About Drug Design & Biomedical Science - Msc in Edinburgh Napier University

If you're interested in a career in the fascinating and challenging world of drug design, this is the course that will take you there.

Rather than presenting just one of the disciplines used in the field, this postgraduate degree, unique in Europe, blends the subjects you need - biomedicine and pharmaceutical science - into one comprehensive course that focuses on the integration of modern organomedicinal chemistry and molecular biology.

You’ll study various steps involved in developing and creating effective drugs, from concept to clinic, including the theories and practical applications of chemical drug design and immunology, pharmacology and molecular biology.

Learning will be based on emergent technology from academic research and how it is applied to the drug development process, identification of drug targets, and development of effective drugs via reference to the relevant biological systems and pathways.

Course details

This course provides the knowledge, understanding and practical experience you’ll need to forge a rewarding career in research and development in the pharmaceutical, bioscience or healthcare sectors. You’ll develop in-depth understanding of disease processes and molecular targets and an ability to apply this knowledge and theory to key aspects of drug design and biomedical science.

Equipped with the ability to follow developments in the field, you’ll learn to apply them to your work and make innovative contributions to the industry that will benefit others. Complex issues often arise in this field: you’ll acquire the skills necessary to make informed judgements and effectively communicate decisions.

There is an emphasis on developing your practical laboratory skills with various opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices. In your final trimester you’ll undertake an independent project within a vibrant biomedical or drug design research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your technical, research and professional skills. There may be the opportunity to conduct your research project externally in a relevant organisation or industry in the UK or overseas.

You’ll also develop key skills including communication, problem solving, team work, project management, and leadership.

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above, or equivalent. 

We look for applicants to have a background in Bio-Molecular Sciences such as biological sciences, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical, genetics, virology etc. in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient work experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries.

You will be eligible to apply if you have gained one of the following:

• A bachelor general / pass (3 year) degree with 60% or above
• A bachelor special / honours degree (3 year) with 55% or above
• A bachelor degree (4 year) in a professional subject with 55% or above

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test

80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English

56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Edinburgh Napier University Highlights

Edinburgh Napier University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The table below shows the estimated cost of living in UK while attending the institute. The cost is presented annually and may vary according to the needs of individuals.

Edinburgh Napier University Application process

Application fee:

• Undergraduate: 13 GBP to 24 GBP
• Graduate: Not available

Supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• References
• English proficiency proof
• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Interview or portfolio (if required)
• Copy of passport/visa
• Copy of CAS (if applicable)

Academic requirements:

• Undergraduate: Overall of 60% in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or higher in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) or the international United Kingdom equivalent.
• Graduate: Bachelor degree or its equivalent

English Proficiency Test Scores 

For taught undergraduate and graduate programs, any one of the following test scores are required:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, other tests that are accepted by the university include TOEFL ‘At Home’ Test (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), IELTS Indicator (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), online Edinburgh Napier English Language Courses, Duolingo, and IELTS Academic tests taken more than two years but less than four years will be considered with the use of English language in work or education during that period playing a big role.

Duolingo test and its IELTS equivalent is shown below