Pharmacology with Data Analytics (Taught)

Designed for graduates without a computing background, this two-year Master’s gives you the high-quality pharmacological skills you need to work in the field of drug discovery and development alongside teaching you valuable IT skills. You explore areas such as the mechanisms of drug action at molecular level; the treatment of human disease; and the latest cell and molecular technologies. The Data Analytics units cover programming, databases, security and computer networking, with opportunities to apply your IT knowledge to real-world problems.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Modern STEM building with purpose-built facilities and bespoke study spaces.

• State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite.

• Industry-standard technology to emulate the professional workplace.

• Specialised equipment for high-end pharma and biotech experiments, including HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and facilities for qPCR and protein analysis.

Career-powered links
The University’s Life Sciences Liaison Board draws in industry-wide professionals such as GSK, Pharmaron and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The Board’s close collaboration with real-world organisations ensures our course aligns with the needs of both industry and society as well as providing you with invaluable opportunities for networking and work experience.

Your student experience
Benefit from our student-centred, employment-based approach to learning to ensure you get the most from your degree, combining traditional lectures, workshops and tutorials with hands-on lab work and small-group teaching.
Explore fundamental IT-based tools and techniques through integrated data analytics units then apply your knowledge in hands-on practice.
Gain key transferable skills in critical thinking; integration of knowledge; effective communication; and successful leadership.
Learn from academics whose research and professional expertise feeds back into their teaching, creating a vibrant, practical-oriented learning environment.
Our staff use their active involvement in progressive areas such as cancer pathways and medicine development to keep you up to date with the latest industry advancements.
Gain specialist knowledge thanks to subject-relevant field trips and talks from external experts, including a visit to MSD-Merck and a workshop run by the UK Health Security Agency.
Connect with leading employers through our annual STEM Careers Expo.
Achieve your potential with support and guidance from your own personal academic tutor.
Develop your specialist interests in your laboratory research project, where you can choose from one of four core areas.

Course modules

Drug discovery and development – An overview of this process, with hands-on experience of molecular modelling and computer-based drug design.

Molecular pharmacology – Explore the pharmacology of receptors in relation to the discovery and development of drugs, using relevant data-handling software.

Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics – Study different disorders and how they are treated, including their causes, patterns in populations and how they are diagnosed.

Cell biology of disease – Learn how cell mechanisms cause disease, and how techniques like fluorescence imaging and high throughput screening help identify new treatments.

The regulation of medicines – Understand the principles behind the regulation of medicines, in the UK and globally, that ensure safety, efficacy and quality.

Developing independent research – Learn what goes into a research proposal and application plus the rudiments of good research design at Master’s level.

Laboratory-based research project – Formulate a research question of personal interest then plan, research and present your findings in a professional format.

Data modelling, management and governance – Consider how data should be managed, using tools and techniques for data capture, modelling, storing and retrieval.

Computer networks and security – Gain a foundation in how computer networks operate, with a defence-in-depth approach to cybersecurity.

Personal professional development – Create a personal development plan and build your professional image, bearing in mind your goals for the future.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.