The Pharmacology and Toxicology MSc will provide you with an advanced understanding of the development of therapeutics, for applications in many communicable, and non-communicable diseases.
Introduction
The programme’s mission is around making medicines better. Through optimisation of current treatments, understanding variability in patient responses from both an efficacy and safety perspective, and formulation of advanced therapeutics such as nanomedicines and cellular therapies, and making better medicines by developing the next generation of therapeutics. All of this is underpinned by a robust understanding of the processes that govern the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of these new, and improved, therapeutics.
The course is led by internationally recognised experts in the field of pharmacology, toxicology, and biocompatibility from both non-clinical and clinical departments. In practice, you will be provided with in-depth teaching on the processes underlying these areas, as well as the clinical and regulatory processes aligned to them. You will utilise real-world case studies of therapeutics under development by experts involved in these research areas prior to you joining one of these teams for the implementation of your final research project.
You will gain in-depth scientific knowledge and will receive training for research that can be applied to academic, commercial and healthcare settings. In addition, you will learn digital, programming and informatic skills that are of increasing importance for research and many employers.
Who is this course for?
This master’s is for graduates from a biomedical sciences background who want to pursue a career in pharmacology and toxicology.
What you'll learn
Advanced research skills in pharmacology and toxicology, including digital fluency through informatics and programming skills
Experimental medicine and clinical pharmacology
Early phase clinical trial periods, encompassing phase I and II of the drug development pipeline
Core and novel aspects of toxicology in the context of the development of new medicines
Key advances in novel drug delivery systems
The emergence of advanced therapeutics, enabled by significant progress in biomedical science and technology.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
This course is still subject to approval, meaning course content may change.
Compulsory modules
Pharmaceutical Toxicology 2023-24: 15 Credits
This key module in the MSc Pharmacology and Toxicology programme brings together core and novel aspects of toxicology in the context of the development of new medicines. Topics include major organ toxicities, pharmacogenetics, development of in vitro test systems, nanotoxicology and computational/systems toxicology. This builds on local research strengths (e.g. Centre for Drug Safety Science) and strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies. The module includes research connected lectures and seminars, from leading academic researchers based at the University of Liverpool, as well as external speakers. The two module assessments are aimed at writing reports on topics covered in the first and second half of the module, respectively.
Compulsory modules
INFORMATICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES (LIFE721)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Bioinformatics is a key skill needed in many research settings. This module gives students a theoretical and technical grounding in a range of application areas including bioinformatics-related topics such as sequence analysis, phylogenetics, and the modelling of proteins, and others. While lectures are provided on core topics, there is a strong emphasis on practical exercises to demonstrate the application of common tools and data sources in these contexts. Teaching is delivered in the form of a weekly lecture and workshops. Students will be given guided reading and online activities to support their learning. The module will be assessed by two coursework assessments. The assessments will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the tools used in workshops and interpretation of results.
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
Students will take 30 credits from the required modules.
Students will also select one 15 credit module from the optional modules.
Compulsory modules
Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology 2023-24: 15 Credits
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, workshops and 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
Frontiers in Drug Delivery and Advanced Therapeutics 2023-24: 15 Credits
Key advances in novel drug delivery systems and the emergence of advanced therapeutics enabled by significant progress in biomedical science and technology are not only transforming drug administration, but also changing our definition of ‘drugs’. Organisations are adapting very quickly to take advantage of the opportunities created by these advances to tackle some of the biggest health challenges. This key module in the MSc Pharmacology and Toxicology programme will equip students with competencies that will help them advance their career in these areas. The module includes research connected lectures, seminars and workshops on selected student-led topics. Assessment will be by a written report and a presentation.
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.
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.
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.
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
Compulsory modules
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.
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 Pharmacology. 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.
Your experience
As a Pharmacology and Toxicology student, you will benefit from the School of Biosciences experience in delivering dynamic, world-class, inspirational research-led teaching. We are a melting-pot for the study of the biological sciences, and have been for over 140 years.
The Pharmacology and Toxicology MSc will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a professional scientist in the multidisciplinary areas of pharmacology and toxicology.
Commercial sectors such as the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agriculture industries will be possible employers of graduates, especially with the anticipated increases in the development of new therapeutics, to meet emerging infectious diseases.
In the public sector, researchers are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency.
For those committed to a career as a research scientist, this programme will qualify you to be able to take up PhD studies, research posts in academia or in industry or management posts in clinical trial units.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Commercial sectors such as the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agriculture industries will be possible employers of graduates, especially with the anticipated increases in the development of new therapeutics to meet emerging infectious diseases.
In the public sector, researchers are in demand in:
Research institutes
Government departments
The NHS
Forensic science
Environment Agency.
For those committed to a career as a research scientist, this programme will qualify you to be able to take up PhD studies, research posts in academia or in industry or management posts in clinical trial units.
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 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.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
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.
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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