Drug Discovery and Translational Biology MSc, PgDip
Awards: MSc, PgDip
Study modes: Full-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Drug Discovery and Translational Biology
The rapid transformation in the nature of drug discovery means that knowledge of related disciplines, and the technologies used, is essential for those considering a career in commercial or academic research.
This MSc will help you explore the latest methods of developing drugs and therapeutic compounds for humans and animals and disease control agents for plants.
You will learn about marketing, licensing and regulations, which are all part of the development process. Our multidisciplinary approach links structural biology, bioinformatics, chemistry and pharmacology.
You will investigate the fundamental scientific problems and techniques of drug discovery and design, alongside the challenges of developing principles for new therapeutic strategies.
You will have hands-on experience of crystallographic computer programming and computation for bioinformatics.
You will consider the moral and ethical aspects of the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries through case studies, seminars and discussions.
The programme consists of two semesters of taught courses, followed by a research project and dissertation.
The learning and teaching activities that will form your teaching include sessions such as lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars. Where possible, we will also teach in the laboratories and computing suites.
You’ll do presentations, work on your own research skills, develop literature and data skills. You’ll also work on individual projects, as well as those in groups.
Research
Those students who progress to MSc level will carry out their own research project at the frontier of knowledge and can make a genuine contribution to the progress of original research.
This also involves reviewing relevant papers, analysing data, and writing a dissertation.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 |
This MSc is designed to help you pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or relevant government agencies, and it will provide a good background for managerial or technical roles in research, design and development. It is also a solid basis from which to continue your studies to PhD level.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics or pharmacology.
We will also consider your application if you have a background in chemistry, pharmacy, physics, computer science or medicine.
University-level mathematics is required at pass level and your degree should include some chemistry.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each section.We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each paper.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
For 2022 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees | |
PgDip | 9 Months | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Featured funding
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Programme Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 7052
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Biology Teaching Organisation
- School of Biological Sciences
- James Clerk Maxwell Building
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Drug Discovery and Translational Biology
- School: Biological Sciences
- College: Science & Engineering
- Prospectus: Biological Sciences prospectus (PDF)
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Drug Discovery and Translational Biology - 1 Year (Full-time)
PgDip Drug Discovery and Translational Biology - 9 Months (Full-time)
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
You must submit one reference with your application.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Programme Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 7052
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Biology Teaching Organisation
- School of Biological Sciences
- James Clerk Maxwell Building
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Drug Discovery and Translational Biology
- School: Biological Sciences
- College: Science & Engineering
- Prospectus: Biological Sciences prospectus (PDF)