The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery represents a transformative advancement in biomedical sciences. This field promises to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of discovering new therapeutic agents. Pursuing this Master's in Drug Discovery with AI offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this exciting convergence of disciplines. The University of Liverpool, renowned for its pioneering research, provides an ideal environment to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in this innovative domain.
Introduction
The masters in Drug Discovery with AI course aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the field of drug discovery and AI. The course will cover various aspects, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and the utility of artificial intelligence, and drug development. This will equip graduates for careers in pharmaceutical research and development, who wish to do this either through direct entry into industry or as a pathway to a PhD. The degree will culminate in a collaborative research project giving students a real taste of the multidisciplinary drug discovery process enabled by significant input from our industrial partners. This masters in Drug Discovery with AI is designed to provide a holistic and practical education that prepares students for a successful career in the dynamic field of drug discovery. You will be taught by two world leading departments, Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the department of Chemistry. Both departments are ranked top 40 in the world and have been recognized with the Queen’s Prize for their sector leading teaching and research. This programme will be taught through multiple delivery modes (lectures, tutorials, workshops, group work, practical work) with active learning being central to its delivery.
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for students with a degreein a relevant Biology or Chemistry related subject. This includes (but is not restricted to) Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences. It aims to developstudents skills and knowledge to drive innovation in drug discovery, ultimately contributing to the development of new therapies and improving global health outcomes.
What you'll learn
• To develop students understanding of the roles of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and AI in drug discovery.
• Instil in students a sense of enthusiasm for drug discovery and AI, an appreciation of its application in different contexts and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying.
• Provide students with a broad and balanced foundation of drug discovery and AI knowledge, computational and practical skills.
• To develop in students the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems within drug discovery.
• To develop in students, a range of transferable skills, of value in pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical employment.
• To provide students with a knowledge and skills base from which they can proceed to further studies in drug discovery and AI or other multi-disciplinary areas within drug development.
• To generate in students an appreciation of the importance of pharmacology, drug discovery and AI in an industrial, economic, environmental and social context.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Semester 1 compulsory modules:
BIOS769 Fundamentals of drug discovery
CHEM521 Chemical AI Applications in Drug Discovery
BIOS768 Introduction to Research in Drug discovery
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Semester 2 compulsory modules:
BIOS768 Introduction to Research in Drug Discovery
BIOS770 Accelerating Drug discovery using AI in Biology
CHEM522 Advanced drug Discovery
Semester 2 optional modules:
LIFE764 Experimental Medicine and clinical Pharmacology
LIFE754 Proteomics Metabolomics and Data Analysis
LIFE732 Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Vaccines
LIFE766 Frontiers in Drug Discovery and Advanced Therapeutics
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
CHEM526 Collaborative Research Project
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching on this programme is delivered through a variety of methods from weekly lectures to regular workshops and active learning methods such as seminars, practical’s, problem solving exercises and opportunities for discussion.
In the final semester students will undertake a research project. Each student will have their own independent piece of research and role that will contribute towards a larger collaborative project assigned to small groups of students aimed to replicate how multidisciplinary teams work in drug discovery. The assessment methods will encompass practical work, written report, group presentation and pitch.
How you're assessed
Assessment strategies will ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills by a variety of various methods, e.g. coursework, teamwork, presentation, summative assessment, dissertation writing, oral examination, etc.
All assessments are authentic, meaning students will engage in the simulation of real-world scenarios in hands-on, workshop and project-driven assessments to demonstrate their ability to apply technologies and address challenges in Drug Discovery with AI.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
Day to day students will undertake interactive lectures, practicals, coursework, workshops, teamwork, problem-solving exercises and a research project. Research connected teaching will be a key component to all the modules delivered. The student learning journey throughout their studies is progressive and coherent giving them a fascinating insight into the drug discovery process and AI.
The demand for professionals skilled in AI and drug discovery is rapidly increasing, driven by the need for more efficient drug development processes. Graduates with expertise in this area are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, research institutions, and regulatory agencies. The UK’s robust job market and its position as a leader in both AI and pharmaceutical research providenumerous opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, the skills acquired during the program, such as data analysis, machine learning, and computational modelling, are transferable to various other sectors, enhancing employability. A masters in AI and Drug Discovery in the UK offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain a comprehensive education and practical experience in a cutting-edge field. The combination of academic excellence, research opportunities, industry connections, interdisciplinary learning, and global perspectives makes the UK an ideal destination for pursuing advanced studies in this domain. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to drive innovation in drug discovery, ultimately contributing to the development of new therapies and improving global health outcomes.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
An MSc in Drug Discovery with AI offers a combination of specialized skills highly sought after in both the pharma and tech industries. It provides opportunities to be part of the future of medicine, driving innovation in how we develop and bring new therapies to patients. Possible onward careers include:
Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry Roles
Research and Development (R&D) Roles
Regulatory and Consulting Roles
Healthcare Technology Roles
AI and Drug Discovery Startups
Clinical and Translational Medicine
Cross-disciplinary Roles such as AI Ethics Specialist in Pharma and patent specialists
Healthcare technology companies (e.g., IBM Watson Health)
Academic institutions and research labs
Government regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA)
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£14,100
Part-time place, per year
£7,050
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,100
Part-time place, per year
£14,550
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant Biology or Chemistry related subject. This includes (but is not restricted to) Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Material Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences or Biomedical Sciences.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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