(Full time) 2020 start
Biopharmaceutical Development MSc

Overview
Do you want to develop the medicines of the future?
Biopharmaceutical drugs are transforming the way we treat patients, fighting global diseases such as cancer and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Many pharmaceutical companies are expanding their biopharmaceutical capability, which is creating demand for talented, well-trained people.
Designed, developed and delivered in partnership with Covance, a major multinational pharmaceutical company, this masters provides a springboard for high-quality life science graduates wanting to start a career in the pharmaceutical industry or undertake further research in an academic environment
Why should you study this course?
Combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training
Undertake a substantial research project
Be exposed to industry visits and tutors
Discover the full biological drug development pathway
Focus on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs such as Herceptin, bio-similars antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies
Gain a deep understanding of regulatory framework
Access cutting-edge practical technologies
Learn from world-leading tutors from academia and industry
This course is 12-months long and includes a research project. We also offer a 20-month long MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement) course which includes a 12-month work placement.
Course content
The course is 12-months long, taught on campus at the University of Leeds. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the many functions that contribute to the discovery and development of a successful drug and how they are coordinated and integrated to bring new drugs to market in a timely and economic fashion.
The course is co-taught by academics and qualified industry professionals, both working at the forefront of their fields in the areas of science that support drug development. You will therefore be exposed to learning that emphasises how knowledge is being applied in an industrial context. You will have the opportunity to develop a strong skills set valued by industry and academia, including problem-solving strong communication and teamwork skills delivered through novel learning and teaching modes such as delivering reports to clients and regulators and ability to conduct experimental research.
The course content focuses on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs: monoclonal antibodies like Herceptin, bio-similars antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies. The 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
Combined with this will be hands-on practical training that runs throughout semester 1 and 2 covering techniques and technologies that are commonly used in the discovery and development of biological drugs, including protein purification, characterisation, formulation and assessment of binding function and the use of cell-based assays to look at drug potency.
Added to these components is a substantial research project conducted within the laboratories of the Faculty of Biological Sciences. The project will be linked to developing biopharmaceuticals providing training in how to undertake research in this field. Examples of project areas include:
Course structure
The list shown below represents 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 Non-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
- Bioscience MSc Research Project 80 credits
Learning and teaching
The learning and teaching on the course has been constructed to prepare you to work in industry or academia.
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 and practical classes.
You’ll use real-life, industry and academic case studies exclusively to illustrate theoretical and practical concepts and will have multiple opportunities to work in teams, including the opportunity to lead a team. A wide range of ‘authentic’ assignments will be used that you will experience in the workplace including submissions to regulatory authorities, client reports and presentations to industry panel members.
There are no exams, all the assessment is performed by in-course assignments including a dissertation report arising from the research project work.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a Biological Sciences subject (with a substantial proportion of ‘molecular’ content), Bioprocessing or Biochemical Engineering, but relevant experience may be taken into account. In addition, applicants will need to demonstrate leadership potential, which might be evidenced from academic, sporting, volunteering or other professional experience.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Documents and information you’ll need
completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study)
completed supporting statement outlining your career intentions and state how your achievements / experiences set you up to excel on this course. Plus describe your leadership style and experiences and how you can become a future leader in biopharmaceutical development.
full CV
transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date
copy of final degree certificate (if completed)
evidence of English language qualification (non-native English speakers only)
copy of passport (if you’re an overseas student).
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Next steps
we process your application
we inform you of our decision
if we make you an offer, you respond by accepting, declining or deferring.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Biopharmaceutical Development Taught Postgraduate School Policy 2020
Fees
- UK/EU: £16,000 (total)
- International: £26,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students
We award a generous range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. We consider all eligible applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellent personal and professional skills. Visit our FBS fees and scholarships page to find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer.
Government-backed loan = Up to £10,906. Find out more.
Alumni bursary = If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary
You can also search our postgraduate scholarships database or you can also find information on MoneySavingExpert
Career opportunities
This course will help give you the experience and skills to become highly employable. This course is designed to train talented scientists wishing to pursue a career in drug development in the international biopharmaceutical industry or undertake further research in an academic environment.
On completion of the course you will have the relevant knowledge and experience to fast-track your career as, for example, an analytical scientist, project manager, or coordinator, in areas such as research, quality control, manufacturing, non-clinical, clinical, and market access. You will also be in a strong position to undertake further research at Leeds or elsewhere.
As a student on this course you will also have a high amount of exposure to senior industrialists working as tutors throughout the course and can take this opportunity to obtain career advice.
For more information about the career opportunities that are available within the biopharmaceutical sector, please visit the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry careers website.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.