POSTGRADCOURSES.CO.UK
Home Healthcare Education and Training
Next Date: October 2026
An overview of the course structure is provided below. Details of the compulsory elements of the course are provided in the Course components section of this page.
The course is taught over one year from October to September, comprising three 10-week terms and a fourth summer term.
The first term covers core material using lectures, tutorials and practical work, and aims to ensure that students achieve the core knowledge of the principles and practice of pharmacology. At the end of the term, you will sit a computer-based qualifying exam passing this exam allows you to continue the course.
At the start of the second term, you will follow a short course in quantitative pharmacology.
During the following weeks, you will attend lectures in advanced pharmacology topics which represent the research expertise of academic staff in the department. The lectures are organised into five themes or modules.
Lectures are combined with weekly laboratory sessions, discussion forums, journal clubs and small group tutorials to promote critical analysis of primary research literature. Students are expected to spend 15 hours per week on independent reading throughout the first and second terms.
The third term is mainly taken up by a hypothesis-driven research project which is expected to involve four months of experimental work, extending throughout the term and into the long vacation.
£
GRE General Test scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
- Preference may be given to those who have studied in a biological or chemical science, but applications from high-calibre candidates with mathematical and physical science backgrounds are welcome.
- Evidence of training or laboratory experience may be an advantage, and the relevance of the course to future career development plans may be considered.
- Publications are not required.
Further guidance
Applications will be assessed on the following:
- Academic excellence, mainly as evidenced by your academic results (either obtained or predicted)
- Your ability to articulate your statement concisely and effectively
- Your research and /or professional experience
- Comments from your referees
Apply for partial scholarships
The first term covers core material using lectures, tutorials and practical work, and aims to ensure that all students achieve the core knowledge of the principles and practice of pharmacology. The subjects covered include cell and receptor pharmacology, tissue and organ pharmacology, and pharmacology of the nervous system.
At the start of the second term, you will follow a short course in quantitative pharmacology, covering aspects of receptor pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
You will attend lectures in advanced pharmacology topics organised into five themes or modules:
- Cell Signalling
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Neuropharmacology I: Neurodegeneration
- Neuropharmacology II: Psychopharmacology
- Drug Discovery.
The third term is mainly taken up by a hypothesis-driven research project.
You will be encouraged to develop critical self-reflection and self-management skills, along with developing the ability to learn through the reflection of practice and experience. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project relevant to your practice. This Masters course is ai...
More INFOAre you 16–19 and fascinated by the human body, health, and disease? This course is your chance to explore biology in a hands-on, real-world context, while earning a qualification equivalent to one full A Level. Over two years, you'll combine practical assignments with exam-based learning, studying...
More INFOPharmacology is the study of the action of drugs in the widest possible sense it encompasses many types of chemicals that affect the functioning of the body rather than just medicines. For the first two years, you will study a number of core units run by the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and N...
More INFOWhy not step away from your degree for a year to dive deeper into the science that underpins clinical practice? This integrated Masters degree combines advanced biomedical teaching with hands-on research training. Dive into the science that drives modern medicine. You'll gain a solid understanding ...
More INFOThis MSc/ PGDip Bioinformatics and Biostatistics prepares you to apply and develop new computational techniques in biomedical research, working both in hospital environments and for companies across the biotech sector. Our online MSc / PGDip Biostatistics and Bioinformatics will teach yo...
More INFOThis MSc/ PGDip Cosmetic Science prepares you to become an accredited professional, qualified to prescribe high-quality dermo-cosmetic treatments. Our online MSc / PGDip Cosmetic Science will provide advanced training on the main skin alterations, the most used active ingredie...
More INFO
