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Cancer Drug Discovery

MSc

Duration
Start date
Location

Suitable for applications.

Please note: We are no longer able to accept applications from international students for the September 2024 intake of this course. You are welcome to apply for the January 2025 intake. Home students can still apply for September 2024.

Overview

Exciting new opportunities for chemical intervention in disease have emerged based on a greater understanding of the molecular aspects of disease progression. Drug discovery combines the expertise of medicinal chemists required in translating the understanding of the molecular aspects of disease progression to the identification of suitable chemical entities, and the process of optimisation that ultimately leads to the discovery of new medicines.

This exciting course run by the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics is designed to provide you with a 'state-of-the-art' education in modern drug discovery, which meets the demand of employers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Opportunities to learn the latest innovations in drug discovery are provided, including computer-aided drug design and techniques in parallel synthesis, as well as electronic data management.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the programme, applicants must have an undergraduate Honours qualification (minimum 2: 2) or equivalent in a scientific discipline, usually within chemistry, biology, pharmacy, biomedicine, or related fields. Candidates who do not meet these entry criteria but who can show relevant experience may also be considered.

For North American students a GPA of normally 2.0 and above (on a scale of 4.0), or an equivalent, is required.

A levels

Entry to this programme requires a pass at A-level Chemistry OR having taken an undergraduate module in a relevant chemical subject.

English language requirements

If your native language is not English, or the official language of your first degree is not English, you will need to pass a test in English approved by the University before you can be admitted. The International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) administered by the British Council is the test which is preferred by the University.

You will need to achieve an overall score of at least 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When you take the test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

What you will study

This programme has a central core of modules in the first Semester which are designed to train you in widely used laboratory techniques, research methodology, and critical analysis and thinking.

The 30-credit Research Skills for Postgraduate Students module is designed around common laboratory techniques and skills including aseptic techniques, PCR, Western Blot, statistical analysis etc. You will have a series of workshops to learn these techniques with a lab session where you carry out the procedure. In addition, the module includes critique sessions and scientific writing workshops to enhance your theoretical skills.

The 30-credit first semester module entitled Principles of Drug Discovery will provide you with the core academic knowledge required in this field. During the first semester, you will gain knowledge of the breadth of cutting-edge research at ICT and either choose or suggest a research project plan.

In Semester 2, you will study 20-credit Preclinical Models for Drug Evaluation designed around protocols and techniques used in the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug potency and 20-credit Case Studies in Drug Discovery module designed around recent advances in the development of new medicines. In addition, the 20-credit Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicology module will provide a crucial understanding of the mechanistic pathways involved in drug interactions with regard to anti-cancer therapies.

In Semester 3 (60-credits each), you will join research laboratories within the ICT, to undertake their 60-credit Research Project module. During this time, you will be trained in specialist laboratory techniques and conduct chosen research.

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

Learning and assessment

A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme, and are supported by the virtual learning environment provided by the University.

You will experience lectures from ICT research/teaching staff and visiting clinicians and industrial researchers, small group workshops, one-to-one tutorials and practical classes. You will also attend the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics Research Seminar programme.

Self-directed independent learning forms a significant component at MSc level; you will be supported to develop the attributes and skills needed for life-long learning and continued professional development. Directed private study will involve a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, use of the virtual learning environment (directed web-based materials), report writing, preparing presentations to deliver to peers, and other assignments.

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2024

  • Home: £9,462
  • International: £24,180

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

The largest destination of our graduates is enrolment in PhD studies (47%) including here at Bradford, as well as King’s College London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Sheffield.

Career destinations of our graduates includes the NHS, Covance, Envigo, St James Hospital Leeds, Cyprotex, Chiltern, Perrigo, Dewsbury & District Hospital, Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, and Public Health England.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.

Our support services include:

  • personal tutors
  • Disability Service
  • Counselling Service
  • MyBradford student support centres
  • Students’ Union
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers
  • on-campus nursery
  • Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills, and our Career and Employability Services can help you develop your employability skills and help you find local part-time work during your studies.

Our support doesn’t end once you graduate – we maintain contact with tens of thousands of graduates, organising reunions, networking opportunities and developing overseas branches. You’ll be a lifelong member of the University of Bradford community – Team Bradford.

Research

The course provides an expert view of the use of recent knowledge and up-to-the minute specialised approaches to discover novel drugs to help fight disease and increase the quality of life for patients.

It benefits from the multidisciplinary team of researchers in the field of drug design, synthesis, screening, pharmacology and toxicology both at the University and through our extensive links with experts at other universities and industry.

Students on the course will also benefit from working in excellent research laboratories in a research focused environment.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.