Utilising the world leading expertise of University of Liverpool academics in the field, the MSc Precision Medicine programme aims to give students a broad understanding of concepts and research around how modern medicine and drug development is utilising a more personalised approach to improve the effectiveness and safety of medicines.
Introduction
The programme’s mission is centred around improving patient treatment through the optimisation, of current treatments, understanding variability in patient responses from both an efficacy and safety perspective, and formulation of advanced personalised therapeutics, such as gene and cellular therapies.
The programme is led by internationally recognised clinical and non-clinical experts in the field of pharmacology, toxicology, and precision medicine based in the world-renowned Wolfson centre for Personalised Medicine at the University of Liverpool. In addition, teaching will be delivered by experts in the field from the biotechnology and pharma industry.
At the heart of the programme are modules centred around key topics in the field of pharmacology and personalised medicine. Advances in Personalised Healthcare will provide students with learning opportunities in understanding the principle of pharmacogenomics as well as other examples of personalised or stratified healthcare in both clinical and drug development settings. Linked to this is the Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology module, where students will learn how clinical trials are conducted, and how risk assessment needs to be managed in early phase trials, particularly for these new therapeutic modalities.
Who is this course for?
This programme is suitable for biomedical, biological and clinical sciences graduates but also those in industry or healthcare professions
What you'll learn
Students on this programme will learn:
How precision medicine principles are applied to modern healthcare.
How advance bio-analysis methodologies can used and applied in a personalised medicine setting.
How large clinical datasets can be analysed and used to advance our understanding of an individual’s response to treatment.
How personalised drug treatments are revolutionising the way we treat range of conditions.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory Modules
DASC501 Introduction to Heath data Science
BIOS767 Advances in Personalised Healthcare
LIFE707: Biological Data Skills
Compulsory modules
Introduction to Health Data Science (DASC501)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Using health data for research can help us to better understand the causes, prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of disease, as well as understanding how to improve health care systems. Health data science can improve our knowledge of health and care, and is an emerging discipline, arising at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and health. The health data science team can generate data-driven solutions through comprehension of complex real-world health problems, employing critical thinking and analytics to derive knowledge from data. This module will provide an understanding of the potential benefits and challenges in the application of data science to healthcare. Students will benefit from research-connected teaching with academic staff, and have opportunities for active learning including communication skills. The module will be taught via formal lectures, seminars from guest speakers, and practical communication sessions. Learning will be assessed via a coursework and a practical assessment.
BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.
The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.
The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam
For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.
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
Compulsory Modules
LIFE764 Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
LIFE703 MSC Research Project
DASC508 Statistical Genetics and Pharmacogenomics
Optional Modules
LIFE752: Computational Biology
LIFE754: Proteomics, metabolomics and data analysis
LIFE732: Diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.
Compulsory modules
Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology (LIFE764)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This is a key module for students on the MSc Programme and might also be taken by other MSc, MBioSci and MRes students whose interests include experimental medicine and testing drugs in humans for the first time.
The module will address the early phase clinical trial period, encompassing phase I and II of the drug development pipeline, which seeks to determine the safe dose of a novel treatment that has the most promise to be effective. The methodology is distinct from that of later phase effectiveness trials (phase III onwards).
The module includes research connected lectures, practicals, and workshops with structured discussions on selected texts as student-led topics. The content will focus on methods for dose-finding and early efficacy studies. The module assessments are aimed at: 1) writing a report on a selected investigational product and the methods for dose finding 2) presentation of a key factor that contributes to the determination and management of risk. The factor focused on will be selected from workshops and student-led discussions. Students will acquire a good understanding of the theoretical underpinning early-phase dose-determining clinical trials. By the end of the module, students should have the knowledge and skills required to interpret pre-clinical data sufficient to plan, and manage, a phase I clinical trial
MSC RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE703)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
In this module students will work on a research project in their chosen area of study under the supervision of a project supervisor. Students are expected to work independently, with guidance provided by their supervisor. Students will create a plan of work at the start of the project, and will present their work orally, as well as write a final project report. Students will also be assessed on their approach and technique during the project. Students will defend their work in a viva at the end of the module. This module will give students experience in conducting their own independent research project, and the presentation of this work through oral and written formats.
Statistical Genetics and Pharmacogenomics (DASC508)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
In today’s healthcare landscape, understanding which genomic factors influence disease risk and treatment response is paramount. Our module delves into the pivotal role of genomic data in deciphering disease aetiology and tailoring treatment plans to individuals, aligning with the ambition of healthcare providers globally to integrate genomics into patient care. Through a blend of theoretical teaching and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain proficiency in specialized statistical methods and programming necessary to navigate complex genomic datasets. From genotype quality control to polygenic risk scores, our comprehensive curriculum covers key analysis techniques essential for genomic research, including both traditional statistical techniques and machine learning methods. It assumes no prior knowledge of genomic data, with an introduction to the terminology and structure of the data, as well as to linux programming during the first two weeks. With a focus on practical application, and supplemented by guest lectures from leading experts, our module prepares you to be able to confidently analyse and interpret the huge and complex datasets that are typical within statistical genetics and pharmacogenomics research. Learning will be assessed via two practical assessments.
Optional modules
Computational Biology (LIFE752)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
With the advent of genomics and functional genomics, biology has become a quantitative data-rich discipline. This has created unprecedented opportunities in virtually every area of life sciences. With the right tools, it is now possible to address fundamentally important biological questions simply analysing already available datasets. This module is designed to prepare students for this very challenge. The module covers the most important aspects of computational biology. These range from the analysis of large datasets to infer biological mechanisms to the use of mathematical modelling to conceptualize and simulate complex biological phenomena. In addition to providing an intuitive overview of the basic theoretical principles, the module will focus on real life applications through multiple cases studies. Among these, students will learn how to identify drug targets and mechanisms of drug resistance and how to understand mathematical models of biological systems. They will then learn aspects of quantitative system pharmacology and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling.
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars. The module will be assessed via two written reports.
Proteomics Metabolomics and Data Analysis (LIFE754)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Proteomics and metabolomics represent powerful tools towards unbiased, quantitative and high-throughput analysis of biological systems. Rapid “omic” technological developments in the post‐genomic era have provided insights into protein structures, biosynthesis and interactions, as well as the complex metabolic processes that are of significant importance in biological and medical research. The aims of this course are to provide a comprehensive understanding of proteomic and metabolomic techniques and related data analysis, and to illustrate how they can be applied in fundamental biological research and industrial applications. The module will be taught by lectures and workshops. The module will be assessed via two a scientific reports.
Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Vaccines (LIFE732)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
For students with interests in infection biology, the module will enhance skills and enable critically evaluation of key concepts, technologies and multifactorial considerations circumscribing diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. The module is topical in light of the current pandemic. The research-connected teaching will focus on prevention, limitation and treatment of infectious disease.
The module comprises lectures, workshops and seminars and uses active-learning delivery methods to ensure students can synthesise and evaluate relative merits, attributes, issues and applications of the topics. There are two coursework assessments in the module: 1) writing a report on a selected emerging pathogen that communicates the multifactorial considerations for researchers and society 2) presentation of a key factor that contributes to or affects disease emergence and the response by society or an agency. Materials will be included on the VLE to develop digital fluency and promote assimilation and appraisal of the module content.
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
You will experience a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, data-handling and computation skills development and e-learning.
The taught components of the course are delivered by experts in their respective fields and are closely aligned to research within the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, ensuring that all teaching is research-led.
Additionally, through the final research project, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the program by working within the laboratories of these research teams, at the cutting edge of R&D in Precision Medicine. This is particularly suited for those wishing to go onto a research career, supported by PhD research.
How you're assessed
Assessment of knowledge and understanding, practical skills and transferrable skills is through a blended mix of coursework that may include practical and project reports, essays, completion of workbooks, talks, data handling sessions and posters.
All modules will provide you with feedback on your learning progress and allow for adjustment of your learning. Electronic resources available on the University virtual learning environment support learning and teaching.
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.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
From day-to-day students will attend formal lectures as well as structured workshops with academics and visiting experts in the field. They will be encouraged to expand their understanding through periods of self-directed learning. They will engage in cutting edge research with leading experts in precision medicine.
Precision medicine is a rapidly expanding field with a multitude of job opportunities. The programme will provide a range of skills and expertise which equip graduates for careers in healthcare, industry and academia.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
What course are you currently studying? I am studying Master of Research (MRes) in Clinical Sciences (Musculoskeletal ageing pathway). Why did you choose undergraduate/postgraduate study at the University of Liverpool? I completed a medical degree, followed by orthopaedic residency training, and a subspecialty training in osteoporosis in Thailand. Having realized that there is still a […]
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
£13,300
Part-time place, per year
£6,650
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£28,300
Part-time place, per year
£14,150
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 Biological Sciences subject or equivalent. Candidates must have a scientific background acceptable to the Programme Director.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
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
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
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.
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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.
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