)
Pharmacy at UEA
Find out more about studying Pharmacy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Drug Discovery
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
Why you should choose us
Top 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Our dynamic MSc in Drug Discovery harnesses the world-leading biomedical research expertise of the Norwich Research Park, giving you access to cutting-edge science, innovative technologies, and real-world insights from leading researchers shaping the future of medicine.
You’ll gain the specialist knowledge and practical expertise that top employers in the pharmaceutical industry and research sectors are looking for. From identifying new drug targets to understanding how medicines reach the market, you’ll explore every stage of the drug discovery journey. Along the way, you’ll develop advanced laboratory and analytical skills that will set you apart in this fast-moving field.
Through interactive lectures, tutorials, case studies and seminars, you’ll build a strong foundation in drug discovery and development, spending plenty of time applying your skills in the lab.
You’ll carry out your own research project, guided by a dedicated supervisor, and supported by expert staff. Working alongside leading researchers making life-changing advances, you’ll develop your confidence and experience to tackle scientific challenges.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the advanced laboratory, research and problem-solving skills needed for PhD study or a successful career in R&D, project management and beyond.
:focus(1597x804:1598x805))
Study and Modules
Structure
This is a one-year MSc course, during which you’ll gain fundamental theory, hands-on practical training, and a diverse range of transferable skills in time and project management, communication and written and oral presentations. You'll take a number of taught modules while completing your research plan and the six-month laboratory research project.
You'll gain understanding of how the drug discovery pipeline works and will develop expertise in synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds
You’ll develop useful transferable skills to support your learning and career development, such as scientific writing, science communication and engagement and engagement with multiple audiences.
You'll also gain vital research skills in the laboratory, where you'll complete a full-time research project under the supervision of an expert in the field.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Many of your lecturers will be internationally recognised researchers in their area, and with research-led taught modules you'll benefit from learning at the cutting-edge of the discipline.
You’ll learn through face-to-face lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiments in our modern laboratories.
Throughout the programme, you'll be expected to read and review scientific literature and data, and study independently outside of your contact time.
Assessment
We’ll assess your learning in a combination of different ways depending on the module and learning objectives. These include formal exams, coursework assignments, and presentations. In addition, you’ll complete a research project, which you’ll submit to us as a formal dissertation. This will be assessed by internal review.
Employability
After the Course
After the course, you’ll be well placed to join the important work taking place in the growing fields of pharmaceutical industry and R&D. Through a career in academic research, the pharmaceutical industry or the NHS, you’ll be able to make a real and fundamental difference to the future of disease and health.
Many of our students go on to PhD study to further their academic development and research interests in this area.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Pharmaceutical research
- R&D in industrial company
- Academia
- Scientist
- Regulatory affairs
- Science communication
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Pharmacology, Chemistry (organic or medicinal), pharmacy or related subjects (including Biochemistry and Biomedical Science)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Pharmacology, Chemistry (organic or medicinal), pharmacy or related subjects (including Biochemistry and Biomedical Science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
-
UK Students: £15,050
-
International Students: £30,650
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.