UNIVERSITY OF TURKU · FINLAND
Master’s Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€12k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 90%of Finnish drug innovations originate from Turku
- 24months duration
- 12,000EUR annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students
- Internship opportunitieswith nearby Finnish pharmaceutical industry
- Access to research infrastructureslike the Turku PET Centre and Centre for Disease Modeling
- Foundation for further academic trainingin doctoral programmes
This Master's programme trains experts in the entire drug development chain, from initial molecule discovery to regulatory approval. Located in a hub for pharmaceutical innovation, the University of Turku offers a unique opportunity to become a key contributor to the global pharmaceutical field. The curriculum provides a deep understanding of modern methods for identifying and validating drug targets, designing new drug modalities, and conducting clinical trials. Students will also gain knowledge in drug regulatory science, pharmacovigilance, and biostatistics, ensuring a strong foundation in both scientific and regulatory aspects. Graduates will be equipped to work in companies, research institutions, or regulatory authorities, with strong career prospects and potential for further academic study.
Curriculum
The programme provides comprehensive expertise across the entire drug development pipeline. Students will gain a deep understanding of up-to-date methods applied to identify and validate new drug targets, design novel drug modalities, and conduct clinical trials. They will also master knowledge of drug regulatory science, pharmacovigilance, and biostatistics.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Master's Thesis
Careers
Graduates will be well-prepared for research and development roles in both academia and industry. The programme's content is designed with working life in mind, equipping students with the skills to formulate and solve scientific problems, conduct independent research, critically review literature, and produce high-quality scientific texts. They will also be proficient in applying computational methods and working in global collaborative networks.
- Drug discovery researcher
- Drug development specialist
- Regulatory affairs specialist
- Biostatistician
- Pharmacovigilance expert
- Research scientist in pharmaceutical companies
- Academic researcher
- Entrepreneur
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for this Master's programme?
- Non-EU/EEA citizens are subject to tuition fees of 12,000 EUR per year. Finnish/EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees. The first year's tuition fee must be paid before registration.
- Are there any discounts available for tuition fees?
- Yes, an Early Bird discount of 2,000 EUR is available. To receive this discount, you must accept the study offer and pay the tuition fee within 28 days of the admission decision.
- What is the duration of the Master’s Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development?
- The programme has a duration of 24 months, which is equivalent to two years of study. The second year includes the Master's Thesis.
- What are the entry requirements for international students?
- Applicants need a relevant Bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in fields like biochemistry or pharmacology. You must also demonstrate excellent English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall.
- How can I apply for the programme?
- Applications are submitted through the Studyinfo.fi portal during the application period. You will need to provide academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency, and a motivation letter.
- What career opportunities are available after graduation?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Drug discovery researcher, Drug development specialist, or Regulatory affairs specialist in academia or industry. The programme prepares students for R&D positions.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA nationally recognized first cycle degree (normally a Bachelor's degree) from an accredited institution of higher education, corresponding to at least 180 ECTS or three years of full-time study, in a relevant field such as bioengineering, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, medical sciences, life sciences, pharmacology, or pharmacy. Familiarity with basic laboratory practice, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, histology, and cell biology is recommended. Applicants may be required to complete supplementary studies (0-18 ECTS) depending on their background.
IELTSOverall 6.0 (minimum)
Applicants must have excellent English skills, proven by an internationally recognized test. No exceptions are made. The application is evaluated based on background studies, academic performance, relevant laboratory experience, motivation letter, and potentially a pre-assignment and interview for top candidates.
Fees
Tuition (international)12,000 EUR per year
Tuition (home)Not applicable for Finnish/EU/EEA citizens. Doctoral programmes are tuition-free.
LivingNot specified
Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA citizens. The first year's tuition fee must be paid before registration. An Early Bird discount of 2,000 EUR is available if the study offer is accepted and the fee is paid within 28 days of admission decisions.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the general admission requirements (relevant Bachelor's degree, minimum 180 ECTS) and programme-specific requirements (relevant field of study, English proficiency).
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency, and a motivation letter. Be prepared for a potential pre-assignment or interview for shortlisted candidates.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form on the Studyinfo.fi portal during the application period. Upload all required documents.
4. Await Admission DecisionAdmission results are typically published by a specific date. Follow instructions regarding acceptance and tuition fee payment deadlines, especially if aiming for the Early Bird discount.
Scholarships
Early Bird Discount2,000 EUR
Merit-based Scholarship50% of tuition fee
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for this Master's programme?
+
Non-EU/EEA citizens are subject to tuition fees of 12,000 EUR per year. Finnish/EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees. The first year's tuition fee must be paid before registration.
Are there any discounts available for tuition fees?
+
Yes, an Early Bird discount of 2,000 EUR is available. To receive this discount, you must accept the study offer and pay the tuition fee within 28 days of the admission decision.
What is the duration of the Master’s Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development?
+
The programme has a duration of 24 months, which is equivalent to two years of study. The second year includes the Master's Thesis.
What are the entry requirements for international students?
+
Applicants need a relevant Bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in fields like biochemistry or pharmacology. You must also demonstrate excellent English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall.
How can I apply for the programme?
+
Applications are submitted through the Studyinfo.fi portal during the application period. You will need to provide academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency, and a motivation letter.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Drug discovery researcher, Drug development specialist, or Regulatory affairs specialist in academia or industry. The programme prepares students for R&D positions.