Ying Zhang
Clinical Pharmacology, MSc
Introduction
Do you want to promote the safer use of medicines in man? Our Clinical Pharmacology MSc aims to develop your research skills, your knowledge of clinical drugs and their use in the real world.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen has been producing high quality Clinical Pharmacology graduates for over 30 years and has been at the forefront of pharmacology research for over 50 years.
Common themes throughout this MSc programme include molecular pharmacology and toxicology within the fields of disease, the drug discovery process and drug design and development. The programme will enable you to access leading academic and industry experts and provide you with valuable networking opportunities. Coupled with the skills and experience that you will gain throughout your studies, your employability and career prospects will be improved.
The MSc is ideal for recent graduates, medics and scientists, who would like to improve their career prospects, fill skills gaps and further their hands-on research experience.
We aim to provide you with:
- An understanding of the principles of pharmacology and methods
- An ability to apply knowledge in academic and real world health contexts
- Opportunities to learn from world renowned researchers
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- MT5010 Basic Skills Induction (0 credit points)
- Molecular Pharmacology (MT5024)
-
15 Credit Points
The course focuses on the molecular mechanisms of drug action and how cutting edge research can advance current therapeutic approaches to disease. The utility of molecular pharmacology will be highlighted in the context of current and future drug discovery for cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic diseases and cancer.
- Therapeutics (MT5027)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will describe and review the use of medicinal compounds in man together with methods to assess and describe efficacy and toxicity. A number of exemplar disease areas and at risk populations will be selected and the drugs used to treat these conditions and populations discussed and explained. The importance of understand drug mechanisms of action and associated risk as well as benefit will be emphasised in a clinical setting. The course will consider both drugs in current use and those in development.
- Applied Statistics (PU5017)
-
15 Credit Points
This course in Applied Statistics focuses on the application of statistical techniques in postgraduate research for health professionals, with a particular emphasis on the correct interpretation of statistical analyses results. The course will NOT focus on the statistical theory underlying the subject. An important component of the course is the use of a statistical package (IBM SPSS), which can be used to implement all the methods taught on this course.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Toxicology (MT5029)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will cover the principles of toxicology including molecular toxicology and target organ toxicity, mechanisms of cell death, molecular carcinogenesis and safety evaluation of carcinogens, adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) and new alternative methods (NAMs). These elements will be taught around the processes involved in drug discovery and development and will include advanced learning on drug metabolism and drug transporters. The course will also provide the principles and practice of risk assessment and regulatory toxicology. External experts are invited to provide their unique expertise on a range of topics, which include regulatory aspects as well as an industrial perspective on the drug discovery process.
- Stage 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Pharmacokinetics (MT5518)
-
15 Credit Points
Pharmacokinetics describe “what the body does to a drug” and thus is a central feature of applied pharmacology. The course will develop an understanding of the role that pharmacokinetics play in all aspects of drug administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion and how these effects can be modelled and predicted graphically and mathematically. Such modelling is a fundament of therapeutic regimen design, drug development, clinical pharmacology and drug safety and will be considered within all of these contexts providing a broad and relevant appreciation of the importance of pharmacokinetics to the pharmacologist
- Basic Research Methods (MT5515)
-
15 Credit Points
This course reviews a range of essential methodologies that are currently used in medical research from molecular technologies to human studies. Experts in the various techniques will describe the fundamentals of the methodology and show how they can be applied.
- Drug Development to Evidence Based Medicine (MT5520)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide you with an introduction to evidence-based medicine. It will also include a description of the elements of pharmaceutical research as well as of the drug development process.
- Clinical Trials: Regulation, Governance and Safety (MT5521)
-
15 Credit Points
The course will provide an understanding of the role of governance and regulatory requirements for clinical research and will be invaluable to researchers whether scientists or medics.
- Stage 3
-
Compulsory Courses
Students must take one of the following:
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for non-laboratory based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a scientific laboratory setting you should register on MB5913)
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for laboratory-based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in non-laboratory setting you should register on PU5913)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| UK | £12,200 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies. Please click the links for full details and eligibility criteria.
- Alumni Discount Scheme - a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The teaching of our MSc Clinical Pharmacology programme is lecture based with self-directed learning, practical classes (where appropriate) and tutorials to support the lecture material. External experts are also regularly invited to provide specialist expertise. Many lectures are recorded via Camtasia and can be viewed again when required.
The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice using real life examples. Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:
- Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
- Exposure to leading academic and industry experts
- Research-led teaching taught by Key Opinion Leaders
- Insight into real-life situations and examples
- Real-life learning in a clinical environment
On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers, who will be tutoring you. Peer support will develop throughout the course(s) as engagement with students from other countries and disciplines is actively encouraged.
Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and students are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in their own time.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
Assessment Methods
By practical work, by written essays and by oral presentations, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The project will be assessed on the basis of performance, written thesis, and oral presentation. Candidates must pass all courses at an appropriate standard for the award of the MSc degree.
Why Study Clinical Pharmacology?
- You will be taught by world-leading researchers and qualified clinicians on-site and you will experience studying within the one of the leading medical schools in the UK.
- We have a huge range of online learning materials so you can re-listen to lectures and access revision materials whenever you need to. We aim to make your learning as interactive as possible to improve your understanding of clinical scenarios.
- You will benefit from having access to clinical teachers and researchers who are key opinion leaders in their field. You will be taught by people who have experience of working for regulatory bodies and Government, which will provide you with useful insights into the pharmacology employment market.
- You will learn pharmacology best practices, increasing the relevancy of your degree. There will also be opportunities to build a network of contacts within the clinical pharmacology field.
- We strongly believe in inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning, which is reflected in the collaborations we organise with other universities, research institutions and governments within the UK, Europe, America and more than 12 developing countries.
- You will have access to a hospital and a University – all on one campus. The Foresterhill Health Campus at the University is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes a Medical School, large teaching hospital and the Institute of Medical Sciences.
- We are one of the top 10 UK Universities for spin-out company formation.
- The British Pharmacological Society has recognised the University of Aberdeen as a site of special scientific interest based on its achievements in pharmacology.
- The University has the rare distinction of having two British Pharmacological Society Wellcome Gold Medal winners on staff.
- Award winning research on opioids and cannabinoids was carried out by world-renowned Professors Kosterlitz and Pertwee at the University.
- The University of Aberdeen is associated with a Nobel Prize for research which led to the development of insulin as a treatment for diabetes.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will usually require a second class Honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in a biomedical science subject such as biochemistry, biomedical science, pharmacology or a degree in medicine or pharmacy.
Please check our International student pages for information about country-specific entry requirements.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
Completing the MSc programme in Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Aberdeen will equip you with a range of essential research skills that you can apply to workplace environments. You will be able to conduct research into new drugs and promoting the safer use of medicines.
An MSc in Clinical Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen will prove a rewarding platform towards a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Completion of the programme alone will show prospective employers that you have the hands-on research experience required to bring value to their organisation.
Career Opportunities
- Clinical Trials Coordinator
- Doctoral Researcher
- Pharmacologist
- Regulatory and Safety Pharmacology Adviser
- Research Associate
- Researcher
Industry Links
We have strong links with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry including Servier, GSK, Pfizer and AstraZeneca and with small biotechnology companies such as Novabiotics, Antoxis, Cell ProTx and TC Biopharma. These companies provide expert teaching and training opportunities during the degree.
We also have excellent links with the NHS and are co-located with a large NHS teaching hospital on the Foresterhill Health campus.
What our Alumni Say
Obinna Ubah
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of world renowned and vastly experienced researchers in clinical pharmacology with each course having its own specialised co-ordinator(s).
- Other Experts
- Dr Mary Macleod, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Andy Porter, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr James Hislop, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Fiona Murray, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Iain Greig, The University of Aberdeen
- Tarek Mohammed Mamdouh Abdelfatah Abdelghany, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Steve Tucker, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX