Clinical Pharmacology MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert

Course detail Description

Clinical Pharmacology is the study of how drugs influence human physiology and the way the body responds. This understanding forms a vital part of the clinical development of new medicines. In the process of drug development, clinical pharmacologists are particularly important in understanding how the drug influences the natural physiological processes, as well as disease pathology and hence, they have a large role in designing clinical investigations, monitoring patients, exploring pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships and testing medicines in specific patient populations. The theme has been constructed to allow those individuals who have a basic foundation in either pharmacology and/or clinical science to expand their knowledge base beyond their initial field of specialisation and hence, to empower them to make critical decisions during the development of a medicine.

The taught postgraduate level modules provide the ability to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Clinicians are drawn from King’s College and King’s Health Partners to provide a balanced perspective in this field. The programmes emphasise the integrated learning of pharmacological principles and clinical practical competence with medicines development.

This course is for those working in or seeking to work in the field of clinical drug development. It covers all aspects of the clinical development process through from the earliest studies to post marketing activities. It will enhance knowledge and skills in all aspects of clinical research, drug regulation and drug safety.

Clinical Pharmacology MSc Pathway

Lectures, seminars & feedback

Self-study

Per 15-credit taught module

The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is 30 hours. These sessions will include lectures, teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study.

Each 15-credit taught module: Two to four hours pre-reading, 30-40 hours researching and writing assignments, and 10-20 hours preparing for an MCQ exam.

Dissertation module

Throughout the year, you can expect to receive approximately 80 hours’ tutorials, supervision of dissertation research, plus ad hoc academic tutor meetings including assignment feedback.

Approximately 200-300 hours researching and writing. Longer study times can be expected if you are pursuing laboratory-based projects with extended practical work timescales.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Clinical Pharmacology Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate Pathway

Lectures, seminars & feedback

Self-study

Per 15-credit taught module

The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is 30 hours. These sessions will include lectures, teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study.

Each 15-credit taught module: Two to four hours pre-reading, 30-40 hours researching and writing assignments, and 10-20 hours preparing for an MCQ exam.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of coursework and online examinations. The MSc course also requires a research and dissertation based in the area of clinical pharmacology.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

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Structure

Year 1

The course is made up of optional and required modules.

The MSc pathway requires modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course, including 60 credits from a dissertation of around 15,000-18,000 words. The Postgraduate Diploma pathway will require modules totalling 120 credits, while the Postgraduate Certificate will require you to study modules totalling 60 credits to complete the course.

If you are studying the MSc, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying for the MSc qualification part-time, your course will take up to four years to complete. The Postgraduate Diploma will take two to three years to complete and the Postgraduate Certificate up to two years.

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take:

• MSc – modules totalling 180 credits

• PG Diploma – modules totalling 120 credits

• PG Cert – modules totalling 60 credits

MSc Pathway

• Preclinical Science (15 credits)

• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Biological and Advanced Therapies (15 credits)

• Clinical Drug Development (15 credits)

• Drug Development Statistics & Data Management (15 credits)

• Theory and Practice of Pharmacokinetics (15 credits)

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional modules (MSc Pathway)

You are required to take two of the three options, that may typically include:

• Drug Development Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Practical Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Exploratory Drug Development (15 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma Part-time Pathway

Required modules:

• Preclinical Science (15 credits)

• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Biological & Advanced Therapies (15 credits)

• Clinical Drug Development (15 credits)

• Drug Development Statistics & Data Management (15 credits)

• Theory and Practice of Pharmacokinetics (15 credits)

Optional modules

You are required to take two of the three options, that may typically include:

• Drug Development Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Practical Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Exploratory Drug Development (15 credits)

Postgraduate Certificate Part-time Pathway

Required modules

• Preclinical Science (15 credits)

• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Clinical Drug Development (15 credits)

Optional modules

You are required to take two of the three options, that may typically include:

• Drug Development Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Practical Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits)

• Exploratory Drug Development (15 credits)

• Theory and Practice of Pharmacokinetics (15 credits)

Part-time students are recommended to take two to three 15 credit modules a year. The choice of module order will be dependent on the student’s experience and previous qualifications and students are recommended to discuss their best options with the course director.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to- date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.