Drug Design and Discovery MSc
The Drug Design and Discovery course is designed for those looking to broaden their knowledge in the process of drug discovery and work in a related field
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Viewing course details for 2025-26 year of entry
- Code
- PGF150
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2025
- Fees
- £10,700 (UK) £17,100 (INT)
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Neville Hall
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 2:2 degree
- School / Department
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Why choose Drug Design and Discovery MSc at Middlesex?
This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of how drugs are made as well as offering you advanced knowledge of computational analytical and/or synthetic techniques.
This flexible course offers optional modules to ensure the course is accessible to a wide audience from a broad scientific background including pharmacy, chemistry, biology, and biomedical sciences, and at the same time provides advanced knowledge of subject-specific areas.
What you will gain
Our academics have strong links and years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry will share their knowledge and expertise with you.
You will learn the knowledge and laboratory skills essential for pursuing careers within the drug discovery field including:
- Understanding of the principles of the drug discovery process as well as advanced topics such as, nanotechnology and/or cheminformatics
- Experience of analytical or synthetic techniques used in diagnostic and/or pharmaceutical research.
- High level of research and problem-solving skills
- Creativity, innovation or business acumen.
You will apply your knowledge to practicals in our newly renovated laboratories that are equipped with the latest facilities for chemical, analytical and biological analyses.
3 great reasons to pick this course
Modules
The main areas covered in the MSc are: Current topics in drug discovery including, computer-aided drug design, immunotherapy and nanotechnology; Research, management, and leadership; Ethics and intellectual property; Advanced laboratory techniques.
The module provides students an insight into the science involved in the discovery of new drugs and the opportunity to develop in depth knowledge in the science involved within their selected topic. Further to this, students gain an appreciation of the role played by key stakeholders such, as companies, consumers, research institutions and governments in the wider health system.
Computer-aided drug design has become an important element in the drug discovery and development process and an indispensable tool in the pharmaceutical industry. This module provides students the opportunity to use computational techniques most frequently used by the pharmaceutical industry for the purposes of discovering and optimising biologically active molecules.
The module aims to provide students with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip students with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context.
The module aims to provide insight into a range of ethical issues that relate to professional practice, to research with humans, animals, embryos and stem cells, and to human reproduction, particularly various forms of reproductive technology. The module will further explore the ethical issues present in the rapidly developing area of genetic technology, including genetic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and the concept of genetic disease.
The module aims to provide students with the knowledge of current theories and approaches to leading and managing people so that they can bring about a positive change in their team or organisation.
The module aims to develop student’s skills in planning and execution of an analytical study and critical evaluation of real research results drawing on their acquired knowledge from other modules. In addition, the module aims to develop student’s communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings in written and oral form.
The module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques that are used in biomedical research, for the analysis of products, for improving diseases understanding and for the analysis of disease biomarkers. It also provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques together with analysis and interpretation of analytical data.
This module builds upon the skills acquired in BMS3726 Organic Synthesis or an equivalent module and aims to provide a framework where students can apply existing and new knowledge of chemical transformations to the design and execution of a multistep synthesis of an organic molecule. Students are exposed to modern synthetic techniques and advanced chromatography and spectroscopy such as, 2D NMR.
This module aims to provide students with a sound knowledge of how immunoassays may be used in the diagnosis of disease. Students will also learn how current immunological methods such as vaccination and development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have evolved and how they may be adapted for use in the clinical setting.
This module aims to provide an overview of the applications of nanotechnology in drug discovery. Emphasis will be given on the design and characterisation of nanocarriers and their applications in overcoming biological barriers and drug delivery.
This module introduces students to the basic concepts of intellectual property relevant to medical research and development, pharmaceuticals, medical technology and public health.
To find out more about this programme, please download the MSc Drug Design and Discovery course specification (PDF).
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Your personal tutor will support you with help and advice throughout your studies.
You will take part in online problem-solving discussions, critical discussions, critical debates and exercises, online workshops, and in-class activities. You will supplement all this with your own guided and independent reading. The mix of delivery modes will be varied and suitable to the content being delivered.
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
| Learning | Hours per week |
|---|---|
| Online | 4 |
| Independent study | 10 |
Learning terms
On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.
Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.
Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.
Part-time study
You can also study this course part-time.
You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.
Your knowledge and understanding is assessed by:
- Presentations
- laboratory reports
- case studies
- coursework
- research project report and thesis defence.
We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.
Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject such as pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical science, biology
- Graduate-level professional qualifications.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview.
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm. Our recruitment processes adhere to the principles of safer recruitment — we implement robust and safe recruitment practices which support the identification and rejection of any applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people. We will respond to any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process.
Careers
How can the Drug Design and Discovery MSc support your career?
Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.
We are a top 10 UK University for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025), and a top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.
This MSc course provides a broad overview of the drug discovery and development process and is designed for as preparation for either PhD-level research or a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Potential employers include pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, as well as contract research organisations. Students can also pursue non-laboratory careers such as, with a government regulatory body, science education, project management, and intellectual property (patent law).
MDXworks
MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.
Global alumni network
You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.
Fees
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year.
UK students1
Full-time students: £10,700
Part-time students: £71 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit
International students2
Full-time students: £17,100
Part-time students: £114 per credit
Part-time students: £57 per dissertation credit
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Work while you study
If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.