Biopharmaceutical Development MSc

at University of Leeds

The course content focuses on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs: monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies. Added to this is practical hands-on training in the technologies that underpin the discovery and development pathway. You’ll receive training in protein purification, characterisation, formulation and assessment of binding function and the use of cell-based assays to look at drug potency.
 

The course is 12-months long, taught on campus at the University of Leeds. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the many functions that contribute to the discovery and development of a successful drug and how they are coordinated and integrated to bring new drugs to market in a timely and economic fashion.
 

The course is co-taught by academics and qualified industry professionals, both working at the forefront of their fields in the areas of science that support drug development. You will therefore be exposed to learning that emphasises how knowledge is being applied in an industrial context. You will have the opportunity to develop a strong skills-set valued by industry and academia, including problem-solving strong communication and teamwork skills delivered through novel learning and teaching modes such as delivering reports to clients and regulators and the ability to conduct experimental research.
 

The taught modules on this course will provide you with an understanding of the full biological drug development focusing on each of the major steps of the process:

• discovery

• manufacturing

• pre-clinical testing

• clinical trials

• market access

• regulatory and legal aspects framework that ensure safe practice and the development of safe and effective medicines
   

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Drug Discovery and Development Pathways    
• Commercialising pharmaceutical products    
• Biopharmaceutical Drug Discovery and Non-clinical testing    
• Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals    
• Biopharmaceutical Development: Clinical    
• Integrated Drug Development Plan    
• Practical Skills for a Regulatory Environment  
• Bioscience MSc Research Project    

Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 or equivalent in a Biological Sciences subject (with a substantial proportion of ‘molecular’ content), Bioprocessing or Biochemical Engineering, but relevant experience may be taken into account. In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate leadership potential, which might be evidenced from academic, sporting, volunteering or other professional experience.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

 

Fees

• UK: £16,250 (total)
• International: £27,500 (total)
   

This course will help give you the experience and skills to become highly employable. This course is designed to train talented scientists wishing to pursue a career in drug development in the international biopharmaceutical industry or undertake further research in an academic environment.
 

On completion of the course, you’ll have the relevant knowledge and experience to fast-track your career as, for example, an analytical scientist, project manager, or coordinator, in areas such as research, quality control, manufacturing, non-clinical, clinical, and market access. You’ll also be in a strong position to undertake further research at Leeds or elsewhere.
 

As a student on this course, you’ll also have a high amount of exposure to senior industrialists working as tutors throughout the course and can take this opportunity to obtain career advice.