Master of Science - Drug Discovery and Toxicology with Placement Year

The MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology with Placement Year course gives students in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on toxicology, the science behind the safety of drugs. At the University of Hertfordshire they make full use of their geographical location at the heart of the UK pharmaceutical industry attracting numerous expert contributions from industry professionals such as GSK and Astra Zeneca. 

This Master's course will cover all aspects of new medicine research and development from identifying novel targets through drug screening to clinical trials of candidate medicines. With excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, students will be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies including discovery biology and toxicology, as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry.

The University has strong links with big pharma research sites nearby which provide students with the opportunity for numerous guest lecturers from the industry as well as networking opportunities. In addition to this, the state of the art Science Building provides excellent facilities for laboratory based studies, including QPCR, cell culture, protein analysis, isolated tissue studies and immunohistochemistry.

On this Drug Discovery and Toxicology Master's course, students will have the opportunity to complete a laboratory based research project in their chosen area of interest ranging across options in toxicology and pharmacology of drug discovery. Currently available projects include Gastrointestinal Pharmacology; Angiogenesis; Cancer; Molecular Pharmacology of Vascular Disease; Diabetic Neuropathic Pain; Parkinson’s Disease; Toxicology of New Smoking Devices; and Toxicology of Novel Psychoactive Substances.