Overview

The postgraduate Masters in Science (MSc) programme is taught as either a classic one-year programme, or delivered through blended learning on a two-year part-time basis.

The MSc degree teaches how fundamental science is applied to the discovery and development of medicines.  The programme was designed and conceived by industry experts in drug discovery and will be delivered and assessed by experts from both industry and the university.  This advanced-level academic qualification will provide expert preparation for those who wish to pursue and/or further a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a higher degree (PhD).

Two factors underpinned the development of this programme:
(1) Graduates in pharmacology and related biology degrees require understanding of how fundamental science learned at university is linked to the design and development of modern medicines.
(2) With increasing specialisation of pharmaceutical research into zones of expertise it is difficult for new graduates to gain a full understanding how their work and data fits into the ‘drug discovery process’.

This programme will:

1. Produce graduates trained in the processes by which fundamental science is linked to the design and development of modern medicines.
2. Teach students an understanding of the drug discovery process.
3. Provide students with the experience of critically appraising the research questions and techniques that are routine in the workplace.
4. Provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a higher degree (PhD).

Teaching

1-year full-time programme:
Full-time basis at Medway School of Pharmacy with attendance required on Mondays and Tuesdays for 48 weeks plus additional study away from the campus. Teaching will be delivered using a variety of proven methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem-based learning sessions, and practical sessions.

2-year part-time programme:
Learning via distance e-learning using the Moodle virtual learning environment. You will be allocated an academic tutor to support you throughout the programme as well as having frequent contact with subject experts through forum and pre-arranged voice-over-internet 1-2-1 messaging meetings.

Assessment

Coursework-based using a range of assessment techniques including: written assignments, reports, portfolio entries, short essays, analysis of case studies, and multiple choice questions.

Facts

General Information

Award:	Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Drug Discovery
Length:	1 year full-time, or 2 year part-time (distance e-learning)
Places:	~20
Location:	1-year full-time programme: Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Chatham Maritime, Kent. 2-year part-time programme: Delivered by blended e-learning.  With the option of a laboratory-based research project at Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Chatham Maritime, Kent, or for those students based overseas it may be possible to perform a laboratory-based research project in an approved laboratory elsewhere.
Fees:	1-year full-time programme: £7,000 for home students, or £14,000 for overseas students. 2-year programme: £3,500 per year part-time over two years for home students (total cost per full MSc of £7,000), or £7,000 per year part-time over two years for overseas students (total cost per full MSc of £14,000).

 

Application

To apply for the MSc in Applied Drug Discovery please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Scott Wildman (e-mail s.s.wildman@kent.ac.uk; tel +44 (0)1634 202953) or submit an online application via University of Kent Application for Graduate Study

Programme structure

Basic and specialist science modules

The course will comprise of 180 credits; intermediate exit awards are available should you not complete the entire course.

• Applied Pharmacology (30 credits; core)
• Translational Biology (30 credits; core)

• Critical Thinking (15 credits; core)
• Experimental Protocol (15 credits; core)
• Project Background and Design (15 credits; core)
• Neuroscience and Drug Discovery (15 credits; choice 1 from 3)
• Renal and Cardiovascular Drug Discovery (15 credits; choice 1 from 3)
• Infectious Disease and Allergy Drug Discovery (15 credits; choice 1 from 3)

• Extended Research Project (60 credits; core)

1-year full-time programme:
Certificate level modules will be taught during semester 1, Diploma level modules during semester 2, and Masters level modules during semester 3.

2-year part-time programme:
Modules will be provided in sequence.  To ensure a timely completion of the Masters programme it is advised that each module (15 credits) is completed within 10 weeks (whereby the learner studies for the equivalent of 1 day per week).

Entry criteria

Ideally suited to those with a good degree in a wide range of biological science subjects (e.g. pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, applied biology, molecular biology, biomedical science or similar).  

Application

To discuss any aspects of the Applied Drug Discovery Framework in more detail or to find out how it can be tailored to fit your personal or business needs please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Scott Wildman (e-mail s.s.wildman@kent.ac.uk; tel +44 (0)1634 202953) or submit an online application via University of Kent Application for Graduate Study

Further information can be found on the University of Kent on-line prospectus and University of Greenwich online prospectus.