)
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
- January 2028
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
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
Why MSc Drug Discovery at UEA?
Discover how new medicines are developed while learning alongside world-leading researchers at the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). Gain hands-on research experience and the skills needed to help shape the future of drug discovery.
Why Choose UEA
- Research excellence: Learn from leading biomedical researchers working at the forefront of drug discovery
- Expert-led research: Complete an independent research project with guidance from experienced scientists
- Problem solving: Develop the analytical and practical skills needed to tackle complex challenges in modern drug discovery
What is MSc Drug Discovery?
Gain the specialist knowledge and practical skills sought by employers across the pharmaceutical and research sectors. 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. You’ll spend 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 research, project management and beyond.
:focus(1597x804:1598x805))
Careers
Career Pathways
With MSc Drug Discovery, you could develop a career as a:
-
Drug Discovery Scientist: Identify and develop potential new medicines from early-stage discovery through to preclinical research
-
Research and Development (R&D) Scientist: Design and carry out experiments to develop new drugs, technologies, and therapeutic approaches
-
Medicinal Chemist: Design and optimise drug compounds to improve their safety, effectiveness, and suitability for clinical development
-
Regulatory Affairs Associate: Help ensure new medicines meet regulatory, quality, and safety requirements before reaching patients
-
Medical Science Liaison: Act as a scientific expert, communicating the latest research and supporting collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals
Career Support
You'll develop valuable transferable skills including scientific writing, data analysis, science communication, and presenting research to a range of audiences. Working alongside leading researchers, you'll gain practical experience and build a strong professional profile for careers in research and industry. You'll also have access to support from UEA's Career Central(opens in a new window), including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and career planning.
After the Course
You'll graduate ready to pursue careers across the pharmaceutical industry, research, and healthcare. Whether you work in academic research, industry, or the NHS, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the discovery of new medicines and improve future healthcare. The course also provides an excellent foundation for further study, with many graduates progressing to PhD research.
Study and Modules
Structure
This one-year MSc combines fundamental theory with hands-on practical training. You'll develop valuable transferable skills in project management, communication, and written and oral presentation.
Alongside your taught modules, you'll develop your research plan and complete a six-month laboratory research project.
You'll gain an understanding of the drug discovery pipeline and develop expertise in the synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds.
You'll also build valuable transferable skills, including scientific writing, science communication, and presenting research to a range of audiences.
Working under the supervision of an expert researcher, you'll complete a full-time laboratory research project, developing the practical and analytical skills needed for careers in research and industry.
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Many of your lecturers are internationally recognised researchers, so you'll learn from experts working at the forefront of drug discovery.
Teaching combines face-to-face lectures, workshops, and hands-on practical sessions in our modern laboratories, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in real research settings.
Throughout the course, you'll build confidence in analysing scientific literature, interpreting data, and developing the independent learning skills essential for careers in research and industry.
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. You’ll also complete a research project which you’ll submit to us as a formal dissertation. This will be assessed by internal review.
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 January 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 January 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(opens in a new window) 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 2027/28 are:
- UK Students: £15,800
-
International Students: £32,200
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.