University of East Anglia UEA

MSc Natural Product Drug Discovery

University of East Anglia UEA

Course overview

The MSc Natural Product Drug Discovery at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is a one-year programme that focuses on building essential skills and contemporary methods in the field. The programme examines natural products, active compounds including nutraceuticals, herbal extracts, antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and treatments for major human diseases.

Learning involves lectures, seminars, extensive laboratory sessions, research projects, and personal study, with expert teaching staff based at the Norwich Research Park. Assessment methods during this course include practicals, essays, and oral presentations, with the research project contributing up to 50%for the student's final grade.

Entry requirements

The application process involves students submitting a personal statement with reasons for applying for the course and details regarding their studies. A relevant academic or employer reference is also required. Applicants can also upload their CV during the process to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants need at least a second-class undergraduate degree in courses such as Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
  • Applicants who possess sufficient relevant work experience in a pharmaceutical or related industrial setting may also be accepted.

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants from non-English backgrounds need to score a minimum of 6.0 overall in IELTS, in writing, speaking and at least 5.5 in all other sections.
  • Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL, are accepted.

Scholarships

  • 10% Alumni Tuition Fee Discount Scheme

    We highly value our alumni at UEA, so a 10% fee reduction scholarship is available to graduates looking to stay with us or return for postgraduate study.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • British Council Great Scholarship

    British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, UEA is offering a GREAT Scholarship worth £10,000 to students from Bangladesh and Kenya.

    Up to £10,000

  • David Sainsbury Scholarships in Global Plant Health

    The full cost of the tuition fee (£36,000 international fee for 2026-27, £16,000 UK fee). Each 50% fee scholarship will cover up to up to 50% of the full cost of the tuition fee.

  • International Early Payment Awards (September Start)

    Early Deposit Award – £500; Full Payment Award – up to £1,000.

  • International PG Merit Scholarship C

    £4,000 - if you achieve the equivalent of UK 2:2 bachelor’s degree classification; £5,000 - if your final undergraduate grade is equivalent to at least UK 2:1 bachelor’s degree classification.

  • Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement – John Innes Centre MSc Scholarship

    Total Value - £13,250

    Up to £13,250

  • The Annabel Abbs Scholarship

    Please contact the provider

  • Vice Chancellor’s Global Impact and Leadership Scholarship (September Start)

    Total Value - £10,000 towards tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Natural Product Drug Discovery from the University of East Anglia (UEA) can pursue roles in: 

  • Phytochemical Analysis
  • Medicinal Chemistr
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialisation
  • Quality Control Science
  • Academic Research/PhD Study

Cost of study

For full-time study, the cost of the MSc Natural Product Drug Discovery in the University of East Anglia (UEA) is £29,200 for international students.

Admission

Interested students should apply directly to the university's online platform. You can also contact our trained professionals for assistance with the process.

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