, and industry collaborations. The programme also provides opportunities for hands-on experience in laboratories and industry placements, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. With expert faculty drawn from academia and industry, the programme maintains a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing graduates for leadership roles within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Graduates of this MSc are well-prepared to pursue careers in drug research and development, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical marketing, and management consultancy, or to continue their studies in PhD programmes. Overall, the MSc in Drug Discovery and Pharma Management offers a rigorous and dynamic learning environment that combines scientific excellence with strategic business training, aiming to produce professionals capable of driving innovation and ensuring the effective delivery of new medicines worldwide.

This MSc contains the science core of the Drug Discovery MSc and combines a broad overview of the drug discovery and development process with specialisation in management training and awareness, and strategic partnering and business development skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (120 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• The Process of Drug Discovery
• The Process of Drug Development
• Modern Aspects of Drug Discovery
• Pharma Management

Optional modules

• There are no optional modules for this programme.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake a business development project based on an aspect of science from drug discovery either at the UCL School of Pharmacy or in industry.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars and practical classes. Assessment is through a combination of written examination and coursework. The business development project is by written report and oral presentation to the class and a judging panel of scientists and managers.

A second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related subject such as pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, physiology, physical science, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, genetics, material sciences, or a medical degree (MBBS), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The MSc in Drug Discovery and Pharma Management at University College London offers a comprehensive overview of the financial aspects associated with careers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as well as insights into funding opportunities for students. The program provides students with a thorough understanding of the economic drivers of drug development, including the costs of research and development, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization. Students explore various business models, funding mechanisms, and investment strategies crucial for managing pharmaceutical projects effectively. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of financial planning, budgeting, and resource management within the context of drug discovery, preparing graduates for leadership roles where financial acumen is essential.

UCL recognizes the high costs involved in biomedical research and industry operations, and therefore, the program also discusses different sources of funding for both academic research and industry projects. This includes public sector grants, venture capital, private investment, and collaborations between academia and industry. The program highlights the role of government grants such as those from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), European Union funding programs, and international agencies, which are vital for supporting early-stage research. Furthermore, students learn about intellectual property rights and licensing as financial tools to generate revenue and sustain ongoing research efforts.

For students, UCL offers various scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options to support their studies. These include merit-based scholarships, research funding opportunities, and external funding sources. The university also provides detailed guidance on applying for industry-sponsored internships and placement funding. As part of the program, students gain insights into the financial aspects involved in managing multidisciplinary teams, licensing agreements, and commercialization strategies that are essential for bringing new drugs from bench to bedside.

Overall, the program aims to equip students with not only scientific and managerial skills but also a solid understanding of how financial considerations influence decisions and success within the pharmaceutical industry. This blend of knowledge prepares graduates for careers in biotech and pharmaceutical management, where financial literacy plays a crucial role in navigating markets, securing funding, and ensuring the sustainability of innovative drug discovery projects.

The MSc in Drug Discovery and Pharma Management at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. This program combines principles of drug discovery, development, and management, providing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates scientific, commercial, and regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical sector. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the core scientific concepts behind the development of new medicines, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences, alongside training in the management strategies needed to oversee pharmaceutical projects and navigate the complex landscape of healthcare regulation. The curriculum is crafted to reflect current industry standards and innovative practices, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, regulatory agencies, and research organizations.

Throughout the course, students have opportunities to engage in practical training, including laboratory work, case studies, and industry placements, fostering hands-on experience and real-world application of theoretical knowledge. The program emphasizes teamwork, project management, and communication skills, which are vital for success in multidisciplinary environments. UCL’s strong links with industry partners and research institutions provide students with networking opportunities, guest lectures from industry experts, and potential collaborations on research projects. Admission requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree in a science or engineering discipline, with an emphasis on chemistry, biology, pharmacology, or related fields. The program duration is usually one year full-time, with part-time options available. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in drug development, regulatory affairs, pharmaceutical marketing, research and development, and healthcare consultancy, among others. The MSc aims to address the growing need for professionals adept at integrating scientific innovation with strategic management in the pharmaceutical industry.