University of Brighton
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Pharmacology
MSc (PGCert PGDip)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 1 year

    About the course

    This course is designed to provide masters level training in pharmacology to science graduates, and especially to overseas non-pharmacology graduates, with the University of Brighton having excellent support systems for international students. Students to develop a comprehensive knowledge base in pharmacology and the design and execution of practical approaches to the investigation of the mechanisms by which drugs act to prevent or treat disease. The ultimate aim of this course is to prepare students for a career in the drug research and related industries or in academia.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    Individual offers may vary.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0. Students could be required to undertake additional language tuition as part of this course.

    Degree and/or experience:
    Normally, a good first degree in an appropriate life science. Applicants with a degree in a related subject are welcome and will be considered on an individual basis. Equivalent overseas qualifications may also be accepted.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    The course runs over one calendar year (September to August) and is structured around 10 compulsory modules, as well as two optional modules, involving lectures, tutorials and laboratories with in-course assessment including a mid-sessional examination, research design project, literature survey, laboratory-based research project and final examinations. The taught component of the course involves the intensive module Pharmacology and Therapeutics, as well as lecture-based modules Advanced Topics in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology, Drug Discovery, Design and Development, Drug Profiling and Regulatory Affairs which are complemented by laboratory-based practical work. Included in the course is a module which provides the knowledge and training in the procedures necessary to obtain a UK Home Office personal licence allowing the holder to undertake pharmacological investigations. Optional modules include modules covering subjects such as diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress and pharmacogenomics. The Research Methods Workshop provides the background in research methodology required to complete the research project which is undertaken between May and July. There may also be opportunities to undertake this project with a local pharmaceutical company.

    Areas of study

    A distinctive aspect of the course is the inclusion of a number of compulsory modules covering drug discovery, design and development, regulatory affairs and research methodology as well as biomedical sciences. Optional modules cover subjects such as pharmacogenomics and diabetes, and allow students to study a subject of personal interest in more depth. A major component of the course is a research project which enables students to undertake their own original research project.

    By the end of the course, students will:
    - have an understanding of how pharmacological interventions may lead to cure or amelioration of the disease
    - have an understanding of the scientific rationale underlying drug design and development
    - have acquired knowledge of therapeutic regimes and the consequences of drug therapy
    - be able to apply knowledge and skills in a specialised area of pharmacology
    - develop technical experience and knowledge in a pharmacological laboratory setting
    - have explored their critical appraisal skills through examination of current issues in Pharmacology
    - have created a basis for life-long learning and development.

    Syllabus

    Core modules
    Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Advanced Topics in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology
    Drug Discovery, Design and Development
    Drug Profiling
    Regulatory Affairs
    Research Methods Workshop
    Research Methods in Pharmacology
    Applied Research Methods
    Research project

    Options
    Diabetes Mellitus
    Oxidative Stress and Human Disease
    Pharmacogenomics

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    Pharmacology (MSc) (Full time)  [P3BH020]
    UK/EU (Full Time)6,395 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,968 GBP
    International (Full Time)14,240 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Moulsecoomb

    Located to the north of Brighton city centre, the Moulsecoomb campus offers students an excellent learning environment and a wide range of facilities. It is the largest of our five campuses with over 8,000 students.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Brighton

    Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.

    Social scene

    Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

    Music event on the beach

    Arts

    The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

    Burning the Clocks winter solstice festival

    Sports

    Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.

    Playing volleyball on the seafront

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates are well prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries or in academia after completion of a further doctorate.

    Visit the careers service website.

Apply now for your place
Book your open day place
Find out more

01273 642118
Email pharmacy@brighton.ac.uk

If you are an international student, contact us on:

+44 (0) 207 250 6749
international@brighton.ac.uk

 

Visit the school that delivers this course