UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD · UNITED KINGDOM
Drug Discovery Science MSc
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 yearDuration
- Full-timeAttendance Mode
- September 2026Start Date
- State-of-the-art screening and analysis facilitiesFacilities
- Research project with expert supervisionProject Type
- Learn from world-leading scientistsFaculty Expertise
This MSc program focuses on the methods and techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry for discovering and designing new drugs. You will learn how to identify and characterize target molecules for treating diseases, optimize drug properties, and overcome challenges like antibiotic resistance. The course combines fundamental chemistry and biology with modern computational drug design and screening technologies. A significant part of the program involves an independent research project, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world drug discovery challenges under expert supervision. This MSc is designed to equip you with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you for roles in the pharmaceutical sector and other related industries.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery, from initial research to potential clinical trials. The program includes core modules covering essential techniques and theory, alongside optional modules allowing for specialization. A substantial research project forms a key component of the MSc.
- Year 1
- Statistics and laboratory techniques
- Drug Design, Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry
- Research, Presentation and Professional Skills
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Synthesis
- Drug Discovery Research Project
- The Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry
- Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery
- Cancer Biology
Careers
This MSc prepares you for a range of careers in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond. The skills developed are highly valued in various sectors requiring analytical and problem-solving expertise.
- Drug Discovery Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Medicinal Chemist
- Pharmacologist
- Data Scientist
- Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic and English language entry requirements for the Drug Discovery Science MSc?
- You need a good undergraduate degree in a relevant science subject. For English language proficiency, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component is required. Some applicants might be exempt from further English evidence if their degree was taught in English in a majority native English-speaking country.
- How long does the Drug Discovery Science MSc program take to complete?
- The program is a full-time, one-year Master of Science degree, with a start date of September 2026.
- What will I study on the Drug Discovery Science MSc?
- The curriculum includes core modules such as 'Drug Design, Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry', 'Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Synthesis', and 'Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery', alongside a significant 'Drug Discovery Research Project'. Optional modules allow for specialization.
- What are the career prospects after completing this MSc?
- This MSc prepares you for roles such as Drug Discovery Scientist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Medicinal Chemist, Pharmacologist, Data Scientist, or Consultant within the pharmaceutical industry and related sectors.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Specific tuition fees are not detailed on the program page. Please refer to the University of Sheffield's official fee pages for current information regarding tuition and living costs.
- How do I apply for the Drug Discovery Science MSc and are there any scholarships available?
- You can apply through the University of Sheffield's online application portal after checking entry requirements and preparing your documents. While specific scholarship details for this MSc are limited, the ESRC White Rose Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership scholarships have a deadline of January 7, 2026.
Entry requirements
Previous DegreeA good undergraduate degree in a relevant science subject.
IELTS6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Some academic departments may require a higher score. Conditional offers may be made to applicants who do not yet meet the English language requirements. If you completed a degree taught in English in a majority native English-speaking country, you may not need further evidence of English ability. The University of Sheffield International College offers pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Specific tuition fees and living cost estimates are not detailed on the provided program page. Please refer to the University's official fee pages for current information.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsReview the academic and English language requirements for the MSc program.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, and English language proficiency scores.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the University of Sheffield's online application portal.
4. Consider ScholarshipsIf applying for scholarships, ensure your study application is finalized by the scholarship deadline (e.g., January 7, 2026, for ESRC scholarships).
Scholarships
ESRC White Rose Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership scholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic and English language entry requirements for the Drug Discovery Science MSc?
+
You need a good undergraduate degree in a relevant science subject. For English language proficiency, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component is required. Some applicants might be exempt from further English evidence if their degree was taught in English in a majority native English-speaking country.
How long does the Drug Discovery Science MSc program take to complete?
+
The program is a full-time, one-year Master of Science degree, with a start date of September 2026.
What will I study on the Drug Discovery Science MSc?
+
The curriculum includes core modules such as 'Drug Design, Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry', 'Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Synthesis', and 'Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery', alongside a significant 'Drug Discovery Research Project'. Optional modules allow for specialization.
What are the career prospects after completing this MSc?
+
This MSc prepares you for roles such as Drug Discovery Scientist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Medicinal Chemist, Pharmacologist, Data Scientist, or Consultant within the pharmaceutical industry and related sectors.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Specific tuition fees are not detailed on the program page. Please refer to the University of Sheffield's official fee pages for current information regarding tuition and living costs.
How do I apply for the Drug Discovery Science MSc and are there any scholarships available?
+
You can apply through the University of Sheffield's online application portal after checking entry requirements and preparing your documents. While specific scholarship details for this MSc are limited, the ESRC White Rose Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership scholarships have a deadline of January 7, 2026.