Drug Discovery and Development (MSc)
Introduction
Develop your understanding of how new medicines are discovered, developed, and translated into effective treatments. Delivered by internationally recognised researchers and biotechnology innovators, this interdisciplinary MSc combines drug discovery, molecular medicine, pharmacology, translational science, and computational approaches to prepare graduates for careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors.
You will explore the full drug discovery and development process, from identifying therapeutic targets to evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and commercial potential of new medicines. The programme draws on the University of Aberdeen's strengths in biomedical research and innovation, combining scientific excellence with industry relevance. You will gain expertise in:
Drug Metabolism and Toxicology – understanding drug disposition and safety assessment.
Small Molecule Drug Discovery – from target identification to lead optimisation.
Biologic Drug Discovery – covering proteins, antibodies, peptides, and emerging biologic therapies.
Research Methods and Experimental Design – developing analytical, laboratory, and critical evaluation skills.
Bio-Business and Innovation – exploring commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property.
This MSc is ideal for graduates in biomedical sciences, pharmacy, medicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and related disciplines who wish to advance their careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, contract research, and life science innovation sectors, or progress to doctoral research.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
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Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
Students must take the following courses.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Toxicology (MT5029)
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15 Credit Points
This course will cover the principles of toxicology including molecular toxicology and target organ toxicity, mechanisms of cell death, molecular carcinogenesis and safety evaluation of carcinogens, adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) and new alternative methods (NAMs). These elements will be taught around the processes involved in drug discovery and development and will include advanced learning on drug metabolism and drug transporters. The course will also provide the principles and practice of risk assessment and regulatory toxicology. External experts are invited to provide their unique expertise on a range of topics, which include regulatory aspects as well as an industrial perspective on the drug discovery process.
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery (BT5013)
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15 Credit Points
The course will focus on small molecule drug discovery. Receptor theory and cell communication and signalling will be revised to facilitate understanding of the remainder of the course. The basis of the drug discovery process will be described and the phases of drug development discussed. A range of targets for drug discovery will be identified and how small molecule drug affect these will be described. Issues around drug regulation will be raised.
- Basic Skills - Induction (MT5010)
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The course combines lecture-based learning, tutorials and laboratory practical’s, with the aim of providing student with hands on, supported experience of the University of Aberdeen.
Early exercises will encourage engagement with the University IT systems and will help students transition into their programme.
A combination of simulated and wet practical classes will develop practical skills across the cohort, equipping those less experienced with necessary competence and confidence and offering those with more experience the opportunity to refresh and enhance their skills.
Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to communicate through the virtual learning environment about current research topics as a means of encouraging literature engagement and analysis, culminating in a student-led journal club event.
An early written exercise will encourage student engagement from the outset of the programme and provide the opportunity for students to seek support in completing their first assignment at the University.
Overall, the course aims to deliver a soft landing and a wealth of important skills to incoming students to help support their transition in the University of Aberdeen.
- Bioentrepreneurship (BT5017)
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15 Credit Points
In order for biomedical advances to reach the patient, it is essential that the “translational scientist” is both able to recognise opportunities and is familiar with the required pathways and processes that stand between a discovery and the end user. This course will train students in the development of new biomedical ideas, products, discoveries and opportunities. This course is ideal for those who wish to enter the dynamic world of medtech and biotech, or for those interested in working for the various regulatory bodies and organisations that govern and facilitate this process.
Stage 1: Optional Courses
Students must take ONE of the following electives:
- Molecular Genetics (MB5025)
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15 Credit Points
The course provides a detailed exploration of the structure and function of genes at the molecular and biochemical level. It covers the analysis of genome activity from the 3D structure of chromosomes through to RNA and DNA-protein interactions. The course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the approaches and molecular biology techniques used in modern molecular genetics research and its applications in gene editing and gene therapies.
- Molecular Pharmacology (MT5024)
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15 Credit Points
The course focuses on the molecular mechanisms of drug action and how cutting edge research can advance current therapeutic approaches to disease. The utility of molecular pharmacology will be highlighted in the context of current and future drug discovery for cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic diseases and cancer.
- Applied Statistics (PU5017)
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15 Credit Points
This course in Applied Statistics intends to focus on the application of statistical techniques in postgraduate research for health professionals, with a particular emphasis on the correct interpretation of statistical analyses. The course will NOT concentrate on the statistical theory underlying the subject. An important component of the course is the use of a statistical package, IBM SPSS Statistics, which can be used to implement all the methods taught on the course.
- Stage 2
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Stage 2: Compulsory Courses
Students must take the following courses:
- Advanced Bio - Business and the Commercialisation of Bioscience Research (BT5508)
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15 Credit Points
This advanced course builds on the basics provided in Introduction to Bio-business and the Commercialisation of Bioscience Research (BT5012). It provides more detail on financing and setting up a Bio-business.
The course deals in depth with finance, corporate governance and business models. The major assessment involves the students working together in teams to set up a virtual bio-business and to pitch this business to a group of experts in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. The team will adopt the roles of senior management team and present to the experts their part of the business.
- Pharmacokinetics (MT5518)
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15 Credit Points
Pharmacokinetics describe “what the body does to a drug” and thus is a central feature of applied pharmacology. The course will develop an understanding of the role that pharmacokinetics play in all aspects of drug administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion and how these effects can be modelled and predicted graphically and mathematically. Such modelling is a fundament of therapeutic regimen design, drug development, clinical pharmacology and drug safety and will be considered within all of these contexts providing a broad and relevant appreciation of the importance of pharmacokinetics to the pharmacologist
- Biologic Drug Discovery (BT5509)
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15 Credit Points
Biologic therapies represent one of the most important and novel areas of drug discovery in the 21st century. The aim of this course is to provide an insight into the success of protein, peptide or antibody based biologic therapies and to examine how this exciting new area will develop over the next decade.
Stage 2: Optional Courses
Students must take one of the following courses:
- Basic Research Methods (MT5515)
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15 Credit Points
This course reviews a range of essential methodologies that are currently used in medical research from molecular technologies to human studies. Experts in the various techniques will describe the fundamentals of the methodology and show how they can be applied.
- Drug Development to Evidence Based Medicine (MT5520)
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15 Credit Points
This course will provide you with an introduction to evidence-based medicine. It will also include a description of the elements of pharmaceutical research as well as of the drug development process.
- Stage 3
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Stage 3: Optional Courses
Students must take ONE of the following courses.
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
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60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design, and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for laboratory-based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a non-laboratory setting, you should register on PU5922).
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
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60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for non-laboratory based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a scientific laboratory setting, you should register on MB5904).
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- UK
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £12,200
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
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University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £26,250
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £18,250
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The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Funding Opportunities
Alumni Discount Scheme - we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Our MSc Drug Discovery and Development programme combines expert-led teaching with independent and collaborative learning. Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes (where appropriate) and self-directed study. Guest speakers from academia, biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry share the latest developments and real-world challenges, and many lectures are recorded so you can revisit key concepts at your own pace. You will benefit from:
- Interdisciplinary learning across drug discovery, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, toxicology and bio-business.
- Research-led teaching from leading researchers, biotechnology innovators and industry experts.
- Case-based learning that applies scientific concepts to real-world drug discovery challenges.
- Opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and professional skills valued across the sector.
You will be supported by an experienced, multidisciplinary teaching team, and will learn alongside students from diverse academic, professional and cultural backgrounds. Much of the learning is participatory: you will consolidate taught material through guided activities, independent study, critical evaluation of scientific literature and project-based learning, building the skills needed for careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and wider life sciences sectors.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Each course has its own continuous assessment criteria based on the progress of practical and course work as well as a written degree examination. Some examples of the course work assessed throughout the component courses are: essays, commercially focused presentations, business planning and bio-entrepreneurship, public communication of science and written examinations.
Progression to a research project is dependent on performance in the individual courses.
Why Study Drug Discovery and Development?
- Learn from internationally recognised researchers, drug discovery scientists, and biotechnology entrepreneurs.
- Study at a university with internationally recognised strengths in pharmacology, drug discovery, toxicology, and biomedical research.
- Gain insights from researchers involved in translational science, innovation, and successful life-science spin-out companies.
- Benefit from strong links with the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life science sectors, enhancing networking and career opportunities.
- Learn in an interdisciplinary environment that brings together expertise from across biomedical sciences, molecular medicine, pharmacology, and biotechnology.
- Access flexible online learning resources to support your studies.
- Study on the Foresterhill Health Campus, one of Europe's largest integrated healthcare, medical education, and biomedical research campuses.
- Benefit from close links with professional bodies including the British Pharmacological Society and British Toxicological Society.
- Join a university with a distinguished history of world-leading medical discoveries, including insulin research recognised by the Nobel Prize, alongside strengths in pharmacology, opioids, and cannabinoids.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will usually require a second class Honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in a biomedical science subject such as biochemistry, biomedical science, pharmacology or a degree in medicine or pharmacy.
Please check the In My Country or Territory pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
This MSc equips you with the scientific, translational, and commercial skills sought by employers across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and life science sectors. Through interdisciplinary training and exposure to industry-relevant challenges, you will be well prepared for a range of careers in drug discovery and development. Graduates pursue opportunities in:
- Drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
- Biomedical and translational research in academia, research institutes, and industry
- Regulatory affairs and medicines governance
- Business development, innovation, and commercialisation within the life sciences sector
- Further study, including PhD and MPhil programmes
The programme benefits from strong links with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, providing opportunities to engage with industry experts and gain insights into real-world drug discovery and development.
Our network includes global pharmaceutical companies and innovative biotechnology enterprises, helping to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry needs and future career opportunities.
Students also benefit from exposure to entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialisation, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of modern drug discovery and development.
Industry Links
We have strong links with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry including Servier, GSK, Pfizer and AstraZeneca and with small biotechnology companies such as Novabiotics, Antoxis, Cell ProTx and TC Biopharma. These companies provide expert teaching and training opportunities during the degree.
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of world renowned and vastly experienced researchers in drug discovery and development with each course having its own specialised co-ordinator(s).
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Wael El-Sayed Mohamed Houssen Ibrahim
- Other Experts
- Professor Andy Porter
- Dr James Hislop
- Dr Fiona Murray
- Dr Iain Greig
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX