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    MSc
    2025 start September 

    Drug Discovery Science

    School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

    Find out how scientists discover chemical candidates for new pharmaceuticals. You'll learn how to meet the pharmaceutical industry’s increasing demands for drugs that can treat illnesses safely and more effectively, overcome antibiotic resistance, and be produced at a lower financial and environmental cost.
    A student holding up a syringe

    Course description

    This course covers the drug discovery and design techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll study topics such as pharmacology, toxicology and genomics, as you learn how target molecules to treat specific diseases are identified, characterised and optimised for potential clinical trials.

    Taught by world-leading scientists from across chemistry, biology and medicine, our Drug Discover Science MSc gives you access to state-of-the-art screening and analysis facilities. 

    Your training will cover the fundamental chemistry and biology of protein interactions, their role in disease and how drugs affect the human body. You’ll learn about computer-aided drug design techniques, used to predict how well a potential drug might work, and screening technologies for testing a drug’s effect on its molecular targets.

    Modules

    A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Core modules:

    Statistics and laboratory techniques

    The module covers techniques and analytical methods commonly used by most researchers in molecular biology and drug discovery sciences. Students learn the importance of experimental design and application of statistical methods for power and significance calculations for different types of experiment. In practical laboratory classes, students are shown how to perform a series of techniques that are frequently used in biology and chemistry and analyse their data statistically and present results in a formal laboratory notebook.

    15 credits
    Research, Presentation and Professional Skills

    This module  aims to prepare students to become professional scientific researchers ready to conduct a research project.  Students will be taught how to retrieve and critically assess the existing literature on a particular research topic and to communicate this as a scientific review. They will learn about the attributes of an ethical researcher, scientific method and how to undertake research safely and responsibly and how to manage data. In addition, students will acquire professional skills relevant to their future employability and learn how to present scientific information. Students will undertake a training needs analysis supported by an experienced researcher so that they can take charge of their own development. This will allow them to tailor their subsequent training to the project they are about to undertake and to their wider individual professional and researcher development. On completion of the module students will have produced a portfolio of work that will form the  foundations of their training as a professional researcher.

    30 credits
    Drug Design, Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry

    This module will provide an in-depth discussion of relevant disease mechanisms and strategies that can be used to optimise the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic properties of drugs; and how drugs/analogues can be designed using computer-aided drug design (CADD) software.

    30 credits
    Drug Discovery Research Project

    For this module, students complete an extended and independent research project working as a member of a team to solve a problem at the cutting edge of drug discovery. They receive specialist training to help them develop the advanced practical skills they need for their project, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. They also put their previous research training and transferable skills into practice through literature searches, communicating their work and presenting their findings

    60 credits

    Optional modules:

    A student will take 45 credits (three modules) from this group.

    The Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry

    This lecture module will be taught by professionals from a wide range of companies in the drug industry and from the business services team here at the University of Sheffield. The course will teach students the major steps in the drug discovery process including; screening, development, testing, small molecule manufacture, venture capital funding, patent law, the growing field of contract research and the roles each company has within this industry. Students will learn directly from specialists within these fields. From the Sheffield business team, the students will learn how new ventures are started from University and the process of generating new spin out companies.

    15 credits
    Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery

    The module will teach students the basis of small molecule and functional genetic screens, focusing on human disease.  Students will learn about the theory and practice of automated small molecule and genetic screens. Examples of screening methods that will be covered include traditional small molecule screens, modern functional genomics and high throughput phenotypic screens. The emphasis will be to appreciate every step that is involved in this process, from automation to analysis. The student will learn how the biotech, academic and pharmaceutical industry use these techniques to identify new candidates for potential therapies.

    15 credits
    Cancer Biology

    The unit will provide a description of the nature of genomic complexity as revealed using next generation sequencing technology. It will explore cancer genotypes and phenotypes in the context of 8 essential characteristics that are common to all cancers, and which collectively dictate malignant growth. These characteristics are : self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to growth-inhibitory signals, evasion of programmed cell death, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis, tissue invasion/metastasis, avoidance of immune destruction, and de-regulated cellular energetics. It will discuss how genome instability arises, and together with tumour-promoting inflammation, how these enable the emergence of all other cancer characteristics. It will utilize this conceptual framework to discuss recent and future developments in cancer therapeutics. A brief review of fundamental principles in genetics and molecular cell biology will be given. Nevertheless, students should have a basic understanding of genetics, molecular biology and cell biology.

    15 credits
    Chemical Biology

    The ability to synthesise biomolecules has led to many of  the most significant developments in molecular and chemical biology and to the development of biopharmaceuticals. This module looks at how biomolecules are created, from both biological and chemical perspectives. Student's knowledge will build up from understanding the central dogma and basic chemistry of life, to exploring important chemical biology techniques such as DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, protein overproduction and site directed mutagenesis. Topics also include the production of novel biomolecules for bioconjugation, rational design, directed evolution, antibody production, and the new discoveries that synthetic biology might open the door to.

    15 credits
    Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Synthesis

    This module will provide an overview of how medicinal chemistry emerged, how biological mechanisms of disease are identified, how chemistry is used to target these mechanisms, and how drugs are synthesised.

    15 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
    Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    1 year full-time

    Teaching

    Our Drug Discovery Science MSc is taught by our academics and research experts in a multi-disciplinary approach. You’ll develop your expertise in a range of settings, including lectures, group workshops, laboratory practicals, and individual research projects.

    You’ll typically spend around 12 weeks working on either an individual or cohort research project supervised by experts in the field to tackle a specific drug discovery problem. Here you’ll gain first-hand experience as a researcher, and have access to the outstanding research facilities at the University of Sheffield.

    Assessment

    You’ll be assessed through coursework, examinations, a literature review, a dissertation and a viva.

    Our assessment methods are designed to support the achievement of learning outcomes and develop your professional skills, giving you confidence and experience in a range of activities.  Regular feedback is provided, so you can understand your own development throughout the course.

    Your career

    Our graduates have the professional skills that employers value. This course is designed to train you for roles working on drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry. University of Sheffield graduates have been hired by major pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

    Our Drug Discovery Science MSc  is also excellent training for a PhD in medicinal science. Sheffield chemistry graduates have secured postgraduate research positions at many of the world's top 100 universities.

    Facilities

    You'll have access to expertise and equipment in the state-of-art research facilities and centres, including:

    Collaborators

    You'll benefit directly from the expertise of our partners in the drug discovery industry. Computer-aided drug design training is provided by LifeArc, a drug discovery company and charity organisation. Schrodinger, a computer-aided drug design software company, provides introductory teaching and software licenses for our students.

    School

    School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

    The Soft Matter Analytical Laboratory

    The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching. 

    Our chemistry researchers are focusing on some of society’s most pressing challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to environmental sustainability. 

    In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 95 percent of our chemistry research was rated in the highest two categories as world-leading or internationally excellent.

    We collaborate closely with industry to find solutions and develop innovative new technologies. Many of our academics bring first-hand industrial and business experience to their teaching, with many involved in current spin-out companies and collaboration with industrial partners.

    We’re home to state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories and several multi-million pound materials science facilities. These include, the Lord Porter Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, which is used in studies ranging from energy transport in molecules and materials to artificial photosynthesis; the Soft Matter Analytical Laboratory, where scientists can study samples that are 100 times smaller than a human hair; and an array of state-of-the-art instrumentation in the Sheffield Surface Analysis Centre.

    Four Nobel Prize winners have been Sheffield chemistry students or researchers, and several of our academics have been named Fellows of the Royal Society or been awarded prizes from other prestigious organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.

    Subject requirements

    We accept degrees in the following subject areas: 

    • Chemistry
    • Medicinal Chemistry
    • Pharmacy
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine
    • Traditional Chinese Pharmacy

    We can accept degrees in the following subject areas if they meet the module requirements below:

    • Biochemistry
    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Biosciences
    • Biotechnology
    • Clinical Pharmacy
    • Forensic Science
    • Pharmaceutical Analysis
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Pharmacology

    Module requirements 

    If required, you should have studied at least one module from Area 1 and one module from Area 2:

    Area 1: 

    • General Chemistry
    • Medicinal Chemistry
    • Natural Product Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Pharmaceutical Chemistry

    Area 2: 

    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Toxicology

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

    The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only.  Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    Intercalation

    We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the School of Medicine and Population Health website.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Fees and funding

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

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    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.