University of Basel

Overview

The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Medicines Development at the University of Basel is a comprehensive and practice-oriented program designed to guide students through the entire process of developing safe and effective medicines. This includes everything from non-clinical studies to clinical data, regulatory strategy, and market access.

Offered through the European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), the curriculum adheres to the IMI PharmaTrain syllabus and is certified within the Bologna framework, ensuring a high standard of education.

• Award: Master of Advanced Studies (MAS)
• Provider: European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel
• Credits: Minimum 60 ECTS
• Structure: Modular study format suitable for part-time study alongside professional commitments
• Credit breakdown: 30 ECTS (ECPM Diploma Course + DAS), 20 ECTS (selected master modules/CPD courses), 10 ECTS (master thesis)
• Accreditation alignment: IMI PharmaTrain syllabus; certified within the Bologna Title System
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Submit required documents for review; individual dossier applications may be available

What you'll study

The MAS in Medicines Development features a modular pathway that allows for flexible, part-time study. Students can integrate the ECPM Diploma Course with the MAS and choose additional modules to fulfill the necessary ECTS credits.

ECTS and credit requirements

• 30 ECTS: Accredited through the two-year ECPM Diploma Course and the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS).
• 20 ECTS: Accredited through master modules selected from the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short course offerings, including options from ECPM CPD short courses and partner universities.
• 10 ECTS: Accredited through the completion of a master thesis.

Core learning modules

• Global Drug Development and the Pharmaceutical Business Environment
• From Non-Clinical Testing to First-in-Human
• Planning, Collecting, and Managing Clinical Data
• Clinical and Safety Data Evaluation and Biostatistics
• Global Registration and Approval Process
• Integrated Product Development, Healthcare Marketplace, and Marketing

Who the programme is designed for

This program is tailored for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and public-sector decision-making who possess a foundational understanding of drug development and seek a more in-depth, systematic perspective on modern medical product development, regulation, and market introduction.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on evaluating the applicant's academic background, professional experience, and alignment with the program's focus on medicines development.

Academic requirements

• A higher university degree such as a Master’s degree, MD, PharmD, or PhD.
• Demonstrated interest in medical product discovery, development, regulation, and healthcare systems.
• Typically, applicants are expected to have at least 1–2 years of relevant professional experience in drug development-related fields.
• Applications may be considered on an individual basis.

English requirements

• TOEFL iBT: minimum 80

Career prospects

Graduates of the MAS in Medicines Development are well-positioned for a variety of roles within the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, and healthcare organizations. With a comprehensive understanding of the drug development process, they can contribute to enhancing the safety and efficacy of medical products, thereby positively impacting public health.