MSc Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis
Course overview
The MSc Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis at the University of Sussex provides a comprehensive exploration of the drug discovery process, from initial molecular design through to synthesis and delivery, preparing students to work in pharmaceutical research environments. Core modules include advanced drug discovery, green chemistry, organic synthesis, and sustainable catalysis, culminating in a substantial research project in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Learning is delivered through lectures, workshops, laboratories, and seminars led by industry and academic experts, while assessment methods include portfolios, exams, written reports, presentations, and a final thesis reporting the research work.
Entry requirements
Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying to the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. An academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CV along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants should normally hold a lower second-class (2:2) undergraduate honours degree or above in chemistry or a closely related discipline such as biochemistry or biomedical science.
- Applicants with other relevant professional or research experience may also be considered.
English Language Requirements:
- For applicants whose first language is not English, the University expects evidence of proficiency in English, typically an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent recognised test.
Scholarships
Cate Haste Scholarship in History
£3,000 tuition fee reduction.
Up to £3,000Cate Haste Scholarship in Media and Film
£3,000 tuition fee reduction.
Up to £3,000Chancellor's Masters Scholarship
£3,000 for applicants assessed as 'Home' for fees or £5,000 for applicants assessed as 'Overseas' for fees.
Jan Metzger Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems MSc
£12,550 fee waiver
Up to £12,550John Kinghorn Scholarship in Engineering
£10,000 tuition fee reduction.
Up to £10,000MBA Impact Scholarship
£2,500 - £5,000 towards tuition fee reduction.
Up to £2,500Sanctuary Scholarship (Masters)
Shan Vaswani Borgartz Scholarship in Media
£5,000 tuition fee reduction.
Up to £5,000Stuart Hall Scholarship
£5,000 tuition fee discount.
Up to £5,000Sussex Alumni Scholarship
£3,000 tuition fee reduction.
Up to £3,000Sussex Progressive Futures Scholarships
£10,000 tuition fee reduction.
Up to £10,000The University of Sussex Business School International Masters Award
£2,000 will be awarded as a fee waiver to all overseas fee-paying students who start a full-time Masters course at the Business school.
Up to £2,000The University of Sussex Engineering and Informatics International Masters Award
£2,000 will be awarded as a fee waiver to all overseas fee-paying students who start a full-time Masters course at the School of Engineering & Informatics.
Up to £2,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course are well placed to enter roles in pharmaceutical research and medicinal chemistry. Potential opportunities include:
- Drug Discovery Chemist
- Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry
- Patent Law Associate (specialising in drugs)
- Medical Writer or Scientific Communicator
- PhD Researcher in Life Sciences
Cost of study
For international students, the tuition fee for the MSc Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis is £27,300 for the 12-month full-time programme. The tuition fee is subject to an annual increase.
Admission
Applications are now being accepted for the next academic intake of the MSc in Drug Discovery, Design and Synthesis at the University of Sussex. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.
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