Biopharmaceutical Development

The total duration of this course is 20 months long, covering the campus-based taught elements in six to seven months, followed by a 12-month guaranteed paid work placement involving a research project where you’ll experience at first hand the working environment of this industry.

This taught modules on this course will provide you with an understanding of the full biological drug development focusing on each of the major steps of the process (as demonstrated in the Biopharmaceutical Pathway image):

• discovery
• manufacturing
• pre-clinical testing
• clinical trials
• market access and
• the regulatory and legal aspects framework that ensure safe practice and the development of safe and effective medicines.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Biopharmaceutical Development Pathway 5 credits
• Biopharmaceutical Drug Discovery and Pre-clinical testing 20 credits
• Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals 15 credits
• Biopharmaceutical Development: Clinical 10 credits
• Commercialising Biopharmaceutical Products 10 credits
• Integrated Drug Development Plan 20 credits
• Practical Skills for a Regulatory Environment 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Research Project 80 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Biopharmaceutical Development MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching on the course has been constructed to align with activities performed in industry, preparing you to be work-ready immediately after you finish.

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

This course will challenge you to think creatively, solve problems and develop strong communication and teamwork skills. You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods, including formal lectures, interactive workshops, practical classes and industry site visits.

You’ll extensively use of real-life, industry specific case studies to illustrate theoretical and practical concepts and multiple opportunities to work in teams, including the opportunity to lead a team. A wide range of ‘authentic’ assessments will be used that students will experience in the workplace including submissions to regulatory authorities, client reports and presentations to industry panel members.