MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

Industry-Focused Content: You will explore contemporary topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology looking closely at modern developments in drug safety science and 21st Century medicines.
Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by a team of experts who have extensive Pharma Research and Development experience (see key staff section).
Industry Connections: Located in the heart of the UK Pharmaceutical industry, you will benefit from expert guest lectures, work-placements, and industry professionals from GSK and Astra Zeneca contributing to your studies.

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

An Honours Degree in Biomedical and related sciences with a background in molecular biology, genetics and immunology with a final classification grade of a minimum 60% with evidence of having completed a research project and practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques relevant to the course
A professional qualification accepted as equivalent to the above; or
A qualification in veterinary science, medicine or dentistry; or
A first or second class Honours Degree in disciplines other than those described above but where the applicant, in the opinion of the Programme Leader, would benefit from, and succeed on, the programme
Students will be selected through interview.

In addition, all international students are required to demonstrate an English Language capability of IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band) or equivalent qualification.


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Life and Medical Sciences
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

What job can I get?

Upon graduation, you may go on to work in a broad range of fields including: toxicology research, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, clinical toxicology, forensic toxicology, food safety, academia research, medical writing/science journalism, UK government departments, education, or patent law. Alternatively, you may also use the MSc in Drug Discovery and Toxicology to underpin an application to study for a research degree such as MRes, MSc by Research, or a PhD in a related field.

Professional Accreditations

Subject to validation, this course will be accredited by the Royal Society for Biology Accreditation.

About the course

This course gives you in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on toxicology, the science behind the safety of drugs. We make full use of our geographical location at the heart of the UK pharmaceutical industry attracting numerous expert contributions from industry professionals (e.g. GSK, AZ).

The course will cover all aspects of new medicine research and development from identifying novel targets through drug screening to clinical trials of candidate medicines. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you'll be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies including discovery biology and toxicology, as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry.

Alternatively, consider taking our other MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology routes:

Why choose this course?

1st for Biosciences in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, Advance HE, 2023)
You'll benefit from being taught by expert staff with pharmaceutical industry research and development and toxicology experience
We have strong links to big pharma research sites nearby which provide you with the opportunity for numerous guest lecturers from the industry as well as networking opportunities
Our state of the art Science Building provides excellent facilities for laboratory based studies, including QPCR, cell culture, protein analysis, isolated tissue studies, immunohistochemistry
Upon graduation, you'll be equipped for working in a wide range of roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
If successful, will have the opportunity for an extended 12 month research project
Allied Health was ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).

What will I study?

Throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the drug discovery process and the role of toxicology in developing safe medicines.

The course comprises four taught modules and a project module. In Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology students study the essential aspects of these topics that provide a necessary background for contemporary drug discovery. A focus on immunology reflects the growing understanding of the contribution of this area to disease and hence novel opportunities for drug discovery.

The Translational Medicine module explores the process of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on translation, developing molecules that will eventually work in human patients as well as in a laboratory. Molecular Medicine explores with he emphasis on recent examples of chemical and biological approaches to developing 21st Century medicines.

Contemporary Topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology provides a focus on recent developments in drug safety science. A problem-based learning approach is integral to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students’ on the programme.

You'll have the opportunity to complete a laboratory based research project in you chosen area of interest ranging across options in toxicology and pharmacology of drug discovery.

Currently available projects include:

Gastrointestinal pharmacology
Angiogenesis
Cancer
Molecular pharmacology of vascular disease
Diabetic neuropathic pain
Parkinson’s Disease
Toxicology of new smoking devices
Toxicology of novel psychoactive substances

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Translational Medical Science	30 Credits	Compulsory
This will include drug discovery techniques and technologies that are essential for the evaluation of new therapeutic targets at molecular, cellular, tissue and whole organism for translation into clinical drug development, including target identification, drug design, drug screening (using in-silico, in vitro and in vivo methods), pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, biomarkers, toxicology. An advanced understanding of the basic science areas of pharmacokinetics, drug efficacy screening, drug metabolism and preclinical safety testing and toxicology will be covered. Clinical phases of drug development and ethical issues arising from pre-clinical and clinical testing and experimental design will be addressed. The module will apply these fundamental principles to evaluate approaches to the translation of new drugs as illustrated in case studies drawn from recent history in the pharmaceutical industry. The module will be taught with a mixture of lectures, workshops and problem-solving interpretative exercises by UH staff but also drawing on specialised expertise from local industry professionals.
Contemporary Topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to introduce students to the core principles of toxicology and to engender an appreciation of how chemicals may lead to adverse effects. To explore and identify the mechanisms via which chemicals exert adverse effects. The applications of toxicology within a number of contexts (such as the pharmaceutical industry) will be explored. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate current research and to appreciate continuity and convergence in the research effort.
Molecular Medicine	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will study the most recent aspects of molecular medicine. How human genome information and novel molecular biology techniques are leading to a molecular understanding of disease and from this to the development of novel therapies with improved efficacy. The same tools can also be used to improve the understanding of adverse effects of drugs and hence eliminate them at an earlier stage in the drug discovery process. Areas to be covered will include cancer, cardiovascular disease, inherited disorders, neuroscience, gene and stem cell therapy. The module will be taught with a mixture of lectures workshops and problem-solving exercises by UH staff but also drawing on specialised expertise from local industry professionals.
Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology	30 Credits	Compulsory
DNA structure and function: genome complexity, structure of genes, DNA replication, RNA and protein synthesis, introduction to the control of gene expression. Cell molecular biology: signal transduction mechanisms, eukaryotic gene control. Cancer biology. Principles of basic genetics, protein structure and function. Recombinant DNA technology: basic strategy - cutting and joining DNA, library screening, classical DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, analysis of gene/transgene expression, methods for gene transfer and applications, transgenic organisms. Genomics: Mapping sequencing strategies including sequencing techniques (NGS). Genome editing, Immunology, B and T cells, Antibody synthesis, immunological techniques including antibody based formats, monoclonal antibodies, immunochemical analysis techniques Genome databases and bioinformatics. Gene prediction, searching for gene features, characterization of DNA sequences. NCBI, PubMed, and gene databases (file formats etc), searching primary databases, genome databases, PCR primer design, multiple sequence alignments protein classification and structure prediction.
Research Internship	30 Credits	Compulsory
The research internship enables students to gain working experience in an academic research setting in a relevant Biosciences discipline and provides opportunities to develop team working and professional skills.
Extended Research Project	90 Credits	Compulsory
Research methodology - the formulation and testing of hypotheses; experimental design and associated statistical analysis; questionnaire design; data analysis and the assessment of significance. Safety & risk assessment in the laboratory. Information seeking - the nature of scientific literature; the internet, textbooks, review literature and research literature; the use of databases; performing a literature search. The research project - identification of a research field; construction of a literature review; identification of the project aim and the specific problems to be addressed; the formulation of a hypothesis; the testing of a hypothesis, the design of investigative methods and the adoption of relevant statistical analysis; analysis and interpretation of data and drawing of conclusions; reassessment of the hypothesis, assessment of the relevance of the findings to current knowledge; production of a research report; scientific communication of the research findings.
Research Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory

Key staff

Dr Chris Benham

Find out more about Dr Chris Benham

Dr David Prowe

Find out more about Dr David Prowe

Dr John Skamarauskas

Dr Lisa Lione

Find out more about Dr Lisa Lione

Dr Shori Thakur

Find out more about Dr Shori Thakur

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology - Extended (Revised 2024)	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology - Extended (Revised 2024)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £13545 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students

Full time
- £18950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students

Full time
- £18950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time)

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MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

What job can I get?

Professional Accreditations

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025