Biopharmaceutical Development MSc

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, arthritis and hepatitis. This growing industry is generating a huge demand for scientists skilled in this groundbreaking field.

10 of our first 11 graduates went straight into full-time employment in technical roles at the end of their course. Many have been recruited to positions more senior than is normally filled by a candidate with MSc level qualifications.

This course has been designed to fast-track your career, rapidly equipping you with the skills to understand the many functions contributing to successful drug development, from discovery to commercialisation.

It is the only course in the UK with a paid placement in the biopharmaceuticals industry, through which successful candidates will earn £20,000.

Designed, developed and delivered in partnership with Covance, a major multinational pharmaceutical company, this is an opportunity to learn first-hand from industry professionals.

Fast-track success

Student, Beth Peacock (pictured above), has now secured a full time job at Covance, where she did her 12-month placement on this course. Listen to why she believes this course is the future of science and how it has prepared her for the sector: watch the video here.

A highly specialist skillset

The course focuses on large molecule drugs: monoclonal antibodies like Herceptin, bio-similars and antibody-drug conjugates; gene therapies and the technologies that underpin the discovery and development pathway.

You’ll be taught by qualified industry professionals who are working at the forefront of their fields in the areas of science that support drug development.

They’ll teach you hands-on practical training in protein purification, characterisation, formulation and assessment of binding function. In addition, you’ll use cell-based assays to look at drug potency, all performed in a strict regulated environment. All this will access to cutting-edge practical technologies in a world-leading Life Science Faculty

Alongside this, you’ll learn how to operate in a corporate environment, for example how to present with impact and deliver reports to clients, regulator, investors and sponsors.

The course is 19-months long, with the first 7 months on campus at the University of Leeds covering all aspects of biological drug discovery, development and commercialisation. This provides you with an understanding of the many functions that contribute to a successful drug and how they are coordinated and integrated to bring new drugs to market in a timely and economic fashion.

At least half of the teaching is delivered by industrialists, with the remainder delivered by academics expert in different parts of the industrial process drawn from 4 faculties of the university (Biological Sciences, Business School, Engineering, Medicine & Health). The curriculum is covered with seminars, tutorials, field trips and a series of substantial projects performed by the students in teams.

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.

Work placement: an integral part of your training

The second half of your programme is an industrial placement assignment. This is a 12-month guaranteed work and research experience in industry or placement hosted within the university research laboratories developed and co-supervised with industry. Students can expect to earn up to £20,000 over the duration of their placement.

The placements will all include a practical research project where you will gain in-depth practical experience of at least one technical function of the drug development process (discovery, manufacturing, pre-clinical testing, clinical safety and efficacy).

We are continuously growing our placement provider portfolio across the UK, previous placement opportunities have been held with:

• Covance
• AstraZeneca
• Avacta plc
• Ipsen
• FujiFlim Diosynth Biotechnologies

You will commence your project in May, seven months after the start of the programme and will be completed by the following April. Graduation is scheduled immediately thereafter, making you available for employment immediately after your placement.

Find out more about the modules you will study.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Biopharmaceutical Development MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Biopharmaceutical Development MSc Part Time in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

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. There are no exams, all the assessment is performed by in-course assignments with a vivia (on your experimental work) as part of the practical skills module.

You’ll use real-life, industry specific 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 students will experience in the workplace including submissions to regulatory authorities, client reports and presentations to industry panel members.

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.

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).

Find out more about how to apply

Apply (Full time)

Apply (Part time)

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.

Applicants who require a Tier 4 (general) student visa are not permitted to study our MSc in Biopharmaceutical Development. This programme includes a mandatory work placement that consists of more than 50% of the total length of the course. The UKVI Home Office will not issue a visa if the duration exceeds 50%. Further information can be found here.

We will consider any international applicants that do not require a Tier 4 visa. Please contact our taught postgraduate admissions team directly fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk

Admissions policy

Biopharmaceutical Development Taught Postgraduate School Policy 2020

Fees

• UK/EU: £21,000 (total)
• International: £30,000 (total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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Fees explained

Placement salary = £20,000 (approx.) You will start receiving a placement salary of £1,333.00* per month after tax.

Students who are self-funding will pay the tuition fee in 4 instalments across the duration of the course (September and February). If you are receiving a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England you can set up an alternative instalment plan in line with your loan payments. In this case you will pay the tuition fee in 6 instalments across the duration of the course (November, February and May).

Standard Fee Structure

Deferred Fee Structure

An alternative payment option is available to allow you to defer part of your fees until you start your paid placement, see breakdown below. Please contact our admissions team to discuss these; fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk.

There are other general living costs which you will need to budget for. Read more about paying fees and charges.

* Please note National Insurance will also be deducted. This figure is for guidance only: the actual placement salary received will be determined by your placement provider, it will be approximately £20,000 (gross) per annum.

Other sources of funding

Alumni Bursary - If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary

Professional and Career Development Loans = between £300 and £10,000. Find out more.

You can also search our postgraduate scholarships database

You can also find information on MoneySavingExpert

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

Your first steps into an industrial career

This course will help give you the experience and skills to become highly employable. Many pharmaceutical companies are expanding their biopharmaceutical capability, which is creating demand and opportunities for talented, well-trained people. At the same time, these companies report difficulties in recruiting employees with relevant skill sets and those with broad industrial experience are greatly sought after.

This course will give you a high amount of exposure to senior industrialists working as tutors throughout the course and can take this opportunity to obtain career advice. You’ll also work in industry full time for 12 months, which is an outstanding opportunity for you to develop a competitive career plan.

With this degree, you’ll 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, project management, non-clinical, clinical, and market access.

As a student on this course you’ll have unique access to an industry-mentor and a personal tutor (academic member of staff) for the duration of your studies. You’ll also get support in planning your career through sessions that develop your CVs and applications.

Some possible careers within the biopharmaceutical industry include;

• Bioanalytical Scientist
• Bioinformatician
• Business Developer
• Cell Culture Technician
• Clinical Research Associate
• Clinical Research Co-ordination
• Downstream Processing Technician
• Medical Science Liaison
• Medical Writer
• Patent Attorney
• Regulatory Affairs Officer
• Research Scientist
• Translational Scientist

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. That’s 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.