Master's Programme in Drug Discovery and Development
120 credits
The development of new drugs to combat global health issues is one of modern society's most important challenges. The Master's Programme in Drug Discovery and Development gives you the tools needed to meet this challenge. As part of the programme, you will study medicinal chemistry, drug development in biological systems as well as pharmaceutical formulation and clinical trial design. This programme will provide you with the skills and know-how to make an impact on modern healthcare.
Autumn 2023 Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 28 August 2023
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
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Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is:
- 90 credits in chemistry, biology, pharmacy or equivalent;
- 7.5 credits of pharmacology; and
- 15 credits of general and organic chemistry
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
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Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
- Fees
-
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- Application fee: SEK 900
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 16 January 2023
- Application code
- UU-M3176
- Additional information
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In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit one programme-specific document: an Application Summary Sheet Pdf, 299 kB. (including your Statement of Purpose).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
About the programme
The Master's Programme in Drug Discovery and Development is a two-year programme that gives you an in-depth knowledge of drug development, from idea to registered product. Drug development is a long and complicated process that requires expertise in several different areas. The programme prepares you to work with drug development in its various phases. It is possible to choose elective courses based on your own interest.
The programme will provide you with the high-level scientific skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies or the academic sector. The programme draws on the broad expertise within the well-renowned Faculty of Pharmacy at Uppsala University and is conducted in close collaboration with world-leading research groups.
The first year consists of compulsory course units and covers topics ranging from hit identification, and drug formulation to clinical trial design. During the second year of the programme, you are allowed to choose elective courses and a research project based on your own interest in, for example, the following subjects:
- biopharmaceuticals
- drug development in biological systems
- drug formulation and delivery
Student profile
You have ideally completed a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or another related field or you may even have some previous experience in pharmaceutical sciences. The programme is highly international and attracts students from Sweden, EU and around the globe. The programme provides knowledge and skills for a continued career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry (both large and small companies), in governmental authorities or for further studies at postgraduate level.
Degree
The programme leads to the degree of Master of Pharmaceutical Science (120 credits) with Drug Discovery and Development as the main field of study.
Content
The first year consists of compulsory courses with the aim to provide you with a broad knowledge of drug development. The programme commences with an introductory course to provide students with an excellent platform for the remainder of the programme. The remainder of the first year will provide you with insight into a number of key topics ranging from biopharmaceuticals to drug formulation and clinical trial design.
During the second year, you can choose courses either among recommended specialisations or freely among elective courses. At the end of the programme, you will undertake a Master's degree project, worth either 30 or 45 credits.
Courses within the programme
Semester 1
- Drug Discovery and Development, 7.5 credits
- Biologicals, 7.5 credits
- Molecular Imaging with Focus on PET, 7.5 credits
- Pharmacokinetics, 7.5 credits
There are alternative courses if you already have taken corresponding courses as part of your Bachelor's education.
Semester 2
- Pharmaceutical Bioinformatics with Sequence Analysis, 7.5 credits
- Molecular Biopharmaceutics, 7.5 credits
- Clinical Trial Methodology, 7.5 credits
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, 7.5 credits
Semester 3
- During the second year, the student chooses courses.
- Elective courses 15 credits and part of a Master's project 45 credits or elective courses 30 credits.
Semester 4
- Master's project 30 credits or part of Master's project 45 credits.
Learning experience
Teaching is conducted in a range of formats including lectures, seminars, group assignments, laboratory sessions and independent project work. The programme is given full-time, during the daytime, with certain exceptions for the elective courses. The programme is delivered entirely in English.
At the beginning of each course, detailed instructions about teaching and examination are provided to students. Compulsory attendance is sometimes required, and this will be detailed in the respective course syllabus. Certain courses may also be given in parallel.
Career
Due to Uppsala University's excellent international reputation, a Master's degree in Drug Development will open doors to both academic research and pharmaceutical industry career paths, anywhere in the world. Moreover, the highly relevant subject matter will equip you with the skills needed to make an impact on global health issues.
The Pharmaceutical industry is in constant demand of new and enthusiastic graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the drug discovery and development process. This Master's Programme will provide you with an excellent platform to pursue a career in different kinds of industries and workplaces. This includes, but is not limited to:
- pharmaceutical industry
- biotechnology companies
- public authorities
- universities.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.
Is this programme right for you?
Read interviews with our students.
A student in Pharmacy
Watch our video about the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy
Register your interest
Keep updated about the application process.
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.