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 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 Labcorp Drug Development (formerly known as Covance), a major multinational contract research company focused on drug development, this masters provides a springboard for high-quality life science graduates wanting to start a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or undertake further research in an academic environment.

Why should you study this course?

• Industry-relevant training designed to fast-track talented scientists into industry.

• An integrated understanding of the full biological drug development pathway.

• Focus on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, bio-similiars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies.

• A deep understanding of the regulatory framework.

• Access to cutting-edge practical technologies.

• World-leading tutors from academia and industry.

• Combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training.

• Undertake a substantial research project.

The course content focuses on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs: monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies. Added to this is practical hands-on training in the technologies that underpin the discovery and development pathway. You’ll receive training in protein purification, characterisation, formulation and assessment of binding function and the use of cell-based assays to look at drug potency.

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 the ability to conduct experimental research.

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:

• discovery

• manufacturing

• pre-clinical testing

• clinical trials

• market access

• 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 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 research laboratories of the University of Leeds. The project will be linked to developing biopharmaceuticals providing training in how to undertake research in this field. Examples of project areas include:

• engineering of biomolecules

• developing of biopharmaceuticals

• identification of druggable targets in human disease

• biophysical properties of biopharmaceuticals

• engineering effective gene therapies

• gene editing as a therapeutic strategy

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 in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching on the course have 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 written exams, all the assessment is performed by in-course assignments including a dissertation report arising from the research project work. A viva voce (on your experimental work) forms part of the practical skills module.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 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, you’ll 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).

Apply

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.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study this course at the University of Leeds.

To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-01-09, and your supervisor will be Professor John Colyer.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at GOV.UK.

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.

Taught postgraduate confirmation

Taught postgraduate applicants are required to submit their results for consideration as soon as possible. Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK are recommended to submit their results no later than 31 July, although they will still be considered if submitted after this date.

Interviews

Except for MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial) and MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

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

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022

Fees

• UK: £16,250 (total)
• International: £27,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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.

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

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 and international students. We consider all eligible applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellent personal and professional skills. Find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer.

Government-backed loan = Up to £11,222. 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

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’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, non-clinical, clinical, and market access. You’ll also be in a strong position to undertake further research at Leeds or elsewhere.

As a student on this course, you’ll 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. 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.