Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology

The MSc in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology at the University of Bradford offers a comprehensive postgraduate education designed to prepare students for a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and regulatory sectors. This programme provides an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of drug action, toxicity, and the safety evaluation processes essential for the development of new medicines. Students will explore a wide range of topics including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse drug reactions, and the regulatory frameworks governing drug safety assessments. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in modern safety pharmacology techniques and toxicological testing methods. Taught by experienced academics and industry professionals, the programme emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and research skills necessary for assessing drug safety profiles effectively. The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies, facilitating employment opportunities in drug development, safety assessment, and regulatory science. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to engage in research projects, internships, or collaborations with industry partners, enhancing their practical experience and employability. The programme is suitable for graduates with backgrounds in sciences such as biology, pharmacology, toxicology, or related fields who are seeking to specialize in drug safety and toxicology. Upon completion, graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to the development of safe and effective medicines, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and safeguarding public health. The University of Bradford provides a supportive academic environment with state-of-the-art facilities, fostering innovation, research, and professional development in the field of drug safety sciences.

The programme has a central core of modules in the first Semester which are designed to train students in widely used laboratory techniques, research methodology, and in critical analysis and thinking.

The 20-credit Practical Skills in Research module is designed around common laboratory techniques and skills including ELISA, flow cytometry, Western Blot, statistical analysis etc. You will have a series of workshops to learn these techniques with a lab session where you carry out the procedure.

In the 20-credit Critical Appraisal module, you are assigned a topic under the supervision of one of our academics and are asked to write a 5000-word critical review. In this module, students will receive a wide range of training and advice on scientific writing, compiling scientific data, data analysis, scientific presentation etc.

The remaining 20-credit first semester module entitled Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology provides students with the core academic knowledge required in this field. During the first semester, students gain knowledge of the breadth of cutting edge research at ICT and either choose or suggest a research project plan.

In Semester 2, students will study 20-credit Preclinical Models for Drug Evaluation module designed around protocols and techniques used in the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug potency and 20-credit Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity module designed around the recent understanding mechanism that leads to toxicity in drug molecules.

The remaining 20-credit module can be chosen from a list of topics which reflect your career aspirations.

In Semester 3 (60 credits each), students will join research laboratories within the ICT, to undertake their 60-credit Research Project module. During this time, students are trained in specialist laboratory techniques and conduct their chosen research.

All module information is for 2019 entry, and is subject to change.

To be admitted to the programme, applicants must have an undergraduate Honours qualification (minimum 2: 2) or equivalent in a scientific discipline, usually within chemistry, biology, pharmacy, biomedicine, or related fields. Candidates who do not meet these entry criteria but who can show relevant experience may also be considered.

For North American students a GPA of normally 2.0 and above (on a scale of 4.0), or an equivalent, is required.

Fees for 2019 entry listed below.

Home/EU: £8,160 per year

International: £18,940 per year

The MSc in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology at the University of Bradford offers students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of toxicology and pharmacology in the context of drug development and safety assessment. This programme is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and risk of pharmaceutical compounds, ensuring they comply with regulatory standards. The course curriculum covers a broad range of topics including mechanisms of drug toxicity, safety testing methods, risk assessment strategies, and the regulatory environment governing pharmaceuticals. Students will also explore advanced areas such as in vitro and in vivo testing, biomarker development, and the use of new technologies in safety pharmacology. The teaching combines lectures, practical laboratory sessions, case studies, and project work, fostering both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. The programme benefits from the university’s strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies, providing students with opportunities for networking, internships, and projects aligned with current industry challenges. Graduates from this MSc programme are well-prepared for careers in pharmaceutical companies, regulatory authorities, contract research organizations, and academia, where they can contribute to the development of safe and effective medicines. The university's facilities offer state-of-the-art laboratories and resources to support experimental work. Overall, this programme aims to produce highly skilled professionals who can address complex safety issues in drug development and contribute to public health.